So, this doesn’t have much to do with clearer thinking, but I strongly suggest taking a basic biology course that focuses on human anatomy and physiology, and a basic physics course that focuses on kinematics. LessWrong puts a lot of weight on the ability to think critically, but having a base of knowledge is also important. I’m always embarrassed by alumni from my alma mater who don’t know how their own bodies work, or understand how energy and momentum are conserved.
I agree with the bio and physics. People criticize lab assignments for being boring and unscientific (largely the case only with a bad TA and bad methodology wherein it is partially YOUR fault if you “disprove” gravity in your lab). However, if you flip the thinking a bit, it is boring because you understand the working pieces of it. You learn, in a visceral way, that science is a thing. A thing that you can do! I remember our lab (with guidance, obviously) group derived the procedures for counting the population of a bunch of unicellular organisms just by thinking about the problems and the possible solutions. My experiences with TAs may be unique, but I think if you come at them the right way, there is a lot of value to be had.
So, this doesn’t have much to do with clearer thinking, but I strongly suggest taking a basic biology course that focuses on human anatomy and physiology, and a basic physics course that focuses on kinematics. LessWrong puts a lot of weight on the ability to think critically, but having a base of knowledge is also important. I’m always embarrassed by alumni from my alma mater who don’t know how their own bodies work, or understand how energy and momentum are conserved.
I agree with the bio and physics. People criticize lab assignments for being boring and unscientific (largely the case only with a bad TA and bad methodology wherein it is partially YOUR fault if you “disprove” gravity in your lab). However, if you flip the thinking a bit, it is boring because you understand the working pieces of it. You learn, in a visceral way, that science is a thing. A thing that you can do! I remember our lab (with guidance, obviously) group derived the procedures for counting the population of a bunch of unicellular organisms just by thinking about the problems and the possible solutions. My experiences with TAs may be unique, but I think if you come at them the right way, there is a lot of value to be had.