Made You Think

"All the facts of science aren't enough to understand the world's meaning. For this, you must step outside the world."

Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're adventuring into the world of Logicomix, a graphic novel that takes us on a journey through the intricate life of mathematician Bertrand Russell. From the quest for precision that borders on madness to the historical events Russell was embroiled in, we'll explore the complexities of logic, philosophy, and mathematics.

We cover a wide range of topics including:

• Why seeking precision in understanding the world can drive one mad
• Bertrand Russell's historical involvements and achievements
• The rapid progress of aviation and technology
• How mathematics, logic, and philosophy remain connected
• Discovering the lives and contributions of various mathematicians

And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode.

Links from the Episode:

Mentioned in the Show:

• Prolific (1:06)
• Agrippan Trilemma (12:33)
• Münchhausen Trilemma (13:04)
• Kate Middleton photo (30:48)
• House of Lords (32:06)
• The Flaw in Gödel's proof (57:59)
• Arnold (1:03:50)
• Political ETFs (1:13:49)

Books Mentioned:

• Logicomix
• East of Eden (0:03) (Nat's Book Notes)
• Of Mice and Men (0:21)
• The Grapes of Wrath (0:22)
• Watchmen (6:10)
• V for Vendetta (6:11)
• In Praise of Idleness (7:12) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• Gödel, Escher, Bach (12:01) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• The First World War (36:16)
• The Second World War (36:16)
• Banana King (1:00:45)
• Chip War (1:01:01)
• The Prize (1:01:23)
• Bad Therapy (1:02:46)
• Kon-Tiki (1:08:17)
• Endurance (1:09:40)

People Mentioned:

• Apostolos Doxiadis
• Christos Papadimitriou
• John Steinbeck (0:01)
• Bertrand Russell (6:51)
• Kurt Gödel (14:46)
• Ludwig Wittgenstein (20:49)
• Jordan Peterson (53:03)

Show Topics:

(0:00) We kick off the episode by sharing John Steinbeck's journal writing process for East of Eden, his collaborative relationship with his publisher, and how he landed on the title.

(5:25) Though we are not talking about East of Eden today (but...stay tuned for that episode up next!), we're covering Logicomix, a graphic novel by Apostolos Doxiadis and Christos Papadimitriou.

(8:16) We give an overview of the book and how it shares different intricacies and stories from Bertrand Russell's life. From his parents being in a throuple to schizophrenia running in his family, we try to decipher which parts were real vs. fabricated.

(10:36) Why you shouldn't necessarily look for precision and formal rules about how the world works. We tie this idea into Taoism which we've seen commonly in a few of our other recent reads. In short, no system can fully explain itself. You need to step outside of it.

(13:42) Is it possible to build a perfect map of everything that mathematics entails? We talk about the connection between logic, philosophy, and mathematics.

(20:25) There were several mathematicians in the book. How many of them are you familiar with?

(23:36) Russell's involvement in a variety of historical events from the Cuban Missile Crisis to JFK's assassination, as he was not convinced that Oswald was guilty of the crime.

(28:34) If you've been up-to-date with the news lately, you may be just as interested in the Kate Middleton conspiracies as we are. Tangent time!

(31:38) Russell was sat in the House of Lords, a chamber of UK Parliament which is generally not up for election. Plus, we brainstorm some ideas of who would be considered Bertrand Russell's equivalent in the US.

(36:48) We dive in to some different historical events and wars. The Ottoman Empire, World War 1 and 2, the Persian Gulf War, and how warfare and aircraft carriers changed during these ages.

(41:26) Aviation and its rapid improvements in technology in such a short span of time.

(45:07) "Shouldn't we get back to the book?" Nat, Neil, and Adil discuss some of the main concepts from the book, including the pursuit of truth in the world of mathematics. You're never going to fully understand reality, but for some, that's a hard truth that they don't want to accept.

(49:44) What does it mean to know, and how can you be justified in knowing something? Remember, a belief can be true while at the same time not satisfying the conditions of logic.

(56:05) Unlike the other mathematicians discussed in the book, Gödel constructed a proof to his theorem that hasn't yet been disproven. Regardless of whether their desires for absolute truth was achieved or not, a lot of the findings are fundamentally useful in many other ways.

(1:00:34) We talk about some of the books that we have coming up on the podcast, and throw around some ideas. Which book would you like to see us do an episode on? Let us know here!

(1:05:04) Is it true that the more you think about how you're feeling, the worse you feel?

(1:10:07) Nat, Neil, and Adil share some more of their upcoming reads they're excited about, and different war books, including Martin Gilbert's books on WW1 and WW2.

(1:13:24) Political ETFs that you can buy into. $NANC and $KRUZ, anyone?

(1:17:22) That concludes this episode! Next up on Made You Think, we have the long awaited episode covering East of Eden by John Steinbeck. Make sure to grab a copy of the book and read along with us before the next episode. Check out our new website to stay updated on what's to come.

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter @TheRealNeilS, @adilmajid, @nateliason and share your thoughts on this episode.

You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We'll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads.

Thanks for listening. See you next time!

"Oozification is the process of recursively replacing systems based on numerous larger building blocks, governed by many rules, with ones based on fewer, smaller building blocks, governed by fewer rules, thereby increasing the number of evolutionary possibilities and lowering the number of evolutionary certainties."

Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're discussing Fear of Oozification, an article by Venkatesh Rao. Get ready to explore the concept of ooziness in technology, learn the signs of oozification, and uncover why the ooze should (or should not) be feared.

We cover a wide range of topics including:

• How oozification applies in technology, nature, and more
• The contrast between progressification and oozification
• Challenges in preserving our knowledge over time
• Humans' natural fear of unpredictability and uncertainty
• Why authority and trust may be victims of oozification

And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode.

