Essay
My Philosophy
How I think about learning, human creativity and doing good. An optimistic view of the future, with work to do and a life to enjoy along the way.
Philosophy
What makes a good explanation or a good life?
Ways of knowing, thinking clearly, and deciding what matters.
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Book review
The God Delusion
Richard Dawkins examines arguments about religion, morality and a supernatural creator. A clear, direct reliance on reason, with connections to Daniel Dennett’s work on religion.
Book review
21 Lessons for the 21st Century
Yuval Noah Harari connects the political and social questions of his book’s time with AI, work, community, education and meaning. Chapter-by-chapter commentary, appreciating the focus on concrete events rather than distant speculation.
Book review
Hell Yeah or No
Derek Sivers offers a decision rule: reserve commitment for ideas that earn an enthusiastic yes. A brief, positive reading note on this short book rather than a detailed review.
Book review
Antifragile
Taleb argues that some systems benefit from shocks and volatility. Notes on the Lindy effect, barbell strategy and skin in the game, with a linked review questioning how closely the other ideas relate to the central concept.
Book review
Stillness Is the Key
Holiday draws on Stoicism, Buddhism and other traditions to discuss attention, routine, relationships and solitude. Generally useful advice on inner calm, with reservations about the emphasis on finding a higher purpose.
Book review
Conjectures and Refutations
Popper argues that knowledge advances through conjectures and criticism rather than authoritative sources or accumulated confirmations. An intellectually engaging collection, with some repetition across the lectures.
Essay
Knowledge
A personal model of understanding: being unaware of what you do not know, recognising gaps, and learning enough to explain a subject to someone else. The essay treats learning and teaching as a continuing feedback loop.
Book review
Breaking the Spell
Dennett asks how religion can be studied scientifically, considering its origins, social effects and role in morality and meaning. An appreciated empirical approach, raising questions about religious belief.
Essay
Happiness
A short reflection gathering contrasting quotations about happiness from writers and philosophers. Floris treats happiness as a central concern while questioning whether wealth offers a direct route to it.
Book review
The Beginning of Infinity
David Deutsch’s case for progress through better explanations, criticism and human creativity. Notes on knowledge, optimism and the problems that new solutions create.
Essay
Stoic Fatalism
A personal interpretation of Stoic fatalism as accepting the past and present while continuing to act towards the future. A parent’s response to a child’s illness illustrates the cost of getting stuck in imagined alternatives.