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Brilliant. I am surprised i am the only one commenting. The rest will catch up.

I learned the power of polarity from the kabylion. What are your opinions on the 7 hermatic principles and system thinking ?

Many decades of advertising has shaped our thinking to only consider one of two choices. Bivalent choices are easier for humans. Our evolution was shaped by binary choices: fight-flight, eat-don’t eat, friend-foe, etc. Experience, forethought and shared cultural wisdom can lead us to more subtle distinctions that reflect nature.

- 1. **Introduction: The Power and Potential of Up Thinking** (0:00-1:38) - 1.1 The Need for Up Thinking in Today's World (0:00-0:16) - 1.2 Defining "Up Thinking": Leveling Up Your Thinking (0:16-0:31) - 1.2.1 Up Thinking as Enhanced Awareness of Thinking Processes (0:31-1:11) - 1.2.1.a Analogy: Awareness in Physical Practices (0:44-1:11) - 1.2.2 Up Thinking as Mastering Information Organization and Meaning-Making (1:11-1:38) - 2. **Understanding the Fundamentals of Thinking** (1:38-2:36) - 2.1 Thinking: A Continuous Process of Building Meaning (1:38-1:49) - 2.2 Distinguishing Information from Its Organization (1:49-2:12) - 2.3 Actionable Information: The Result of Organized Thinking (2:12-2:25) - 2.4 We're Always Thinking: But Are We Thinking Well? (2:25-2:36) - 3. **Misconceptions and Truths About Thinking** (2:36-17:19) - 3.1 Challenging Common Misconceptions (2:36-3:25) - 3.1.1 Misconception 1: Thinking is Automatic, Not a Skill (2:36-3:12) - 3.1.1.a Analogy: Breathing, walking, sitting, eating (2:36-3:12) - 3.1.2 Misconception 2: We're Born with Fixed Thinking Abilities (3:12-3:25) - 3.2 Thinking: The Driving Force Behind Our Actions and Emotions (3:25-4:20) - 3.2.1 Thinking Shapes Decisions, Actions, and Predictions (3:25-3:51) - 3.2.1.a Example: Predicting Everyday Events (3:51-4:20) - 3.2.2 Thinking Underlies Our Emotional Responses (4:20-9:19) - 3.2.2.a Unconscious, Subconscious, and Conscious Thinking (4:48-5:26) - 3.2.2.b Identifying the Thinking Behind Emotions (5:26-5:54) - 3.2.2.b.i Example: Feeling Insecure Due to Assumptions (5:54-6:30) - 3.2.2.c Thought Precedes Feeling: The Power of Changing Our Thinking (6:30-7:27) - 3.2.2.c.i Example: Changing Feelings by Changing Thoughts (6:40-7:27) - 3.2.2.d Thinking and Emotional Intelligence: Untangling the Connection (7:27-8:16) - 3.2.2.e Metacognition: The Key to Understanding Our Thoughts and Feelings (8:16-8:29) - 3.2.2.e.i Example: Grief and the Truth of the Situation (8:29-9:19) - 3.3 Debunking the Myth of Inherent Thinking Limitations (9:19-17:08) - 3.3.1 Thinking Ability is Not Capped: Hope for Improvement (9:19-16:24) - 3.3.1.a Thinking and Emotional Intelligence: A Strong Connection (9:19-9:33) - 3.3.1.b Diverse Types of Thinking: Variations on a Theme (9:33-10:11) - 