American - Scientist | December 27, 1957 -
Getting new information through Web-surfing almost always feels more rewarding than having to generate new information in the work that is in front of us. It therefore takes increasing amounts of self-discipline to stay on task.
Daniel Levitin
WorkSelf-DisciplineInformationNew
Even though we think we're getting a lot done, ironically, multitasking makes us demonstrably less efficient.
ThinkDoneUsEvenThoughEfficient
Approximating involves making a series of educated guesses systematically by partitioning the problem into manageable chunks, identifying assumptions, and then using your general knowledge of the world to fill in the blanks.
KnowledgeWorldProblemAssumptions
I don't think we should have less information in the world. The information age has yielded great advances in medicine, agriculture, transportation and many other fields. But the problem is twofold. One, we are assaulted with more information than any one of us can handle. Two, beyond the overload, too much information often leads to bad decisions.
AgeGreatWorldMedicineThinkBad
The phrase 'fake news' sounds too playful, too much like a schoolchild faking illness to get out of a test.
FakeToo MuchNewsTestPlayfulOut
Multitasking creates a dopamine-addiction feedback loop, effectively rewarding the brain for losing focus and for constantly searching for external stimulation.
FocusLosingBrainFeedbackLoop
The human brain long ago evolved a mechanism for rewarding us when we encountered new information: a little shot of dopamine in the brain each time we learned something new. Across evolutionary history, compulsively seeking information was adaptive behavior.
HistoryTimeBrainBehaviorLong
Most jobs require some degree of creativity and flexible thinking.
CreativityThinkingFlexibleDegree
I believe in an informed electorate, and we need to teach our children to become informed enough to have opinions on world issues or, at least, to understand what the major issues are and who the players are.
ChildrenWorldBelieveEnoughBecome
If everything in the environment is utterly predictable, you become bored. If it's utterly unpredictable, you become frustrated.
EnvironmentYouBecomeEverything
Some people like very predictable melodies, and others prefer the less likely notes.
PeopleOthersSome PeopleNotesLike
That walk around the block, that fresh air, is going to help you work more quickly and effectively when you get back.
WorkWalkHelpYouBackFresh Air
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