Your #27 is basically #1 in a Halloween costume :D
> 1. Every story we hear, whether an anecdote from a friend, a new report, or a historical story, has some “point” to it. It’s worth telling because something about it is notable. In telling stories, certain details become emphasized (sharpened) and, because most details are irrelevant, others get de-emphasized or removed (leveling). The result is most stories we hear are more extreme and less ambiguous than real life.
Applies to listicles too, I guess. Maybe that's why listicles are such a popular format. And why listicles trade off depth in exchange for memorability.
Usually lists like this go on too long. That's where I thought it was going to happen when I saw that it was 26. But these are all awesome. If I had to pick one, I would say number 23. Thanks Tommy
No, these are timeless thoughts that are as useful in 1996 as they will be in 2056*
Well done.
I disagree with #21: the giant ignorance voids are the scariest, but also the most rewarding.
That's when you pick up a book on the topic and start building your knowledge right from the middle of that giant void.
Or if you happen to run across someone with subject matter expertise at a party, you drag them to the introvert corner and interrogate them until they start glancing down at their watch (I jest, this doesn't happen all that often because they usually love talking about something they know well, and it's unusual to have a rapt audience).
I'd argue that curiosity is easiest if you indulge it before it's beaten out of you by the public education system.
*Disclaimer: this is not encouragement to recycle the list in 2027.
Obviously there's nuance left out of all of these, including #21. I also enjoy diving into a totally new subject! But I don't often find myself pulling a random biography of someone I've never heard the name of, just to learn something new -- it tends to be more interesting if I have some pre-existing reason to find the topic interesting. Often that's some adjacent knowledge, but there are other reasons too!
I won't recycle the list in 2027. I'll add one new item
Okay, that's fair. I don't do that either. I was thinking more of the times when I thought "I don't know what what this is, but I NEED it in my life!" And then my wife finds me several hours later, deep in a Wikipedia rabbit hole with 42 tabs open, and tells me I need a shower.
You're right. I don't jump randomly into ignorance voids about underwater basket weaving or the botany of Algeria under colonial rule. Those topics *might* be interesting, but do find myself ignoring most of the sections at Barnes and Noble and gravitating toward certain areas...hmm.
I found this list helpful. #24 is such a bittersweet truth. So often I try to articulate a personal understanding that feels so relevant and deep. Then the attempt flops, and I wish I had just kept it to myself. The idea I would share is so obviously profound in the lens of my mental models. But sharing those mental models is difficult, and then, are my mental models universal or relatable? So, the older I get the happier I am to let go of the need to share my inner understandings. If the person I am trying to reach won't understand, no amount of words will change that, or perhaps it's not worth the effort. On the other hand, if they can understand, all that's needed is a word or a glance. And that is so satisfying when it happens. Or later your understanding changes, and you are glad you didn't broadcast the old perspective.
> "So often I try to articulate a personal understanding that feels so relevant and deep."
I've felt this more and more as I've gotten older. All those old cliches now ring a bit more true, but when I try to articulate how they're actually true and not trite, it just comes out as a cliche.
What’s interesting is how much of our worldview is shaped by sampling bias without us noticing. The stories that spread are the extreme ones. The failures, the outrage, the breakthrough hits. Quiet competence rarely travels as far. That alone can make the world feel more chaotic than it is.
This is a thoughtful list, especially the points about sampling bias, habits, and how easily our perception of reality becomes distorted. It reminds me how Scripture consistently calls us to humility about what we think we “know.” “Now we see through a glass dimly…” (1 Cor. 13:12). Our perspective is always partial, which is why wisdom requires both reflection and grace toward others.
Your insight about habits and reducing friction also connects spiritually. Formation, whether intellectual, emotional, or spiritual, rarely happens by sheer willpower alone. Daniel didn’t decide daily whether to pray; he had a rhythm (Dan. 6:10). Jesus withdrew regularly to quiet places (Luke 5:16). Structure often protects purpose.
I also appreciated the reminder that expertise can be invisible and that builders deserve respect. That echoes the biblical call to encourage rather than merely critique (1 Thess. 5:11). It’s easy to dismantle; harder, and holier, to build.
If there’s a question running beneath your reflections, perhaps it’s this: how do we live wisely amid bias, noise, and competing goals? Scripture would answer; seek wisdom (Prov. 4:7), cultivate self-control as fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23), and stay grounded in truth rather than appearances (Prov. 3:5–6).
Thanks for sharing these reflections. They’re a helpful invitation to think more carefully, live more intentionally, and notice both the limits of our perspective and the quiet good that often surrounds us unnoticed.
27. If someone gives you more than 25 useful thoughts, stick to the one that resonated with you most and file the rest for later.
Jokes aside, thanks for these thoughts! Now I know how Goliath grew from 6'9" to 9 feet tall.
