RE: It’s Not Just the Media and Governments, It’s Much More Widespread and Dangerous
For now my best answer is to focus on myself. I figure that there's an endless amount of work to do on me, breaking down my own misconceptions and learning new things.
For example this week I was watching lots of YouTube content about mathematics and re-discovering a love for that. It made me think about the fundamental skills I don't have, in math and biology and some other areas, and how I could totally learn those things. Then I'd have the building blocks to think better about things I care about like health / longevity, technology, and even music.
None of that would be possible if I was spending hours on the news... although for me it's less risky with news, and more about podcasts. I realized that Joe Rogan and stuff like that, though fun, is basically my version of CNN - its not fact checked, its mostly just a way to spend time and relax. We all have our "junk food" information and we gotta be vigilant.
Joe Rogan has some classic moments that are worth anyones time, Paul Stamets mushrooms talk is a good one. My favourite has to be The one with Dorian Yates. He talks some really good sense, especially in regard to your first part about self development and focus. This guy was Mr Olympia. Check it out.
One step at a time. Achievable (mini) goals which allow one to often record “victories” and thus progress.
We should never try to tackle too much at once, especially because lack of focus will make otherwise already uncomfortable change even more disorienting and that also because of lack of “victories”. Progress needs to be able to be tracked.
I think you’ve done very well in the months I’ve read you. Keep up with the good work.
My junk food is the Guardian, especially the so-called BTL (Below the Line) comments section. There’s some absolute smartasses in there who would make a true mint if the Guardian integrated a SMT setup. Which I wouldn’t mind either as I occasionally have quite upvoted comments as well. 😬