3.3.1.c One Thinking Process, Many Applications (10:11-11:37) - 3.3.1.c.i Analogy: Carpentry, Farming (10:38-11:37) - 3.3.1.d The Power of Practice: Surpassing Natural Talent (11:37-16:24) - 3.3.2 We Can Teach, Measure, Practice, and Improve Thinking (16:24-17:08) - 3.4 Addressing the Misconception of Limited Practice (17:08-17:19) - 4. **The Surprising Simplicity Underlying Complex Thinking** (17:19-22:48) - 4.1 Thinking is a Skill: Practice is Key for Improvement (17:19-18:11) - 4.2 Measuring and Understanding Thinking: The Role of Research (18:11-18:37) - 4.3 The Importance of Feedback in the Practice of Thinking (18:37-19:47) - 4.3.1 Analogy: Feedback in Physical Activities (19:18-19:47) - 4.4 From Complex Outcomes to Simple Inputs: Deconstructing Thinking (19:47-21:17) - 4.4.1 Thinking Can Be Simple, Even When Dealing with Complex Ideas (20:15-20:39) - 4.4.2 Analogy: Complexity Arising from Simple Rules (21:17-21:56) - 4.5 DSRP: The Four Simple Rules Underlying All Thinking (21:56-22:10) - 4.6 Identifying and Shifting Unhelpful Thinking Patterns (22:10-22:48) - 5. **Introducing Cognitive Moves: Practical Tools for Up Thinking** (22:48-27:03) - 5.1 Cognitive Moves: Targeted Actions for Enhancing Thinking (22:48-23:53) - 5.1.1 Analogy: Push-ups (23:01-23:53) - 5.2 The Pareto Principle Applied to Cognitive Moves: Maximizing Impact (23:53-24:58) - 5.2.1 Analogy: Five Basic Weightlifting Moves (24:33-24:58) - 5.3 Cognitive Move Example: Zoom In, Zoom Out (24:58-26:14) - 5.3.1 Part-Whole Structure: A Fundamental Thinking Pattern (25:25-25:39) - 5.4 Overcoming the Bias Towards Parts: Expanding to Wholes (25:39-26:40) - 5.4.1 Example: Salamander (26:14-26:40) - 5.5 Practicing Cognitive Moves: The Path to Improved Thinking (26:40-27:03) - 6. **The Transformative Power of Five Key Cognitive Moves** (27:03-28:56) - 6.1 Cognitive Moves: Defined Starting and Ending Positions for Thinking (27:03-27:51) - 6.1.1 Example: Zoom In, Zoom Out with Any Concept (27:27-27:51) - 6.2 Five Key Moves: Your Toolkit for Upgrading Your Thinking (27:51-28:14) - 6.3 From Simple Inputs to Complex Outputs: The Magic of Thinking (28:14-29:08) - 6.3.1 Analogy: The Vastness of Human Thought (28:56-29:08) - 7. **Applying Cognitive Moves in Everyday Life** (29:08-32:25) - 7.1 Cognitive Moves: Equally Effective for Simple and Complex Thoughts (29:08-30:22) - 7.1.1 Analogy: The Human Heart (29:59-30:22) - 7.2 The Counterintuitive Simplicity of Complex Thinking (30:22-30:36) - 7.3 Up Thinking: A More Sophisticated and Effective Way to Think (30:36-31:22) - 7.3.1 Analogy: Basketball (31:12-31:22) - 7.4 Practicing the Right Things: The Key to Maximizing Improvement (31:22-32:25) - 7.4.1 Analogy: Basket Weaving (31:47-32:25) - 8. **Overcoming Obstacles to Up Thinking** (32:25-36:47) - 8.1 Objection 1: "I Don't Have Time for Up Thinking" (32:25-33:53) - 