He grew that tall by eating his vegetables, right? (Putting this comment here in case my 4 year old somehow reads my Substack)
Not to mention all the love Goliath got from his dad! Your kid should be right on track to be the next Wemby 👍
Your #27 is basically #1 in a Halloween costume :D
> 1. Every story we hear, whether an anecdote from a friend, a new report, or a historical story, has some “point” to it. It’s worth telling because something about it is notable. In telling stories, certain details become emphasized (sharpened) and, because most details are irrelevant, others get de-emphasized or removed (leveling). The result is most stories we hear are more extreme and less ambiguous than real life.
Applies to listicles too, I guess. Maybe that's why listicles are such a popular format. And why listicles trade off depth in exchange for memorability.
Usually lists like this go on too long. That's where I thought it was going to happen when I saw that it was 26. But these are all awesome. If I had to pick one, I would say number 23. Thanks Tommy
Glad you enjoyed it! I was worried 26 was going to be too few, the ones I've seen floating around are often 50!
For 2026?
No, these are timeless thoughts that are as useful in 1996 as they will be in 2056*
Well done.
I disagree with #21: the giant ignorance voids are the scariest, but also the most rewarding.
That's when you pick up a book on the topic and start building your knowledge right from the middle of that giant void.
Or if you happen to run across someone with subject matter expertise at a party, you drag them to the introvert corner and interrogate them until they start glancing down at their watch (I jest, this doesn't happen all that often because they usually love talking about something they know well, and it's unusual to have a rapt audience).
I'd argue that curiosity is easiest if you indulge it before it's beaten out of you by the public education system.
*Disclaimer: this is not encouragement to recycle the list in 2027.
Thanks!
Obviously there's nuance left out of all of these, including #21. I also enjoy diving into a totally new subject! But I don't often find myself pulling a random biography of someone I've never heard the name of, just to learn something new -- it tends to be more interesting if I have some pre-existing reason to find the topic interesting. Often that's some adjacent knowledge, but there are other reasons too!
I won't recycle the list in 2027. I'll add one new item
Okay, that's fair. I don't do that either. I was thinking more of the times when I thought "I don't know what what this is, but I NEED it in my life!" And then my wife finds me several hours later, deep in a Wikipedia rabbit hole with 42 tabs open, and tells me I need a shower.
You're right. I don't jump randomly into ignorance voids about underwater basket weaving or the botany of Algeria under colonial rule. Those topics *might* be interesting, but do find myself ignoring most of the sections at Barnes and Noble and gravitating toward certain areas...hmm.
I retract my comment about #21.
I found this list helpful. #24 is such a bittersweet truth. So often I try to articulate a personal understanding that feels so relevant and deep. Then the attempt flops, and I wish I had just kept it to myself. The idea I would share is so obviously profound in the lens of my mental models. But sharing those mental models is difficult, and then, are my mental models universal or relatable? So, the older I get the happier I am to let go of the need to share my inner understandings. If the person I am trying to reach won't understand, no amount of words will change that, or perhaps it's not worth the effort. On the other hand, if they can understand, all that's needed is a word or a glance. And that is so satisfying when it happens. Or later your understanding changes, and you are glad you didn't broadcast the old perspective.
> "So often I try to articulate a personal understanding that feels so relevant and deep."
I've felt this more and more as I've gotten older. All those old cliches now ring a bit more true, but when I try to articulate how they're actually true and not trite, it just comes out as a cliche.
What’s interesting is how much of our worldview is shaped by sampling bias without us noticing. The stories that spread are the extreme ones. The failures, the outrage, the breakthrough hits. Quiet competence rarely travels as far. That alone can make the world feel more chaotic than it is.
Absolutely!
Tommy,
This is a thoughtful list, especially the points about sampling bias, habits, and how easily our perception of reality becomes distorted. It reminds me how Scripture consistently calls us to humility about what we think we “know.” “Now we see through a glass dimly…” (1 Cor. 13:12). Our perspective is always partial, which is why wisdom requires both reflection and grace toward others.
Your insight about habits and reducing friction also connects spiritually. Formation, whether intellectual, emotional, or spiritual, rarely happens by sheer willpower alone. Daniel didn’t decide daily whether to pray; he had a rhythm (Dan. 6:10). Jesus withdrew regularly to quiet places (Luke 5:16). Structure often protects purpose.
I also appreciated the reminder that expertise can be invisible and that builders deserve respect. That echoes the biblical call to encourage rather than merely critique (1 Thess. 5:11). It’s easy to dismantle; harder, and holier, to build.
If there’s a question running beneath your reflections, perhaps it’s this: how do we live wisely amid bias, noise, and competing goals? Scripture would answer; seek wisdom (Prov. 4:7), cultivate self-control as fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23), and stay grounded in truth rather than appearances (Prov. 3:5–6).
Thanks for sharing these reflections. They’re a helpful invitation to think more carefully, live more intentionally, and notice both the limits of our perspective and the quiet good that often surrounds us unnoticed.
Blessings,
Ze Selassie
Inspiring me to put my phone in the basement. Just leaving one little comment first…
The top cartoon is a hilarious example of survivorship bias.