Scott Adams - The Knowledge Project #70

Dilbert creator and author Scott Adams shares cognitive tools and tricks we can use to think better, expand our perspective, and avoid slumping into “loserthink.”
Here are some of the things you'll learn in this interview:
1. "People are not rational, but I accept that as the proper canvas which I’m working with to paint something. If you try to paint anything useful, assuming that people are rational, you’re going to build a system. You’re going to try to manage to that. It just doesn’t work because people aren’t, but if you go the other way and say, “What if I assume that everybody’s just irrational?” What would you do differently? And often, what you would do differently is far more effective. Assuming people are irrational most of the time is a very clear way to see the world."
2. "People who are writing non-fiction believe they’re telling you what is objectively true in the world, but we don’t have that capability. We all have this illusion that the version of the world we’re seeing is the one, and that if anybody’s got a different version, they must be wrong. It’s sort of the most common illusion that we all have."
3. "When I say somebody is using loserthink, I don’t mean that they’re a loser. It’s not about the person. It is about the experience which the person has been subjected to. People tend to come at topics with just the filter that they just happen to have because of the life that they led. What I recommend is that you expose yourself at least to the general ideas of how other people think."
For more detailed show notes go to fs.blog/scott-adams/
You can find The Knowledge Project Podcast on:
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Farnam Street: fs.blog/the-knowledge-project/
Follow Shane Parrish on Twitter: / shaneaparrish
Farnam Street puts together a weekly newsletter that I think you’ll love. It's called Brain Food and it comes out every Sunday. Our team scours the internet for the most mind-expanding books, articles, and resources so you can spend less time searching, and more time learning. Discover what you’re missing at fs.blog/newsletter/
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[@lancemontgomery5418]

Great episode. Mr. Adams, if you're reading this please know this discussion resulted in the sale of at least one copy of Loserthink.

[@Jennifer-bx8ns]

The most in depth interview I've heard on this book so far. Good job.

[@sjkdec18]

Great interview! Scott Adams brought me here... but your great interview style and questions has earned you at least one subscriber. Thank you.

[@rkr894able]

4:22am and i just finished! I like the idea of putting a ball to other people's court and let them do the thinking before they throw the ball back at us.

[@markoconnor6032]

Thank you Farnam Street for posting this. Great interview

[@David_144]

The most convincing statements begin with the words, "they say..." :)

[@michoelr6329]

Very good interview. Well done.

[@-UBU-SARIPIRALLAREDDYBASIREDDY]

this episode was so good in 1.75x

[@jobmartin9561]

Interesting. I got a lot out of this. Having strength in one's perspective is a deep power. I remember a professor once said, "He who controls the agenda controls the meeting." Perhaps having a keen insight into perspective better shapes and strengthens that agenda. Great show. Thank you!

[@takerdust]

I saw the McMartin case TV movie like 15 years after it came out, and I thought it was a modern retelling of the Crucible. I was shocked that it actually happened, and the employees were prosecuted, but later released.

[@-UBU-SARIPIRALLAREDDYBASIREDDY]

what is the name of the tv show, he mentioned in the first 5 minutes

[@room2growrose623]

If only everyone would question, or desire to challenge themselves. It’s far easier to stay in your channels however.

[@LiquidSwan]

Ooh rare find

[@ivanivanow4642]

43:26 look at the what? I can't understand what he says

[@deegobooster]

He says, "...look at the Khan Academy, for example..." Khan Academy is a free online education site.

[@PranavTambat5001]

Please add cut ✂️ outs

[@teeI0ck]

Manjistha Seeburn

[@jennybtx]

Is the interviewer laying in bed.? He sounds tired and mumbly.

[@elgringoec]

I was thinking something else that the thought police would ticket me for. But tired and mumbly evades that. 😯