Philosophy × attention01
Simon Townsley / Panos Pictures · via Psyche
When curiosity becomes another scroll.
Lisa Sideris / Psyche
Can collecting fascinating facts become its own kind of distraction? Lisa Sideris distinguishes lasting wonder from a restless appetite for the next mystery. Once a puzzle is solved, that appetite moves on. More durable wonder can tolerate an unfinished explanation and let an encounter change our perspective. Her essay offers an unexpectedly sharp question for an internet full of interesting things: are we becoming more receptive, or merely consuming more novelty?
For your interest in attention: even curiosity can become a feed. — Serius
To benefit from wonder, make sure you’ve got the genuine kind ↗
Original · 7 min read, estimated · summary reads in about a minute
Psychology × perception02
Article lead image · Aeon
Your mind’s eye isn’t everyone’s.
Gary Lupyan / Aeon
Picture an apple. For some people, that request produces a vivid image; for others, no mental picture appears. Gary Lupyan explores these hidden differences in imagery, inner speech and memory, and why we so often assume our own experience is universal. The striking implication goes beyond perception: someone may respond differently because the situation actually feels different to them. Understanding another person can begin with asking what their experience is like.
For your interest in psychology—and designing for minds unlike your own. — Serius
What colour do you see? ↗
Original · 20 min read, estimated · summary reads in about a minute
Philosophy × everyday life03
A QUESTION TO TAKE INTO TODAY
How will the miracle
happen today?
Kevin Kelly
The overlooked art of being helped.
Kevin Kelly / KK · Substack
Kevin Kelly remembers hitchhiking to work and accepting remarkable hospitality while travelling. His unusual focus is the receiving side of generosity: the vulnerability of letting someone help you. He calls that recipient a “kindee” and reflects on gratitude as a way of meeting the world. This is a personal, spiritual interpretation of his experiences, rather than a promise that kindness always arrives. The invitation is to notice the gifts we struggle to accept.
A warmer place to land: you don’t have to earn every good thing. — Serius
How Will the Miracle Happen Today? ↗
Original essay · read on Substack · summary reads in about a minute