Thinking and Doing with Skyler J. Collins

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 061 looks at being prepared to replace significant parts of an older house after buying one; drinking water before bed to help you get up early in the morning; recognizing that even your side of the political spectrum engages in propaganda from time to time (or even most of the time); and paying yourself first after receiving your paycheck by immediately transferring half or more of it into savings.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 060 looks at two Stoic topics: the first from Marcus Aurelius who wrote, "If someone is slipping up, kindly correct them and point out what they missed. But if you can’t, blame yourself—or no one."; and the second from r/Stoicism, a post by daviddigit, which started, "I wanted to share a practical exercise that really rocked my world this week. I am inherently an extremely critical person, of myself and others. So this week I was at the airport and decided this would be the perfect opportunity to practice care/love instead of judgment."

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 059 looks at the logical fallacy Context Imposition (aka Fantasy Projection) and the Hedonic Treadmill cognitive bias.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 058 looks at trying new things to prevent brain complacency; the importance of empathizing with people who've made a mistake, rather than demonizing them; and the timer method to overcoming procrastination.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 057 looks at two Stoic topics: the first from Marcus Aurelius who wrote, "It is essential for you to remember that the attention you give to any action should be in due proportion to its worth, for then you won’t tire and give up, if you aren’t busying yourself with lesser things beyond what should be allowed."; and the second from r/Stoicism, a post by EricHennigan, which started, "I was thinking about Epictetus' reminder that some things are under our control and others not. If we push this idea really hard, there are many things that I might naively consider under my control, but which, when examined more closely are not. For example, thoughts randomly bubble into my mind and I do not control that. Emotions can overwhelm my rational faculties, causing me a temporary insanity. Many external factors control the direction of my life. The simple, naive, lowercase stoic advise seems to recommend that I not try to control things which I cannot. I think this interpretation would be a disastrous mistake."

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 056 looks at Affirming the Consequent logical fallacy and the cognitive biases Primacy Effect and Recency Effect.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 055 looks at keeping a tidy room (and home) by removing one or two items that don't belong every time you leave; asking someone to explain their conspiracy theory in detail in order for them to see its holes themselves; the difference between excitement from anticipation and your long-term happiness; and the value in asking your discussion or debate partner to explain the other side as well as they can (steelmanning).

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 054 looks at two Stoic topics: the first from Seneca who wrote, "Nothing can satisfy greed, but even a small measure satisfies nature. So it is that the poverty of an exile brings no misfortune, for no place of exile is so barren as not to produce ample support for a person."; and the second from r/Stoicism, a post by Ok_Intern_4405, which started, "I'm in my late twenties and I feel I am constantly pressuring myself to make good use of time, whether it is a conscious decision or not. I imagine a number of you could relate. Maybe it's the rat race that has gotten into me, I'm not sure. But looking at the success of my peers, I can't help but feel the need to not waste any second of my life."

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 053 looks at the Zero-Sum Fallacy and the Balancing Force of the Universe, or Gambler's Fallacy, cognitive bias.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 052 looks at maximizing your time by multitasking and batching; saving money in the long run by paying a little extra for higher quality goods; paying down debt by rounding off your cash accounts every night; and the best way to cut through cold or frozen butter (it's really a no-brainer).

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 051 looks at two Stoic topics: the first from Marcus Aurelius who wrote, "Meditate often on the interconnectedness and mutual interdependence of all things in the universe. For in a sense, all things are mutually woven together and therefore have an affinity for each other—for one thing follows after another according to their tension of movement, their sympathetic stirrings, and the unity of all substance."; and the second from r/Stoicism, a post by Anderson Silver (yourusermanual), which began with another Marcus Aurelius quote, "Efface the opinion, I am harmed, and at once the feeling of being harmed disappears; efface the feeling, and the harm disappears at once."

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 050 looks at the Fallacy of Accent and Expectations as a cognitive bias.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 049 looks at choosing to protect your mental or physical health over choosing a higher paycheck; why being a good friend probably means holding your friends accountable for their poor decisions; some advice on dealing with difficult situations; and becoming comfortable in the face of uncomfortable truths.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 048 looks at two Stoic topics: the first from Epictetus who wrote, "The beautiful and good person neither fights with anyone nor, as much as they are able, permits others to fight . . . this is the meaning of getting an education—learning what is your own affair and what is not. If a person carries themselves so, where is there any room for fighting?"; and the second from artwork by mjhiblenart involving a character from The Mandalorian, a television series on Disney+. The episode begins with sad news about Carl Watner (RIP), the person who introduced Skyler to Stoicism.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 047 looks at the logical fallacy Denying the Antecedent and the phenomenon of Cognitive Dissonance.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 046 looks at aligning your mindset with your goals so as it not allow your brain to sabotage your efforts; responding to an insult during an argument with, "I'm sorry, I didn't hear that, can you repeat it?" and/or "Are you trying to hurt my feelings?"; the deals you can get at a thrift store just after Christmas; and the importance in visiting your grandparents regularly.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 045 looks at several Stoic topics: the first from Epictetus who wrote, "Keep death and exile before your eyes each day, along with everything that seems terrible—by doing so, you’ll never have a base thought nor will you have excessive desire."; and the rest from lists shared by gdm41 and austinthebean to r/Stoicism introduced as, "Hi guys, maybe you are already aware of DailyStoic.com, they send out a daily newsletter with Stoic topics. Last week they sent a good summary of Stoic virtues/habits to avoid".