8.1.1 Thinking as Essential, Not a Luxury (33:04-33:17) - 8.1.2 Problems as Feedback: A Sign to Revisit Our Thinking (33:17-33:53) - 8.2 Objection 2: "Thinking is Passive Contemplation" (33:53-36:12) - 8.2.1 Thinking is a Constant, Active Process (33:53-34:24) - 8.2.2 Debunking the Myth of Passive Thinking (34:24-34:51) - 8.2.2.a Influence of Rodin's "The Thinker" (34:38-34:51) - 8.2.3 Thinking as Active Problem-Solving in Everyday Life (34:51-36:12) - 8.2.3.a Examples: Everyday Challenges (35:03-36:12) - 8.3 Rethinking Thinking: The Path to Personal and Professional Improvement (36:12-36:47) - 9. **The Path to Up Thinking: A Journey of Practice and Transformation** (36:47-47:00) - 9.1 Improving Thinking: Easier Than You Think with Consistent Practice (36:47-37:12) - 9.2 The Power of Practice: A Key Lesson from Decades of Research (37:00-37:53) - 9.2.1 Teaching vs. Practicing: Why Application is Crucial (37:12-37:53) - 9.2.1.a Analogy: Yoga (37:39-37:53) - 9.3 From Information to Knowledge: Embracing the Transformative Power of Practice (37:53-39:33) - 9.3.1 Real Knowledge: The Fruit of Applied Thinking (37:53-38:17) - 9.3.2 Thinking: A Skill Like Any Other, Ripe for Development (38:17-38:58) - 9.3.3 Overcoming Initial Overwhelm: The Power of Small Steps (38:58-39:33) - 9.3.3.a Analogy: Guitar, Jiu-Jitsu (39:11-39:33) - 9.4 Experiencing the Benefits of Up Thinking: A New Perspective on Life (39:33-40:40) - 9.4.1 Positive Changes: Enhanced Awareness, Communication, and Problem-Solving (39:33-40:09) - 9.4.1.a Examples: Meetings, Conversations (39:46-40:09) - 9.4.2 Unlocking Your Potential: Becoming the "Smartest Person in the Room" (40:09-40:40) - 9.4.2.a Analogy: Basketball with No Practice (40:28-40:40) - 9.5 The Thinking Quotient (TQ): A Personalized Roadmap for Up Thinking (40:40-44:42) - 9.5.1 TQ: A Validated Measure of Your Thinking Skills (41:58-42:38) - 9.5.2 Your TQ Score: A Starting Point for Personalized Improvement (42:38-43:00) - 9.5.2.a Analogy: Weighing Yourself (42:50-43:00) - 9.5.3 TQ Report and Action Plan: Tailored Guidance for Your Up Thinking Journey (43:00-43:30) - 9.5.4 Focusing on Weaknesses: Using Cognitive Moves for Targeted Improvement (43:30-43:56) - 9.5.5 The Portability of Cognitive Moves: Integrating Up Thinking into Everyday Life (43:56-44:42) - 9.5.5.a Analogy: Stretching (44:54-45:33) - 9.6 Up Thinking: A Journey of Continuous Growth and Transformation (45:33-47:00) - 9.6.1 Natural Integration: Cognitive Moves Becoming Second Nature (45:33-45:46) - 9.6.2 Rapid Results: Noticeable Differences Within a Week (45:46-46:12) - 9.6.3 Expanded Awareness: Seeing the World with New Eyes (46:12-46:24) - 9.6.4 Up Thinking: A Vision for a Better World, One Thought at a Time (46:24-46:49) - 9.6.5 The Importance of Thinking: A Call to Action for a More Thoughtful World (46:49-47:00)

