Analects

The 'naming' problem, where by naming something we feel we have explained it, the 'language' problem, where the words we use stop others from understanding, and the 'question' problem, where we fail to find the right questions, are common and funny.

The utility of violence isn't in the violence itself, but only in the threat of it. It creates immediate behaviour change, but only for so long as the threat is active.

Meditation generally involves either acknowledging or excluding thoughts, but can be problematic. Movement-based meditations (e.g. yoga, running) are better for people who can't sit with themselves. More generally, many everyday activities meet the broad criteria.

Memory takes the form of neural maps in the brain, tying our experiences and perceptions together. These maps are the same maps we use to process the world, and imagine the future. Mapping memories to old memories is the way to think about it, not storing memories in a bank.

Many aspects of my PhD were surprising to me, but in hindsight, they didn't have to be. Here's my reflections on how I'd go about it if I'd known.