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2021, week 42

Hey there,

This past week I learned about Bayesianism. A theory I did not know but that encapsulates such a powerful view on the concept of knowledge. And, I’ve been amused by a reinterpretation of the expression ‘’Fear Of Missing Out’’ that completely illustrates what I’ve been aspiring for those past years. Enjoy this issue, and see you next week!

All of our knowledge is conjectural. All of it is our best guess at the time.

1. Bayesianism

Initially the Bayesian reasoning is a statistical theorem, but as it gained more popularity it became a way of thinking. ‘’All we have are guesses about reality.’’ This statement can sound disturbing but I find it enlightening. Our knowledge is not what’s true, it’s what stand to be the most correct theory with the evidence we collected at the time. This theory stays the main reference as long as the majority of evidences converge to the same conclusions. If we try to justify a knowledge as true, then we make it difficult to be refutable and renounce to make any progress in the future. That’s why, if someone is so convinced about the truthiness of their knowledge you must be suspicious. More generally speaking, I feel like the Bayesianism thinking can help us be more pragmatic and less ‘’conspirational’’. I’m very curious to know more about this topic and will try share more content about it in the future. See online

There is actually much room for pleasure in disengagement. From withdrawing from all theses demands to consume and develop as a person.

2. JOMO

It’s very easy to get caught in the Fear Of Missing Out. We’re constantly bombarded by information that we could almost think this ‘’non-stop info flow’’ might be necessary to our survival. Whether we need it to find an escape, fill an empty space or feel desperately connected, if we don’t pay attention, we can easily miss the essential: do what we really want to do. If you keep being used by platforms that suck out your attention, it’s on you. Addiction to social media, news or online interactions is nothing but your bad usage of it. If you’re willing to change that, you can turn the fear into joy: the Joy Of Missing Out. Such a beautiful reinterpretation. As Svend Brinkmann explains, there is a lot of pleasure that can be derived from disengagement. This can be achieved by, first, self-awareness and second, a strategy to reduce temptations in your personal environment. See online

Have a great week. Take care!