Links from the Episode:

Mentioned in the Show:

• Fear of Oozification
• Chrony Beliefs (0:32) (Book Episode)
• Oozy Intelligence in Slow Time (7:32)
• Sopranos Autopsy blog (30:44)
• StumbleUpon (31:27)
• The Honey Diet (35:57)
• Vesuvius Challenge (45:24)
• Phorevr (49:05)
• The Gervais Principle (51:48)
• The Premium Mediocre Life of Maya Millennial (51:51)

Books Mentioned:

• The Three-Body Problem (1:42) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• Permutation City (1:44) (Book Episode)
• Flowers for Algernon (1:48) (Book Episode)
• East of Eden (1:52)
• Logicomix (2:01)
• Seeing Like A State (23:30) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• The Anthology of Balaji (38:22)
• Flatland (58:14)
• Watchmen (58:30)
• V for Vendetta (58:55)

People Mentioned:

• Venkatesh Rao
• @anabology (32:06)

Show Topics:

(0:00) Welcome back to Made You Think! We kick off this episode by sharing our reading progress for the upcoming books on the podcast as well as anything else we're reading (or re-reading) outside of it.

(5:32) Nat notes his experience with re-reading The Three-Body Problem series, the different pacing of each of the books, and other minor details that stuck out while going through it a second time.

(6:43) Today, we're covering Fear of Oozification, an article by Venkatesh Rao. Nat, Neil, and Adil dive into the author's definition of oozification, and more specifically, how it applies within certain technologies such as the computer and phone.

(10:52) What makes something more or less oozy? We think of the ooziness of nature where we frequently envision stable environments such as a forest or meadow. However, when a major change or catastrophe takes place, the landscape has to evolve and its trajectory changes.

(14:36) Progressification vs oozification: In contrast to oozing, you can make steady and predictable progress within technology, for example.

(16:50) We share our main takeaways from the article, debate what the author's view on oozification is, and how the author got his argument across.

(23:18) How oozification will happen regardless of the natural linear progression that we're on in the world of technology. As we progress and create new technologies, each new piece of tech will ooze in its own way.

(26:27) Naturally, we fear the unpredictability of the future. What is it about oozification that we are more fearful of than just the unpredictability of the future? Plus, the new era of the internet vs. how things used to be in the world of blogging and social media.

(31:43) Decentering and simplifying. We talk a bit about an individual health blog written in just plain text. Check it out here if you're curious!

(37:39) Trust and authority, and how that links in with oozification. Nowadays, it's nearly easier to verify truth and accuracy in individuals rather than in large accredited institutions.

(41:06) When something is oozed so far away from the fundamental state that we won't know how to recreate the original anymore. Plus, what really is the best way to transmit human knowledge?

(46:07) How memories have traditionally been stored through photographs, both digital and physical, and what the future of storing our memories and artifacts may eventually look like.

(51:37) We chat a bit about some of Rao's other articles, discuss the contrast in the way that technology and government oozifies, and provide our final thoughts of the article.

(55:46) In true Made You Think fashion, we ask ChatGPT for its take on the article!

(57:45) That wraps up this episode! Next up, we'll be reading Logicomix followed by East of Eden. Make sure to grab a copy of those books and read along with us. Head on over to our new website to see what's next, listen to previous episodes, and send any book suggestions our way!

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter @TheRealNeilS, @adilmajid, @nateliason and share your thoughts on this episode.

You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We'll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads.

Thanks for listening. See you next time!

"I don't know what's worse: to not know what you are and be happy, or to become what you've always wanted to be, and feel alone."

Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! Today, we're delving into Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. Join us as we take you through the journey of an intellectually disabled man who undergoes a procedure with the hopes of increasing his mental abilities. We'll unpack several themes that resonate deeply with the human experience, and seek to get our questions answered on what it truly means to be intelligent.

We cover a wide range of topics including:

• The relationship between intelligence and loneliness
• Whether the experiment actually made Charlie worse off
• Influence of social norms and media on individual beliefs and behaviors
• The existence (or lack of) internal dialogues
• How handicapped people are often viewed and treated

And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode.

Links from the Episode:

Mentioned in the Show:

• Apple Vision Pro (0:01)
• Rabbit (0:56)
• Playdate (2:41)
• Slack (3:54)
• Lambda Technologies (4:16)
• Discord (5:17)
• Flowers for Algernon Wiki (14:41)
• Internal dialogues (42:01)
• Reddit thread on Internal Dialogues (43:45)
• Texas Tower shooting of 1966 (53:49)
• The Crowded Room (1:14:04)

Books Mentioned:

• Flowers for Algernon
• Infinite Jest (Book Episode 1) (Book Episode 2) (Nat's Book Notes)
• Enders Game (30:45)
• The Three-Body Problem (30:46) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• Permutation City (31:36) (Book Episode)
• Straw Dogs (48:02) (Book Episode)
• The Minds of Billy Milligan (1:13:42)
• East of Eden (1:18:12) (Nat's Book Notes)
• Logicomix (1:21:02)

People Mentioned:

• Daniel Keyes
• Sam Altman (5:53)
• Sam Harris (53:24)
• David Foster Wallace (58:49)
• Michael Chang (1:15:02)
• John Steinbeck (1:17:15)

Show Topics:

(0:00) We open the show by talking about new hardware innovations on the horizon from Apple's Vision Pro to the pocket-sized Rabbit.

(3:23) As it's become increasingly easier to make software, what will this mean for SaaS companies and the future of software?

(6:18) Today we're talking about Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. The book takes us on the journey of a severely handicapped man who enters into an experiment in order to increase his intelligence. There will be spoilers so if you're planning on reading the book, we suggest you do that before listening to this episode!

(12:28) Through Charlie's progression and regression, we get a glimpse into his levels of intelligence, awareness, and loneliness. He finds himself lonelier the more intelligent he becomes because as he gains more awareness, he learns that some people aren't truly his friends.