So in a nutshell, system's thinking is taking perspective from all the point of views and try to create a picture which would be a little bit better than our previous narrative.

Maybe in the artifical sugar industry.

Yeah, i wonder if it had to do with Republicans, in response, destroying the means of poor kids in public schools to get cheap/free lunch. Get real.

It's because sugar is from our main crop corn. Ruin the whole country taking away sugar

If what she he said, didn’t make a difference in the sugar industry then why did soda prices double?

Some people don’t eat at home for some all they get is school lunch and she ruined that

Weve seen exactly whats happened in the schools since mike was the first lady

When looking at relationships like this, it just occurred to me that baby makes six, not three. That is why it gets to be such a strain on some marriages. When part of our lives get a meaning and identity of their own (like work, gaming, working out, drinking, etc.) this is also a great thing to keep in mind. The issue isn't with the person, it is with behavior and its impact on me, based upon my perspective, and your perspective is different (as is the relationship and its impact). Never thought about putting ideas and issues separately on something like a sticky note-because it is a good way to make sure all the issues are addressed-and you open brain capacity by writing things down, rather than trying to remember.

Mostly information content that can be memorized.

Because they would rather poison our children about being a boy or a girl instead of teaching them something of value

What are the schools teaching them? I don’t have kids so I am completely removed from the next generation of leaders and thinkers

A powerful conversation about real adulting and emotional maturity.

The brain actually consumes 30%of your caloric intake. Nothing is free but ignorance.

Depends how and what you’re thinking about. Telling people to just go think with no context bc it’s not taxing you calorie wise is ridiculous.

Diagnosed with ADD my myself can't help finding, instead of focusing on the talk that Derek looks and sounds very much like Chris Pratt, is it only me :) Derek, can Chris be a relative of yours? Very good conversation, guys!

I love this pod

Thank You. I basically texted all this to a friend today, and my algorithm picked up on it and now I’m here. yes: Let’s advance understanding of Complexity.

You guys are super frustrating! Things like at 8:30 "It was 'in their mind' and not their body." and 36:39 "You are in control of being metacognitive or not." is being said. So, are you 2 dualists? I love systems, system science, system thinking, network science, cybernetics, critical realism, etc but seriously. Please do an episode on "determinism" or "free-will" or whatever and address Sapolsky's recent book "Determined".

Great podcast on a hugely important issue. Two thoughts to consider. A powerful distinction that can support these conversations is the difference between useful / wasteful phone use. Often the two are bundled together and conversations with kids, or adults, become convoluted. The second thing to try is turning off Colors of your screen icons (usually under accessibility) you will feel your stress level plummet when you look a bunch of same-colored icons compared with the eye-candy that all of those experts designed.

Link to the "statistical uniqueness" evidence please.

Designing the rocket? Maybe Actually piloting it? Nah

All about the money!! You already know how these phones are destroying our brains!

I am planning an after-school club at my school dedicated to studying and tackling the issue of social media and teen mental health. Do you guys have an experts that we could talk to? Could we talk to you guys???

Why do teenagers need a phone at all? This stuff wasn't even around not that long ago. Why have we all opted into this huge experiment with ourselves as the test subjects. This tech is too powerful. It's too new. And it's not really even needed.

Money makes the world go round!

Hi guys, thanks for sharing on this topic ! Derek, I'd be interested in finding out more about how you overcame the challenges of not fitting into the system as a younger student to ultimately earning a PhD? [What was that journey like?] I'm also curious to know how your personal experiences within the school system have influenced your approach to teaching. #askingforafriend

They made me do all this systems thinking crap in school. Seemed useless

I had a hard time in school too. For one thing I often have black + white thinking. That means that the school rule "no talking in class" was seen very different by me than by my classmates. They would blabber away and I never said anything. I didnt want to get sent to the principal! Who would? I mean I was a big rule followerer. Which apparently also goes with autism. But years + years later I actually ran into one of my grade school teachers. She had recognized me but I had no idea who she was. Anyway she had said to me "you were always so quiet in class. You never said anything!" And I reminded her about the school rule, no talking in class. She had such a shocked look on her face, mouth dropping open and all... But back in the late 70s + early 80s no one knew I had autism. I am part of the "lost generation". So I grew up in a regular class. Was bullied + ostracized too.. My family never went to doctors either so... But I see things different than other people. I think differently... And my diet is very different too. I am almost carnivore now due to lots of food allergies. But I never did any dangerous stuff. I am a huge coward. I do ride horses now. But I was diagnosed in 2020.

If you fall off the skateboard in the wrong type of area going at a high speed you will need stitches! 😮 there is a connection right there. And then some unfortunate body part will look like a quilt until it heals. I have autism by the way.

Ok ...no they dont. A true systems approach requires only that a component failure be corrected in context with the system within the component is situated. No solution to any problem is truly solvable be looking at only the component level or the system level alone. A component may fail for any number of reasons...it could have been created improperly or it was designed improperly...which may have only been known because it was inserted in the system. The component may be perfect, but the system has one or more faults creating stresses that lead to a particular failure point. This is basic stuff.

You can only understand it as you see it. Reality is a collective.

