Just Human #320

In this episode, I read a brief excerpt from one of my favorite books, The Almanack of Naval Ravikant, exploring what it means to be a clear thinker, the essence of contrarianism, and how preconceived notions and emotions can distort our perception of reality.Next, I discuss my article, "Epstein Killed Himself," which focuses less on the suicide itself and more on the cognitive warfare and groupthink surrounding the topic. My goal isn’t to persuade listeners to agree with the article or the Deputy Director of the FBI—though I believe the available evidence strongly challenges the popular narrative—but to highlight it as a case study in the psychology of information warfare. It demonstrates how a meme can persist even when evidence contradicts it.Finally, I share insights from an article titled "Derangement Discourse," which examines the psychology of today’s polarized politics and the challenges of engaging in meaningful dialogue with those who view disagreement as derangement. Revolutionary movements, even soft ones, often feature inner tensions, and MAGA is no exception: there’s the justified fight against corruption in American institutions versus the risk of overreach; there are chaos agents and infiltrators pushing too far, causing the movement to consume itself; and there are unworthy heroes and sycophants whose loud support for the movement’s successes masks their own derangement.As you listen or watch, remember that understanding is more valuable than reacting. My goal is to help us become better informed and clearer thinkers, not triggered reactors. This applies to me as much as anyone, and I’ll continue working to communicate these ideas more effectively.Just Human is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber.Support links:Coffee—click here.Just Human Merch—click here.Benson’s Honey Farm affiliate link: click here.Bootleg Products affiliate link: click here.Manly Cans affiliate link—click here.To find all of my links in one place, click here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justhuman.substack.com/subscribe