(13:21) There seems to be a human desire to improve no matter what. Nat, Neil, and Adil debate whether Charlie was better or worse off in the end than he was at the start of his journey.

(18:35) We discuss some of the other characters in the story and what their relationship with Charlie is like. Notably, Alice is one of the only people who saw him as a person throughout his whole life, even before he gained his intelligence.

(22:00) Charlie's family life and how the author wrote each of their closures with Charlie, or lack thereof.

(25:12) Despite Alice being a very positive figure in Charlie's life, you could make the argument that he didn't treat her very well. Regardless, Alice kept her hope and optimism in every situation.

(28:18) Though the book is classified as science fiction, it also poses instances of moral philosophy. Showcased by the author were examples of how people with mental or physical disabilities are treated by others, both obviously and subtly.

(32:52) One of the symbols in the story was a window that Charlie would watch the world through. It was a way for him to interpret his disconnection from society. Throughout the story, Charlie makes progress once he acknowledges himself and his past rather than running and hiding from it.

(36:54) The progression of Charlie's intelligence vs. his emotional intelligence and how they changed at different rates. Plus, we talk about the role of the researchers and how he treated them.

(40:02) Nat, Neil, and Adil talk about their interpretation of one of the earlier scenes in the book. In the background was some type of educational tape played for Charlie, but it could have also been symbolized to be his internal monologue.

(41:40) Does everyone have an internal dialogue? We dig into a tangent of internal dialogue and why it may be that not everyone has one.

(50:13) We break down the different versions of Charlie throughout his life and how his character changed throughout the story.

(53:20) Recalling the Texas shooter from the 1960's who was found to have a brain tumor. This brings up many moral dilemmas as to whether someone like him should be allowed to walk after having the brain tumor removed.

(56:02) Similarly, what is the tipping point for something small to snowball into a very dangerous idea? We continue with a discussion on the role of social norms and social media. You can live very close proximally to someone but be engaged in completely different social worlds. It's all about who you choose to follow and what types of content you engage with.

(1:03:03) Where should the line be drawn in giving punishments to someone who has some type of illness in their brain, such as a brain tumor or lead poisoning? Let us know what you think!

(1:09:13) Adil shares his experience with re-reading the book as well as ChatGPT's take on Charlie's sessions with his psychiatrist.

(1:13:36) We talk about the author's writing career, including one of the other pieces that he has written. In fact, Apple TV came out with a mini-series based on one of his books!

(1:18:46) That wraps up this episode! We've got an exciting lineup for our next few episodes, beginning with Venkatesh Rao's essay, Fear of Oozification. Down the line, we'll also be covering Logicomix and re-reading East of Eden. Stay tuned and read along with us. You will not want to miss these!

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter @TheRealNeilS, @adilmajid, @nateliason and share your thoughts on this episode.

You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We'll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads.

Thanks for listening. See you next time!

"If you believe that humans are animals, there can be no such thing as the history of humanity, only the lives of particular humans. If we speak of the history of the species at all, it is only to signify the unknowable sum of these lives. As with other animals, some lives are happy, others wretched. None has a meaning that lies beyond itself."

Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! This week, we're diving into discussion on Straw Dogs by John Gray. From questioning moral structures to pondering the collective soul, we'll journey through the philosophical landscape of Straw Dogs, examining technology, lifespans, and the very essence of humanism.

We cover a wide range of topics including:

• Connections between Straw Dogs and Taoism
• Whether becoming more moral as a society is possible
• Individualistic vs collectivistic ways of thinking
• Gray's critique on the idea that humans are special over animals
• Technology, striving, and human progress

And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode.

Links from the Episode:

Mentioned in the Show:

• Gaia hypothesis (2:45)
• The Vulnerable World Hypothesis (25:50)
• The Expanse (52:28)
• 3 Body Problem (52:31)
• Silo (52:36)
• Dark Matter (52:41)

Books Mentioned:

• Straw Dogs
• Novacene (2:41) (Book Episode)
• Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (7:47) (Book Episode)
• Lila (27:18)
• Tao Te Ching (29:14) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• The Fourth Turning (36:22) (Book Episode)
• Four Thousand Weeks (36:36)
• Feline Philosophy (39:03)
• The Way of Zen (43:11) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• Happy Accidents (45:24) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• Dark Matter (55:33)
• The Redemption of Time (59:00)
• The New Leviathans (1:02:08)

People Mentioned:

• John Gray
• James Lovelock (2:40)
• Nick Bostrom (25:46)
• Max Planck (32:50)
• Andrew Yang (Book Episode)
• Alan Watts (43:12)

Show Topics:

(0:00) In today's episode, we're covering Straw Dogs by John Gray. We kick off the episode by sharing our overall impressions of the book and connect it to one of our previous reads, Novacene.

(3:23) How would we summarize this book? Nat, Neil, and Adil share their interpretation of the book in their own words, comparing and contrasting their summaries.

(8:19) We discuss the disparity between our aspirations for progress and the reality of human nature, exploring how societal foundations have shifted.

(12:35) Examining John Gray's argument, we delve into the book's six sections, analyzing its reflections on human nature, morality, and the essence of progress.

(14:55) Are we evolutionarily any different from other animal species? We share the example of a hive of white ants, and their contributions to the collective vs. the individual.

(18:19) Measuring happiness and progress are both tricky. Plus, is it more harmful than beneficial to have faith in humanity and progress?

(23:11) We pull out some of our key quotes from the book about technology, evolution, and the collective. Technology is not a human-only thing, and over time, new technologies will continue to emerge.

(29:55) Differences between Robert Persig's and John Gray's ideas. We look at whether our views on life can change and how science fits into all of this.

(36:12) Gray appears anti-striving, with ideals that we shouldn't try to control life or we'll end up disappointed in the end.