You're not gonna understand reality because there's always more than our puny brains can grok. Even yours Mr Sensei

Really wow! I don't think your forefathers discovered the simple rules of your constitution by accident or by mistake. They took it from the bible. One abandoned simple rule is still on the dollar, in God we trust

It's really unfortunate that democracy is in the balance and Authoritarianism, Fascism, Totalitarianism, Dicatorship is beeting down the door.

Here’s to a more perfect union around the world! The founding fathers were all extremely smart and grounded people! We need more people like them at their finest. I think both of you are part of those people :)

So many great concepts in this episode! Two of my favorites... Decision making awareness - I didn't realize it was systemic thinking, but when I need to make a decision, or am helping my kids make their own, I have often used what I call "Follow the logic." The process involves identifying the "rule" you are using to make a decision and playing it out at scale. For example: My friend gives me a book she thinks i would like. I feel obligated to read the book even though I don't really want to. How do I decide what to do? If I read the book out of obligation, here is the rule I am operating out of: "Whenever someone I care about offers me a book, I have to read it because of what they like and think. Their ideas determine the use of my time and energy." I then realize the untenability of the decision. I can't live like that and the decision becomes clear. I need to take ownership over my time and energy to determine the course of my life as a sovereign agent. There are many many decisions that become clear with this kind of lens. The second concept is so important as well. There is something deep inside me that is uncomfortable with complexity. The inability to predict and control produces very much of my angst and worry. That vague feeling I often have of discomfort and anxiety comes, very often, from an underlying wish for a life free of complexity - if I'm honest. BUT to reframe that relationship... To see complexity as a source of continual joy and delight. To be able to take my hands off the wheel and simply observe, with expectation, the emergents of my life - what a shift! To even consider it, I feel the disquiet dissolve and a quiet open anticipation take its place.

Complexity allows for endless possibilities. When they combine in a way that has value for us or the ecosystem we see the results and often it still looks complicated. The driving force for the ants is survival and a way to reduce the work required. I played music professionally, an endlessly complex activity. We can't make sense out of noise so the great composers look at all the complexity and find ways to combine the notes in a way we can follow and that is surprising enough to be exciting. The simple rules are the result of a "search" process that maximizes some metric. In the case of music it is a balance between noise (a white spectrum) and no variability (flat). It turns out most music is 1/f (pink). A balance that provides information at a rate we can understand. 1/f is almost a rule. Simple rules that address an actual need are all innovations. What is the value proposition? We use NABC (Need, Approach (offering and viability model), Benefits/costs, and Competition) to define the value of different alternatives. Solutions emerge because they have value. No complexity; no innovations. But nothing can be understood independent of the ecosystem, whether in nature or business. PS In the ant case. If the ecosystem changes you need those crazy ants who do not follow the rules. As Jobs noted, “It is the crazy ones.” That variability must be built in too. It is the need that creates the rules not the other way around. You said that but the micro makes the macro is always toward the unmet Need. The micro is the toolkit of possibilities. No need, no macro. For us NABC is a simple rule like the rules for flocking birds. It is not everything but if you violate them too much you will likely fail, as we have seen many hundreds of times.

My parents were very conservative and deeply spiritual people. They endured the Larry Flynt years and the installation of Play Boys and Penthouses in the local stores where they grabbed the milk, because they valued this country and the principals of securing judgement with a balanced scale. Things change so much today and so people think it would be no big deal to reduce the power and even remove a branch of government. We just need patience and this only comes from experience. So we will all hang on and hang onto all of it! Great discussion of the simple rules--we will see emerging intelligence if we endure and Think Up!

Oh, so knowledge is brain poop. Got it.

Or YT video fodder?

The Left PFC thinks , the Left PFC divides, the more you divide the bigger the division gets , "That's it Folks!"

"letting your imagination run away with itself"

The term beating a dead horse comes to mind.

Enjoyed the video🙌 Btw I'm not really sure if it is the best time to ask but, While watching I noticed a few opportunities to improve the video, I've prepared a short video outlining some tips. Mind if I sent it over?