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 044 looks at the logical fallacy Reification and the cognitive bias Groupthink.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 043 looks at curbing anxious thoughts from spiraling out of control; carving time out now to spend with your family while they're young, instead of waiting until you're middle-aged or elderly; how to leave social gatherings early without damaging your reputation with the host; the importance of being frugal around the holidays, especially in such a tough year as 2020; and not being afraid to find a new job when your current job stops serving you.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 042 looks at two Stoic topics: the first from Seneca who wrote, "“Our soul is sometimes a king, and sometimes a tyrant. A king, by attending to what is honorable, protects the good health of the body in its care, and gives it no base or sordid command. But an uncontrolled, desire-fueled, over-indulged soul is turned from a king into that most feared and detested thing—a tyrant."; and the second from r/Stoicism, a post by answersamir, who started off with, "Its true that fate has jurisdiction over your birth and death. It can also be argued that fate confines you within some realm of possibilities throughout your life."

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 041 looks at the logical fallacy Retrogressive Causation and the cognitive bias Exponential Growth.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 040 looks at the importance of maintaining a healthy level of doubt (or skepticism) toward all of the new information you receive; why you should immediately pay back someone who conveniently took care of a group bill or expense; how every day, good, bad, worst, or best, can ultimately be beneficial; and why your vacuum's filter is probably the cause of it not working well.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 039 looks at two Stoic topics: the first from Marcus Aurelius who wrote, "It is possible to curb your arrogance, to overcome pleasure and pain, to rise above your ambition, and to not be angry with stupid and ungrateful people—yes, even to care for them."; and the second from r/Stoicism, a post by mussel_bouy, who started off with, "Have you ever received a venomous insult? Words that stuck in your head? A look that you can’t erase from your memory? Maybe it was on your appearance, your character, your actions? Well it wasn’t about you. It never was."

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 038 looks at the logical fallacy Amphiboly and the cognitive bias Intention-to-Treat Error.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 037 looks at the advice to "never give up" on something that is no longer serving you (see also "sunk cost fallacy"); being kind to those, adults and children, who are curious about the world, even when you're surprised by their ignorance; the importance of focusing on more areas of your life outside of work; and why and possibly how you can change the people in your life that are bringing you down.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 036 looks at two Stoic topics: the first from Epictetus who wrote, "But what is philosophy? Doesn’t it simply mean preparing ourselves for what may come? Don’t you understand that really amounts to saying that if I would so prepare myself to endure, then let anything happen that will? Otherwise, it would be like the boxer exiting the ring because he took some punches. Actually, you can leave the boxing ring without consequence, but what advantage would come from abandoning the pursuit of wisdom? So, what should each of us say to every trial we face? This is what I’ve trained for, for this my discipline!"; and the second from r/Stoicism, a post by Throwawaymykey9000 who started off with, "Whenever you find yourself upset, pay close attention to what false appearance/expectation you had that led to the discomfort. This is how you grow as a Stoic."

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 035 looks at the logical fallacy Genetic Fallacy and the cognitive bias Contagion Bias.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 034 looks at why we shouldn't expect an angry person to be able to reason or think clearly, especially children; having empathy and compassion for someone acting rudely, as they're likely dealing with something difficult; how to calculate your expenses in work hours instead of money, and the benefit of doing so; why a laser printer is more economical for home use than an inkjet; and how Skyler utilizes Google Calendar and Gmail to keep track of recurring tasks, events, and reminders.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 033 looks at two Stoic topics: the first from Seneca who wrote, "We must give up many things to which we are addicted, considering them to be good. Otherwise, courage will vanish, which should continually test itself. Greatness of soul will be lost, which can’t stand out unless it disdains as petty what the mob regards as most desirable."; and the second from Demetrius the Cynic who wrote, "If I cherish my body, I make a slave of myself, if I cherish my property, I make a slave of myself; because I've disclosed the means to make me captive."; also a story of devastation experienced by Skyler due to his attachment to some of his property.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 032 looks at the logical or practical fallacy Megatrifle and the cognitive bias Zeigarnik Effect.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 031 looks at a video essay titled, "5 tips to improve your critical thinking" from TedED, created by Nick Hilditch, written by Samantha Agoos.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 030 looks at being careful with what you send and do on your workplace computer; doing favors now for your future self; avoiding procrastination by committing to giving the task just 10 minutes, and seeing where that goes; the importance of saving money; spending minimalistically versus lavishly; and why it's a good idea to love our kids for who they are instead of what we want them to do.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 029 looks at two Stoic topics: the first from Marcus Aurelius who wrote, “People aren’t in awe of your sharp mind? So be it. But you have many other qualities you can’t claim to have been deprived of at birth. Display then those qualities in your own power: honesty, dignity, endurance, chastity, contentment, frugality, kindness, freedom, persistence, avoiding gossip, and magnanimity.”; and the second from r/Stoicism, a post by mussel_bouy who started off with, "There is a dimension. A dimension not of sight or sound but of mind. It is both in the future and past but never the present. It has no physical location but for many of us, we live there. It is 'the dimension of should'."