(41:30) To strive or not to strive? We talk about the evolution of technology, it's accessibility in today's age, and the hard work that has happened in order for tech to progress.

(46:48) Black holes and string theory and dark matter. Oh my! We chat about some cool scientific theories and how they affect our understanding of the world.

(50:59) Lots of sci-fi books are being made into tv shows and hitting the major streaming services. Nat, Neil, and Adil list a few that they're excited about.

(59:42) Don't judge a book by the Goodreads reviews! If you're intrigued to pick up a copy of Straw Dogs, you can check that out here. We give our final thoughts on the book and discuss some other books that John Gray has written.

(1:05:22) That wraps up this episode! Next up, we'll be reading Flowers for Algernon. Make sure to check it out and read along with us before the next episode. Plus, Made You Think's got a new website! Head on over here to see the new format, view by topics and series, and leave us a book suggestion!

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter @TheRealNeilS, @adilmajid, @nateliason and share your thoughts on this episode.

You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We'll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads.

Thanks for listening. See you next time!

"Quality...you know what it is, yet you don't know what it is. But that's self-contradictory. But some things are better than others, that is, they have more quality. But when you try to say what the quality is, apart from the things that have it, it all goes poof! There's nothing to talk about. But if you can't say what Quality is, how do you know what it is, or how do you know that it even exists? If no one knows what it is, then for all practical purposes it doesn't exist at all. But for all practical purposes it really does exist."

Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're discussing Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig. Join us as we ride through the intersections of philosophy, a father and son motorcycle trip across America, and the pursuit of Quality.

We cover a wide range of topics including:

• Different learning styles and the value of hands-on experience
• Exploring the elusive concept of Quality
• Reflections on the narrative and philosophy of the book
• Overcoming gumption traps and staying enthusiastic
• How the journey is just as important as the destination

And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode.

Links from the Episode:

Mentioned in the Show:

• Apple Podcasts (0:46)
• Spotify (1:07)
• Steve Jobs Presents to the Cupertino City Council (6:30)
• Chris Langan: The Bouncer (30:24)
• 24 (58:01)

Books Mentioned:

• Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
• Lila: An Inquiry into Morals (15:40)
• The Animate and the Inanimate (30:49)
• Outliers (31:39)
• Tao Te Ching (40:50) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• Gödel, Escher, Bach (47:37) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• Infinite Jest (47:58) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• The Three-Body Problem (57:29) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)

People Mentioned:

• Robert M. Pirsig
• Michel Thomas (13:07)
• William James Sidis (30:32)
• Christopher Langan (31:22)
• Jack Bauer (58:00)
• Liu Cixin (58:37)

Show Topics:

(0:00) We open the episode with our take on podcast analytics. Though people can choose where they want to listen, it's hard to get a sense of overall listening numbers across platforms as a whole.

(2:49) Today's episode is centered around Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Neil connects his college experience to the book, describing the contrast between theoretical vs. applied learning.

(5:35) Different learning styles, emphasizing hands-on experience, and the importance of practical understanding over theory.

(9:43) Why is it that not every great athlete can go on to become a great coach? It all comes down to being able to apply and share your knowledge in a given setting.

(12:59) Sharing our thoughts on how the story was written, the narrative of the motorcycle trip, and how the sequel compares to this story.

(18:43)The author opens the door to a variety of ideas such as learning to be in the present moment and how to focus on one thing at a time. Though Pirsig is intuitive across several domains, we find that he struggles to put these concepts into words.

(23:12) While on a trip with his son and another couple, the author reflects on flashbacks in his life, including the treatment of his past insanity. Through fixing the bike and traveling across the country, he learns many valuable lessons and philosophies along the way.

(28:23) We briefly discuss the sequel where Pirsig highlights William James Sidis, known for his incredibly high IQ and profound ideas on the origin of life.

(32:43) Comparing bike riding to a full-body meditation. Each limb has a specific task to operate the bike, and you have to be focused on the road in front of you, truly bringing yourself to the present moment.

(34:10) Nat, Neil, and Adil ponder the concept of Quality, its connection to science, spirituality, and the importance of peace of mind. Quality is all about applying yourself and your senses in the present moment, and being one with what you are doing.

(40:54) Nat shares his perspective on the book's cognitive challenges and the reconciliation of theory and practice within the book.

(45:18) One unique factor about this book is that it doesn't necessarily mean to give you a conclusive solution at the end. It's all about enjoying the journey, and being okay with the fact that you may not have arrived anywhere by the end of the book.

(48:53) Appreciating the book's humor, comical dialogues, and character depth, with a desire for more insight into the minds of the minor characters.

(52:05) It can be very difficult to get started on any project, especially when you think of the whole scope of what you're about to do. If you can start with just one part, it becomes more manageable. We relate this idea to the book writing process.

(1:04:37) What are gumption traps, and how can you avoid falling into them? Plus, we give some examples of common gumption traps that you may fall into that diminish your enthusiasm.

(1:11:47) That concludes this episode! If this episode intrigued you, make sure to pick up a copy of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Next up, we'll be reading Straw Dogs by John Gray. Plus, we have an exciting announcement coming soon. Stay tuned for future episodes to stay in the know!

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter @TheRealNeilS, @adilmajid, @nateliason and share your thoughts on this episode.

You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We'll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads.

Thanks for listening. See you next time!

"Modern economies will always be tied to massive material flows, whether those of ammonia-based fertilizers to feed the still-growing global population; plastics, steel, and cement needed for new tools, machines, structures, and infrastructures; or new inputs required to produce solar cells, wind turbines, electric cars, and storage batteries. And until all energies used to extract and process these materials come from renewable conversions, modern civilization will remain fundamentally dependent on the fossil fuels used in the production of these indispensable materials. No AI, no apps, and no electronic messages will change that."

Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're delving into the intricate layers of How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil. From dissecting the dynamics of energy to unraveling the building blocks of our material world, this episode takes us on a journey through the realms of numbers, magnitudes, and the underpinnings that shape our daily existence. Get ready to expand your mind and question the fabric of the world around us!

We cover a wide range of topics including:

• The four foundational products of civilization
• Why our food and nutrition isn't the same anymore
• Intricate steps and nuances in global energy creation
• What may be on the horizon for crypto this year
• How much diesel is embedded into the production of a tomato?

And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode.

Links from the Episode:

Mentioned in the Show:

• Preorder Crypto Confidential (0:03)
• Solana Mobile (1:28)
• Outside the System (16:12)
• The Joe Rogan Experience - White Oak Pastures (18:52)
• Oatly (27:48)
• SpaceX (29:47)
• Terraform Industries (31:29)
• Helion Energy (38:01)
• Inflation Reduction Act (38:53)
• Monsanto (52:04)
• Kraken (57:00)
• The White Pill (1:00:19)
• Age of Miracles (1:02:17)
• Hardcore History 59 The Destroyer of Worlds - Dan Carlin (1:12:40)

Books Mentioned:

• How the World Really Works
• Energy and Civilization (7:18) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• Where Is My Flying Car (7:32) (Book Episode)
• What Your Food Ate (20:44) (Book Episode)
• How to Avoid a Climate Disaster (54:02)
• Project Hail Mary (1:05:20)
• Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (1:06:01)
• Straw Dogs (1:06:02)
• Superintelligence (1:06:24)

People Mentioned:

• Vaclav Smil
• Joe Rogan (18:51)
• Bill Gates (48:40)
• Greta Thunberg (54:37)
• Nick Bostrom (1:06:10)
• Dan Carlin (1:08:35)

Show Topics:

(0:00) The news is out - Nat's new book Crypto Confidential is available for preorder! We open the episode by talking about crypto, AI coins, and how BTC and ETH have established themselves in the world of crypto.

(6:53) In today's episode, we're discussing How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil. We draw some similarities from some previous reads in the podcast such as Where Is My Flying Car? and another great from Smil, Energy and Civilization.

(10:20) Adil highlights some of the key points from the book, including the four fundamental products—ammonia, cement, plastic, and steel—that shape our modern world, shedding light on challenges in essential industries.

(14:19) Because we're so disembodied with how things are built and how people are fed, we're able to indulge in things as a society that are not necessarily realistic in terms of decarbonization.

(19:34) Discussing nutrition deficiencies, we explore the disconnect between the food we eat and its nutritional value, raising questions about our reliance on technology over essential fields like soil science and food production.

(22:31) The impact of fertilization, nutrition deficiencies, and current farming practices. Nat, Neil, and Adil discuss alternatives for a healthier, more sustainable future.

(28:13) While more and more attention goes into technology rather than food science and soil science, we have seen an increased interest in nuclear energy. For many decades, we've been so highly focused on software rather than hardware. Are we due for a shift?

(31:21) We delve into a discussion on carbon capture, Bitcoin mining's energy-efficient possibilities, and cost-effective energy production.

(37:58) The life cycle of oil, Department of Energy's investments into different forms of energy, and the efficiency of gasoline vs. electric.

(42:01) In the book, Smil dives into the crude oil consumption per pound of different things you eat throughout its entire life cycle. From chicken to tomatoes, and seafood, too.

(48:22 Is meat actually destroying the environment? It all depends on what you're replacing it with.

(53:57) Discussing Bill Gates' environmental ideals, we explore his support for climate-friendly technology and its potential to compete with fossil fuels

(57:14) Is there room for more crypto exchange platforms, and what else is on the horizon for this year in crypto?

(1:02:48) Similarly, what is the future when it comes to the world of energy and our country's investment into it? Technology is often the cause of all problems in science fiction settings, whereas more positive sci-fi could help paint a better picture around technology and its future.

(1:05:59) Down the line for Made You Think, we'll have episodes on Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and Straw Dogs. Make sure to grab a copy of those books before these episodes come out and read along with us!

(1:13:17) The Goldsboro B-52 crash led to the accidental release of two nuclear bombs. The incident raised concerns about the safety of nuclear weapons and the potential catastrophic consequences of accidents involving such powerful devices.

(1:17:14) That wraps up this episode, thanks for listening! Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes, leave a comment or review, and preorder your copy of Crypto Confidential.

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter @TheRealNeilS, @adilmajid, @nateliason and share your thoughts on this episode.

You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We'll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads.

Thanks for listening. See you next time!

"Perhaps the deepest reason why we are afraid of death is because we do not know who we are. We believe in a personal, unique, and separate identity — but if we dare to examine it, we find that this identity depends entirely on an endless collection of things to prop it up: our name, our "biography," our partners, family, home, job, friends, credit cards… It is on their fragile and transient support that we rely for our security. So when they are all taken away, will we have any idea of who we really are?"

Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're diving into The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche. We'll navigate the realms of meditation, telepathy, and the essence of a peaceful death. Come join us in this mind-opening episode that transcends the ordinary and challenges our perceptions of life, death, and everything in between!

We cover a wide range of topics including:

• How to find more meaning from your meditation
• Telepathy, shared hallucinations, and the uncharted territories of the brain and body
• The role our egos play in spiritual practices
• Reincarnation and the continuous nature of consciousness
• The sacredness of birth and dying

And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode.

