In Good Faith

18: Information Overload

Chong Shao, Daniel Shih

On today’s show, Chong and Dan begin a two-parter on the book “The Wisdom Pyramid” by Christian author Brett McCracken. In the first episode, we set the scene by discussing a particularly modern sickness: information obesity. As with the abundance of food, so today there is an abundance of information. We explore why this is a problem, and share three information habits from our personal lives that make us “sick”. In the next episode, we will unpack the sources of truth that lead to a life of wisdom.

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Show notes

A public health epidemic of the soul (2:09)

  • Obesity - a modern epidemic caused by too much food
  • “Infobesity” - an even more modern epidemic caused by too much information

Why is this a problem? (16:00)

  • Anxiety and stress; disorientation and fragmentation; impotence; decision and commitment paralysis; confirmation bias

IGF 6: Rage in the Machine

Three habits that make us sick (40:54)

  • Eating too much; eating too fast; eating only what tastes good to me

Conclusion (58:13)

  • How you consume information is a moral matter
  • Do a stocktake; get to know your habits; consider taking an information retreat!