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 028 looks at the logical fallacy Argumentum ad Populum (Appeal to Popularity, and it's many children) and the cognitive bias Neglect of Probability.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 027 looks at carefully handling a new large sum of money or career promotion; the deleterious effects of consuming the news all day long, every day; and the benefits of both the Socratic Method and Nonviolent Communication in handling disagreements with other people.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 026 is a conversation with Chris Jenkins on reddit user FreakyEcon's "Timeless Tenets of Stoicism".

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 025 looks at two Stoic topics: the first from Marcus Aurelius who wrote, "Meditate often on the swiftness with which all that exists and is coming into being is swept by us and carried away. For substance is like a river’s unending flow, its activities continually changing and causes infinitely shifting so that almost nothing at all stands still."; and the second from r/Stoicism, a post by kolbi01 who started off with, "The young character, which cannot hold fast to righteousness, must be rescued from the mob; it is too easy to side with the majority - Thoughts on Seneca's letter VII".

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 024 looks at the logical fallacy Spurious Causation and the cognitive bias Not-Invented-Here Syndrome.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 023 looks at a list of Stoic-based tips on becoming a better person by TheGuillamon.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 022 looks at taking photos and video of your home for insurance purposes; rotating out to donation old stuff that you've replaced with new stuff; stretching in the mornings to help yourself wake up, and putting your sleep alarm at the other end of the room; why you should always answer "yes" to someone at your door asking if you have a security system; and why it's important to never ignore your feelings or thoughts.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 021 looks at cognitive biases Illusion of Control and Framing.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 020 looks at two Stoic topics: the first from Seneca who wrote, "Life without a design is erratic. As soon as one is in place, principles become necessary. I think you’ll concede that nothing is more shameful than uncertain and wavering conduct, and beating a cowardly retreat. This will happen in all our affairs unless we remove the faults that seize and detain our spirits, preventing them from pushing forward and making an all-out effort."; and the second from r/Stoicism, a discussion which began with, "How do you deal with people having incorrect [or] negative perceptions of you?"

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 019 looks at logical fallacies Illicit Process, Stolen Concept, and Proof by Selected Instances.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 018 looks at paying attention to the gossip your friends tell; protecting yourself from getting defensive when you read opinions you don't agree with; not responding for at least 15 minutes when something makes you angry; the importance of acknowledging that you don't know something and using it as a bonding opportunity; and moving on from a job that no longer serves you well.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 017 looks at the cognitive bias Confirmation Bias.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 016 looks at two Stoic topics: the first from Epictetus who wrote, "“Show me someone sick and happy, in danger and happy, dying and happy, exiled and happy, disgraced and happy. Show me! By God, how much I’d like to see a Stoic. But since you can’t show me someone that perfectly formed, at least show me someone actively forming themselves so, inclined in this way. . . . Show me!”; and the second from r/Stoicism, a discussion which began with, "The whole thing with removing emotion from things in life makes me just more depressed and has led me to stop reading into stoiscm. Do u have any advice for me?"

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 015 looks at logical fallacies Reification of the Possible and Petitio Principii.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 014 looks at not doing the right thing for fear of looking hypocritical; learning your and your partner's love languages to improve your relationship (book); and doing nothing when you're out of motivation to do anything else.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 013 looks at cognitive biases The Forer Effect and Association Bias.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 012 looks at two Stoic teachings, "Zeno always said that nothing was more unbecoming than putting on airs, especially with the young." - Diogenes; and "For it’s disgraceful for an old person, or one in sight of old age, to have only the knowledge carried in their notebooks. Zeno said this . . . what do you say? Cleanthes said that . . . what do you say? How long will you be compelled by the claims of another? Take charge and stake your own claim—something posterity will carry in its notebook." - Seneca.

Post by Skyler J. Collins (Editor). Episode 011 looks at logical fallacies Spurious Superficiality, ad Hominem (abusive), and ad Hominem (circumstantial).