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#psychology

October 2026 1 note

notes updated 1 min read

The isolated spots and patches of memory

The latest issue of New Philosopher magazine is about memory, and contains this wonderful quotation:

When a person endeavours to recall his early life in its entirety he finds it is not possible: he is like one who ascends a hill to survey the prospect before him on a day of heavy cloud and shadow, who sees at a distance, now here, now there, some feature in the landscape – hill or wood or tower or spire – touched and made conspicuous by a transitory sunbeam while all else remains in obscurity. The scenes, people, events we are able by an effort to call up do not present themselves in order; there is no order, no sequence or regular progression – nothing, in fact, but isolated spots or patches, brightly illumined and vividly seen, in the midst of a wide shrouded mental landscape.

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August 2026 1 note

notes updated 16 min read

Highlights from 'A Philosophy of Shame'

AI summary

Doug highlights key points from A Philosophy of Shame by Frédéric Gros, exploring shame's role in modern society, its transformation into anger, and its impact on individual behaviour. He notes the book's examination of shame's three forms—moral, narcissistic, and social-ideal—and its critique of systemic shame and privilege. Doug found the book insightful and recommended it for further reading.

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July 2026 1 note

notes 3 min read

Need for cognition

AI summary

Doug summarises David Brooks' article from The Atlantic, which explores how AI usage varies based on individuals' predispositions, or their need for cognition. Brooks proposes a typology of users: Productive Passengers (low need for cognition), Reluctant Optimizers (medium need), and Mental Marathoners (high need), with Doug noting Brooks' concern about a potential "mental underclass" but finding the typology somewhat oversimplified.

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June 2026 1 note

notes 4 min read

The airpod bubble

AI summary

Headphones like AirPods create a personal "bubble" that can be comforting but also isolating, reducing spontaneous social interactions and increasing loneliness. Research indicates heavy headphone use makes people feel lonelier and less likely to engage in meaningful conversations, while also causing listeners to perceive audio content as more intimate and persuasive.

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