Links from the Episode:

Mentioned in the Show:

• Headspace (4:22)
• Waking Up (4:23)
• Zazen (5:00)
• The Marathon Monks (19:10)
• Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research Lab (23:06)
• Spiritual awakening meme (41:37)
• Life is Short (1:00:12)
• C-section rates by country (1:17:04)

Books Mentioned:

• The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying
• The Comfort Crisis (1:26) (Book Episode)
• The Way of Zen (4:54) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• The Denial of Death (16:44) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• Happy Accidents (27:28) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• A Monk's Guide to A Clean House & Mind (38:34)
• The Myth of Sisyphus (39:09) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• The Beginning of Infinity (53:17) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)

People Mentioned:

• Arthur Flowerdew (20:54)
• Wim Hof (33:17)

Show Topics:

(1:02) In today's episode, we're talking about The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying in which Rinpoche explores the concepts of life, death, and rebirth. We open up the show talking about meditation, microdosing, and how to incorporate meditation into your day.

(6:07) Finding meaning from meditation, the role it plays in rehearsing death, and finding profound meaning in the experience.

(7:59) Is death just a middle step in our journey as opposed to the end? We talk about the author's beliefs regarding reincarnation and the idea that while our energy never dies, it has the capability of taking another form.

(11:41) Attachments, the terror of losing your identity when you die, and why believing in reincarnation offers a valuable perspective.

(16:51) The author's definition of "attachments" would most likely be broader than you'd expect. It not only encompasses your material possessions, but anything that contributes to what you see as your identity.

(20:09) We talk about different phenomenons that happen in your body once you pass, plus some interesting stories in the book, such as remembering information from a past life.

(24:57) Telepathy: Is it realistic? Everything can seem magical or nonsensical until you can gather some sort of argument or case or explanation for it. Hundreds of years ago we may have thought the idea of electricity was a hoax, but today, it exists.

(28:15) There are so many things about our brain and body that we have yet to understand. Plus, we discuss the potential effects of electromagnetic pollution on our bodies.

(33:02) The first step in working your way up to telepathy or cross-mind communication is knowing your own mind and body first.

(34:23) How mindfulness can help you pull yourself back into the present moment. We often worry about the future or something not going to plan. When you remember that all things are impermanent, it makes it easier to accept things as they are right now.

(40:09) Ego and its role in spiritual practices.

(42:55) Shared hallucinations in sleep paralysis and altered states of consciousness induced by psychedelics.

(47:53) Nat shares a story of when he took psilocybin, and how that posed questions of whether we are connected to consciousness, especially for those who we are directly related to.

(52:21) Where are we in the journey of knowing everything? There's no good way to measure this, as it can often feel that the more we learn, the less we actually know.

(56:09) In today's age, we have the capability to broadcast our thoughts and opinions on social media to a large audience. Once you say it, it can't be taken back. How will we see social media shaping the relationship between parents and their children?

(1:00:36) "Peaceful death is really an essential human right, more essential perhaps even than the right to vote or the right to justice; it is a right on which, all religious traditions tell us, a great deal depends for the well-being and spiritual future of the dying person."

What someone needs for a peaceful death, and how they may be more aware than you think.

(1:04:05) Neil shares his experience of how he felt reading the book in relation to his dad's passing. We have a discussion on the key differences between a home-environment and the hospital, and when you might opt for one over the other.

(1:10:51) When you're in the process of dying, it's not uncommon to change the way you view the world. Knowing your time is limited, you may find yourself to be more vulnerable with your loved ones and more deeply appreciating the moments you spend.

(1:14:21) Comparing birth and death as unique, sacred experiences, and the potential impact of hospital settings on these significant life events.

(1:20:56) We examine the theme of the mind outlasting the body, contrasting it with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

(1:25:39) When it comes to death and rebirth, many traditions talk about a similar experience of viewing your entire life in detail. Where did these ideas originate from?

(1:29:10) That concludes this episode! Make sure to pick up a copy of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying to learn more about Tibetan Buddhist wisdom. Stay tuned for our next episode in which we will be reading Israel: A History!

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter @TheRealNeilS, @adilmajid, @nateliason and share your thoughts on this episode.

You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We'll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads.

Thanks for listening. See you next time!

"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honours the servant and has forgotten the gift."

Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're diving into Novacene by James Lovelock, a book which challenges the very essence of human intelligence. Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation that delves into the realms of evolution, deep oceans, and the enigmatic dance between humanity and artificial intelligence.

We cover a wide range of topics including:

• Gaia hypothesis and its connections to the book
• Intelligence beyond the human-centric view
• How the evolution of organisms has affected global temperatures
• The uncovered mysteries of the deep ocean
• Will AI be a friend or foe to humans?

And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode.

Links from the Episode:

Mentioned in the Show:

• Gaia hypothesis (1:53)
• Tesla Bot (23:52)
• Stealth (25:05)
• Cruise (27:26)
• Waymo (27:26)
• Arrival (35:54)
• Bees playing soccer (39:32)
• Brilliant Earth (49:01)
• They Did The Math (49:42)
• Dark Forest theory (55:16)
• Rooted Local (1:02:16)

Books Mentioned:

• The Three-Body Problem (0:03) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• Homo Deus (0:46) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• Breath (13:35) (Nat's Book Notes)
• Deep (13:37)
• The Hidden Life of Trees (19:14)
• Permutation City (21:12) (Book Episode)
• Where Is My Flying Car? (22:35) (Book Episode)
• Antifragile (36:24) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• The Fighter's Mind (37:41) (Nat's Book Notes)

People Mentioned:

• James Lovelock (1:54)
• James Nestor (13:36)
• Nassim Taleb (36:24)

Show Topics:

(1:46) Buckle up for this episode as we discuss Novacene, authored by the originator of the Gaia Theory, James Lovelock. The book probes into humanity's role in the world and speculates on a future where machines might supersede us.

(4:34) Lovelock wrote this book with the help of his assistant when he was 99 years old. We talk about what exactly the Gaia Theory is and the end of the age of Anthropocene.

(9:50) We go deeper into sharing our thoughts on the Gaia Theory and how the evolution of organisms have affected the regulation of the global temperature.

