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2,008 essays

Links For February

Scott Alexander shares a diverse collection of links on topics ranging from scientific studies to cultural phenomena, with brief commentary on each.

27 min read 4,149 words

Links For September

Scott Alexander presents a curated list of 37 diverse and interesting links, covering topics from historical events to recent scientific studies, with brief summaries and occasional commentary.

22 min read 3,285 words

Links For December

Scott Alexander shares 34 diverse and interesting links on topics ranging from historical curiosities to current scientific debates, with brief commentaries on each.

17 min read 2,607 words

Links For October

A compilation of 30 diverse links on various topics including science, history, technology, and culture, with brief commentaries by Scott Alexander.

19 min read 2,850 words

Applied Picoeconomics

Scott tests picoeconomics theory by creating a formal written oath to study two hours daily, which successfully works by creating the same psychological pressure as serious deadlines, and he provides practical advice for others to try this technique.

10 min read 1,416 words

Imperfect Voting Systems

Scott explains why no perfect voting system exists, using examples to show how different voting procedures lead to different outcomes, and discusses mathematical proofs demonstrating that all reasonable voting systems must allow some tactical voting.

Links For November

Scott Alexander shares 34 varied links and pieces of information on topics including science, history, politics, and technology, with brief commentary on many items.

24 min read 3,596 words

Metaculus Monday 2/8/21

Scott Alexander examines prediction markets, focusing on Metaculus forecasts for AI development and its potential impacts.

15 min read 2,201 words

Model City Monday 6/27/22

The post updates on charter cities, covering the repeal of Honduras' ZEDE law, Disney's Reedy Creek dissolution, and new projects like Afropolitan, while discussing ongoing developments and challenges.

22 min read 3,389 words

Survey Results

Scott analyzes results from a 166-person Less Wrong survey covering demographics, probability estimates on various topics, and philosophical positions, finding a highly educated, mostly male, atheist, politically libertarian/liberal community with surprisingly accurate collective knowledge but notable gaps between stated beliefs and actions.

Typical Mind and Politics

Scott explores how innate neurological differences in emotional responses might drive political disagreements, suggesting that people form intuitive reactions first and rationalize them later, making political debate extremely difficult.