Weekend Building Blocks - 25 AUG 2017

There's no value in collecting blocks unless you're connecting them to build something awesome!

Witty replies. Sexual sins. Optimal learning environments. Renaissance Men. Better understanding of mistakes.

1. Great Zinger! Buster Benson humorously discusses the use of witty responses used to embarrass or expose an opponent in dialogue. I see zingers used in social media arguments all the time. In an age of digital anonymity, it seems zingers are more and more popular, with less respect and less intent to find middle ground. The points are adding up and the divide is widening. Thoughts? 
2. The Physiophobe: Modern Man Against Reality. Professor Anthony Esolen uses the word physiophobe to describe a person who fears the way things are. He uses the concept of sexual sin to explain his rationale, but his argument can be extrapolated into a wide array of applications, fields, or topics. The claim that we manipulate the way things are should challenge the way we think about truth and our imaginations. 
3. Learning About Learning & the Brain - Interview with Neuroscientist Mary-Helen Immordino-Yang. Joshua Freedman converses with Dr. Mary-Helen Immordino-Yang on learning. Topics include: whether a student has to care about a given topic to learn it; use of tests and the associated fear of them; the neurological role of curiosity; optimal learning environments. How can we apply these theories to designing better training for our people? 
4. Does the world need polymaths? David Edmonds uses the stories of two young men to teach us about polymaths - people who know a lot about a lot. One of the statements is that a polymath is a "ringer in the pub quiz team." I contend that a polymath is not only one of vast knowledge, but their true strength comes from an ability to transfer concepts across domains and make fresh connections between the previously unconnected. 
5. Why Understanding These Four Types of Mistakes Can Help Us Learn.  Eduardo Briceño "helps people develop as motivated and effective learners." He separates mistakes into four categories: stretch; aha-moment; sloppy; high-stakes.  He gives a language in which to better understand errors to become and to create better learners. Do you agree with his categories? 

I wrote a blog this week:

• Triage: How to Better Prioritize Your Opportunities & Problems.  What tricks can we employ to become better problem-solvers when we face multiple simultaneous challenges? What factors into our decisions to handle one thing over the other? One thing that my wife (an emergency/trauma nurse) and I discuss is the concept of triage. 

For my law enforcement followers: Thom Dworak and I will be presenting another 3-day Growing Adaptive Thinking course, Jan 30 - Feb 01, 2018, in Chicago-Burr Ridge, IL. The site is conveniently located for out-of-town attendees, being close to Midway airport and lodging within almost walking distance. Registration will be through MTU#3-NEMRT, but not open just yet. 

I appreciate you allowing me to make these recommendations to you each Friday.

Lou Hayes, Jr.
thinking & adapting like a Tactical Philosopher
at The Illinois Model in Chicago.