(13:10) How much do we actually know about the deepest parts of the ocean? Plus, learn about the author's involvement with designing instruments for NASA.

(16:40) Nat, Neil, and Adil make connections from Novacene to The Three-Body Problem. Historically, we've looked for life on other planets the way we would measure life on earth, but are extraterrestrial species carbon-based like we are?

(19:04) Our idea of time here on Earth is based on our life and our own orbit around the sun, but another civilization could view time in a completely different way.

(24:21) Addressing AI predictions, military applications, and the challenges of AI intervention, including experiences with self-driving cars.

(32:08) Is our technology watching us?

(35:28) The limitations of language as an information interface and the intuitive nature of processing multiple inputs. Speaking, for example, is completely linear. However, when you have multiple inputs, you're able to be more intuitive.

(39:18) We talk about exploring intelligence beyond the human-centric view, considering the collective intelligence of species like bees.

(42:05) It's powerful the progress that has been made with ChatGPT, but there still remains the question of whether or not it will be a linear process to AGI (artificial general intelligence).

(46:02) The intersection of crypto mining, Bitcoin, and futuristic energy societies, along with the possibility of harnessing CO2 for creation.

(52:24) Earth is a rare, one-of-a-kind planet. How the universe had to align for habitability on earth, and the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe.

(58:29) Would AI have the potential for parallel processing capabilities?

(1:00:35) Nat and Neil share their final thoughts on Novacene and Lovelock's charming writing style. If you were intrigued by our discussions in this episode, make sure you pick up a copy!

(1:01:59) That concludes this episode! Stay tuned for our next episode on the The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche.

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter @TheRealNeilS, @adilmajid, @nateliason and share your thoughts on this episode.

You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We'll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads.

Thanks for listening. See you next time!

"But at a purely personal level, Rondon embodied the best of both modern and old-fashioned virtues. He was intensely and genuinely patriotic, adhered to traditional codes of honor, bravery, and chivalry, and repeatedly demonstrated a moral rectitude that, enhanced a character both ascetic and abstemious, impressed those who regularly came into contact with him."

Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're picking up the conversation on our favorite Brazilian explorer, Cândido Rondon, with Into the Amazon. Rohter's book dives into the untold stories of Rondon and Roosevelt, shining a spotlight on the uncharted territories, unique challenges, and extraordinary legacies left behind in the heart of the Amazon.

We cover a wide range of topics including:

• Rondon's unique approach to exploration
• Animal and plant life within the Amazon
• How Rondon navigated each obstacle from sickness to river crossings
• Technology's impact on different generations
• The relationship between tech and human intelligence

And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode.

Links from the Episode:

Mentioned in the Show:

• Rondônia (2:10)
• Joe Rogan Experience #2013 – Paul Rosolie (4:55)
• Positivism (10:58)
• AI podcast episode - Joe Rogan and Steve Jobs (18:14)
• Meta's AI characters (22:46)
• Pavlok(24:19)
• Idiocracy (1:07:42)
• Apple Vision Pro (1:25:35)

Books Mentioned:

• Homo Deus (0:13) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• Infinite Jest (0:15) (Book Episode I) (Book Episode II) (Nat's Book Notes)
• The River of Doubt (Book Episode)
• Mother of God (5:00)
• Seeing Like a State (45:02) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• What Your Food Ate (45:40) (Book Episode)
• Einstein's Dreams (1:29:02)
• The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying (1:31:53)
• Surfaces and Essences (1:32:30)
• Metaphors We Live By (1:32:47)
• Novacene (1:33:45)
• Atlas Shrugged (1:35:10) (Book Episode) (Nat's Book Notes)
• Israel: A History (1:37:10)

People Mentioned:

• Cândido Rondon (1:55)
• Paul Rosolie (4:55)

Show Topics:

(0:00) Today, we're venturing into the heart of the Amazon rainforest, as we discuss Into the Amazon by Larry Rohter. Though not a direct sequel, it spins off of a previous episode on The River of Doubt, and gives us more insight into the life of Cândido Rondon.

(1:57) In the era of great explorers, Rondon's discoveries were often overshadowed by the Europeans. Though he is very well-respected in Brazil, his accomplishments aren't as widely known in the US.

(6:18) We talk a bit about Paul Rosolie and his preservation efforts in the Amazon rainforest, as well as why the forest felt empty in terms of wildlife throughout their exploration.

(8:41) Rondon's peaceful demeanor and rationalist approach. He had a high tolerance and respect for the native tribes that he came across, and in return, they embraced him and his crew.

(12:12) In addition to being an explorer, Rondon was a soldier. We also talk about Brazil's infrastructure advancements and how Rondon viewed the natives as Brazilian, whereas the Brazilian government hardly saw them as part of their people.

(15:48) The friendship between Cândido Rondon and Theodore Roosevelt, and Roosevelt's profound respect for Rondon. We witness how Roosevelt's initial perception of Rondon transformed during their shared journeys, shedding light on Roosevelt's character and open-mindedness.

(20:43) The rich history of Rondon's story is preserved through detailed diaries and journals kept by the explorers. The survival of these records is nothing short of miraculous when you consider the conditions they were in on their journey.

(22:21) Meta's new AI features where you can talk to different personalities, based on the topics that you're interested in.

(25:35) Rondon had opoprtunities to go down many paths in his life. He had developed several unique skills very early on in his childhood, yet exploring the Amazon is ultimately what he chose to pursue.

(30:48) There were several elements to Rondon that uncovered as we read Into the Amazon that we may not have realized while reading The River of Doubt. Very military-like, Rondon created order for their day and took leadership on their expedition.

(35:17) We share some badass Rondon stories that stuck out to us, including how he navigated a seemingly improbable river crossing with all of the cargo of his crew.

