ACX
Clarification On "Fake Tradition Is Traditional"
Scott Alexander refines his thoughts on tradition formation, proposing a three-part model that emphasizes the success of practical actions and those tied to tradition.
4 min read 476 words
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tradition
Essays tagged “tradition”. Follow an idea across the archive.
Essays on tradition
6 essaysACX
Fake Tradition Is Traditional
Scott Alexander defends the practice of looking to idealized traditions for inspiration, arguing it's a common and useful human approach to creativity and innovation.
10 min read 1,539 words
SSC
Highlights From The Comments On Cultural Evolution
Scott Alexander summarizes and responds to various comments on his review of 'The Secret of Our Success', covering topics from language evolution to cultural practices and critiques of the book's claims.
37 min read 5,629 words
SSC
Asymmetric Weapons Gone Bad
Scott Alexander examines how increased rational debate doesn't always lead to truth, using personal and societal examples, and suggests ways to carefully approach traditions and changes.
25 min read 3,807 words
SSC
Book Review: The Secret Of Our Success
Scott reviews 'The Secret of Our Success' by Joseph Henrich, which argues that culture, not raw intelligence, is key to human success and explores the evolutionary basis for cultural transmission.
52 min read 7,907 words
SSC
Inefficient Hot Dogs
Scott Alexander examines the hot dog and bun quantity mismatch as evidence that markets may not always efficiently respond to consumer preferences.
3 min read 315 words