Categorizing The Causes Of Bad Things In The World

November 17, 2025

What causes bad things? It sounds like a huge question, but maybe it's not as big as it seems. Here's my updated/improved list of high-level causes of bad things in the world. Note that these are not mutually exclusive categories. I've also added some potential solutions for each cause. I'd be interested to know: what is missing from my new list of causes of bad things and potential types of solutions? Thanks to those of you who commented on my prior version! Causes of bad things in the w...

Things They Didn’t Say

November 17, 2020

They didn't say these things, but I would have appreciated it if they had: The best way to predict the future is to [combine multiple forecasting methods]. Be the [role model of rationality] you want to see in the world. Believe you can and you’re [<1% of the] way there [, but if you don’t believe you can, then you’ve already lost]. Change your thoughts and you change [your experience of] the world. Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life [unless you...

Coronavirus Precautions

March 4, 2020

Image by: Christian C. Gruber / George Steinkellner

As you have likely heard, the Coronavirus (a.k.a. COVID-19) has continued to spread throughout the world. As of March 4, 2020, cases of the virus have been confirmed in 73 countries, including 16 U.S. states. China had a massive outbreak, which mostly seems to be under control, but the virus is spreading exponentially in many other countries. Nobody knows what is going to happen at this point, but it makes sense to be prepared in case things get bad. Here are a few import...