(39:30) When times got tough and supplies ran low, Rondon always stuck to the mission.

(42:31) Deforestation and its long-term consequences. Plant life is so dense in the Amazon; if it ever gets cleared out, it'd be near impossible to bring it back to what it once was.

(47:13) The effects of global shipping traffic and it's pollution into the atmosphere.

(50:32) The later years of Rondon was more of a focus in this book vs. The River of Doubt. We discuss his family life, which included a wife and 7 children. They communicated via telegrams throughout his many missions and projects where he was forced to be away from home.

(57:40) Einstein had heard so much about Rondon during his time in Brazil that he submitted a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for him without even meeting him.

(1:00:34) Your body always tells you what you need. If Rondon is sick? Just give him some pineapple!

(1:01:31) Though Rondon is framed as a tough explorer, he was also an intellectual. He documented a lot of the indigenous languages and transcribed it based on his interactions with the tribes.

(1:04:45) Tangent time: Which celebrities could potentially run for office, and who is big enough to have their names still referrenced after their passing?

(1:07:39) Our thoughts on the movie Idiocracy and theories on the relationship between technology and intelligence levels. Will our generation always be the most technological competent generation?

(1:15:09) How technology has shaped generations differently, especially Gen Z and Millenials.

(1:20:33) We throw it back to when we were younger, talking about different devices that were around then and how they compare to the more modern, current models.

(1:23:08) The development of Apple, and how they were able to shift so elegantly from the iPod to bigger and better devices.

(1:29:01) We throw out some ideas of books to cover in future episodes. Which ones stuck out to you? Let us know!

(1:40:48) That wraps up this episode! Make sure to pick up a copy of Into the Amazon if you liked this episode. Stay tuned as we will be reading The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying and Novacene in the next few episodes.

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter @TheRealNeilS, @adilmajid, @nateliason and share your thoughts on this episode.

You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We'll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads.

Thanks for listening. See you next time!

"The idea was to prove at every foot of the way up that you were one of the elected and anointed ones who had the right stuff and could move higher and higher and even—ultimately, God willing, one day—that you might be able to join that special few at the very top, that elite who had the capacity to bring tears to men's eyes, the very Brotherhood of the Right Stuff itself."

Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're covering The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe. Through vivid storytelling, Wolfe shares the world of the fearless pilots and astronauts who possessed the elusive "right stuff". The book provides an intimate look at their lives, the challenges they faced, and the profound impact they had on the history of space exploration.

We cover a wide range of topics including:

• The evolution of the aerospace industry and its rapid growth
• How fighter pilots became pioneers in space exploration
• Compelling stories of astronauts and their intense training regimens
• The battle between NASA and the Air Force in the quest for space
• What it truly means to have 'The Right Stuff'

And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode.

Links from the Episode:

Mentioned in the Show:

• Top Gun (3:53)
• Project Mercury (4:31)
• Anduril - Fury (12:01)
• Palmer Luckey on Fury (14:50)
• Intrepid Museum (15:31)
• Overture plane (22:01)
• The Antarctic Treaty (34:39)

Books Mentioned:

• The Bonfire of the Vanities (1:55)
• The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test (2:17)
• Where Is My Flying Car? (2:30) (Book Episode)
• The River of Doubt (32:43) (Book Episode)
• Breath (40:39) (Nat's Book Notes)

People Mentioned:

• Tom Wolfe (0:48)
• Chuck Yeager (10:49)
• Alan Shepard (24:37)
• John Young (45:242)

Show Topics:

(0:00) In today's episode, we're discussing The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe. The book not only boasts a charismatic writing style, but also draws intriguing connections to a previous book we covered, Where Is My Flying Car?

(3:40) We delve into the book's narrative flow, which initially spotlights fighter pilots and their rigorous training before transitioning into the captivating realm of the U.S. space program. From the early stages to the groundbreaking Project Mercury, the book highlights the personalities behind those who ventured into the unknown.

(6:07) How astronaut requirements shifted from an open-door policy to a more selective process. Plus, we talk about the advancement in computing technology that made these audacious projects possible.

(10:44) What once seemed impossible in the world of space exploration became possible in a short amount of time. There was also a shift from manual to automatic controls as the technology became more advanced.

(12:57) What does it mean if you possess "The Right Stuff"? As we explore its application in the world of aviation, we draw parallels to other fields, such as sports.

(15:24) Buckle up for some mindblowing facts and statistics on several high-speed aircrafts, including the SR71, Concorde, and X15.

(19:12) Ever wondered what it feels like to approach the speed of sound in the transonic zone? There are many complexities when it comes to operating a high-speed aircraft like the Concorde.

(22:40) How political dynamics influenced the approaches taken by NASA and the Air Force, from rocket models to plane models for space exploration.

(29:13) The quest for space exploration has been marked by trial and error.

(31:20) While there are very few remaining opportunities for land exploration on Earth, there is exciting potential for migration to other planets.

(35:52) It can take between 7-14 months to reach Mars, not to mention the many dangers you may be facing along the way.

(40:30) We talk about the connection between how you breathe and weight loss, as well as the importance of consistent airflow in your work and sleep environments.

(43:40) Did you know The Right Stuff is also a movie? Make sure to check it out, especially if you are intrigued with this episode!

(45:13) The training regimens for many of these missions were so intense that when the astonauts were actually on the flight, they were seemingly desensitized to the whole experience.

(48:55) There was often tension between fighter pilots and test pilots, as well as discussions on whether becoming an astronaut would be harmful to a pilot's military career.

(55:55) That wraps up this episode! Our next episode features Cândido Rondon, who you may remember from our episode on The River of Doubt. Stay tuned for that one!

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter @TheRealNeilS, @adilmajid, @nateliason and share your thoughts on this episode.

You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We'll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads.

Thanks for listening. See you next time!