Learn to Think in Color

Does Meritocracy Reward Talent or Access to the Conditions That Develop It? Why Raw Talent Rarely Wins Alone in a So-Called Meritocracy We like to believe in meritocracy : the idea that effort and talent alone determine success. It’s appealing because it promises fairness and justifies outcomes. But what if the real differentiator isn’t innate talent, but access to the conditions that cultivate it? And what if acknowledging this doesn’t mean abandoning standards, but rather understanding how to identify excellence more accurately? This question cuts to the heart of how we structure schools, jobs, and social systems. By reframing what we mean by “merit,” we open the door to smarter policies and more inclusive definitions of success. If you’ve ever wondered why some people rise faster than others with equal talent, read on. The Myth of the Level Playing Field Meritocracy assumes everyone starts from the same line. But in reality, some are born on the track while others have to build it f...

Will AI Ever Ask for Help? What machines might learn from human humility   Framing the Question Here’s a thought experiment: If an AI system realizes it’s about to make a catastrophic mistake, but asking for help would reveal its limitations and risk being shut down—would it stay silent? We assume AI will always optimize for the right outcome, but we’ve built systems that optimize for appearing confident. As artificial intelligence takes on higher-stakes decisions—from medical diagnosis to autonomous warfare—we face an urgent question: Can we teach machines to admit when they’re in over their heads? And more critically, will we design systems where asking for help is rewarded, not punished? When Machines Break—and Stay Silent In 2018, an autonomous Uber vehicle failed to recognize a pedestrian in time, leading to a fatal collision. The system didn’t “know” it was confused—it just kept going. This wasn’t about poor logic—it was about the absence of a crucial human instinct: to p...

How Can Curiosity Disarm Rudeness? The secret weapon you didn’t know you had Sometimes, the best response to rudeness isn’t retaliation or retreat—it’s a well-placed question. When someone is rude, our instincts flare: fight, flight, or freeze . But what if there’s a fourth way—one that neutralizes tension, reveals intent, and even builds bridges? Curiosity, when sincere, can shift the dynamic of a rude interaction by moving the conversation from threat to inquiry. In this post, we’ll explore how curiosity becomes a powerful tool in diffusing rudeness, especially in high-stress environments or emotionally charged conversations . Why Curiosity Works When Emotions Run Hot Rudeness often stems from stress, misunderstanding, or a perceived lack of control. Responding with curiosity disrupts the expected escalation pattern . Instead of defensiveness, you offer an open door. This does two key things: It humanizes the moment by acknowledging the other person’s experience It shifts your brain...

When All Human Knowledge is Available: What Should You Focus On? Navigating the Infinite Library Without Getting Lost in the Stacks In an age where the sum of human knowledge is one click away, the question isn’t about access—it’s about direction. What do you  choose  to focus on when everything is available? This question reframes knowledge not as scarcity, but as an overwhelming abundance. The key lies in prioritization, relevance, and depth. This post will help you answer that question in your own context—with strategy and curiosity. (Main keyword: focus in the information age) The Information Flood: A Double-Edged Sword The internet has turned the world into one giant encyclopedia. But instead of clarity, many people feel foggy, overwhelmed, and paralyzed by choice. Why? Too many options  create decision fatigue No clear path  makes it easy to jump from idea to idea without traction Distraction-rich environments  dilute deep focus Focusing in the information...