NonTrivial
NonTrivial is a podcast about the patterns that exist at the intersection of science, philosophy and complexity, and how these speak to universal principles related to skills, growth and life.
The longer you listen, the more you’ll internalize these universal principles and see how they inform your work, your ideas, and the way you shape the world around you.
Become a Member at nontrivialpodcast.com or patreon.com/8431143/join
Premium members get access to the full member app. This includes data visualizations of the core concepts in each episode, a Study Space for learning fundamentals, and premium articles on Techniques and Mindsets.
Members can also save personal notes, explore episode summaries and transcripts, search across episodes, track watch history and progress, and participate in the community forum. Premium membership includes ongoing support.
NonTrivial
Be Really Good at One "Useless" Thing
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Most people try to become useful by learning skills the world has already decided are valuable.
But there may be another path: become exceptionally good at something you’re naturally drawn to, even if it seems “useless,” and let the useful application emerge later.
In this episode, I explore why unusual abilities often become valuable only after they’re developed deeply enough for other people to recognize what they can do with them.
Maybe the mistake is trying to predict usefulness too early.
Be really good at one “useless” thing. Let society figure out what it’s for.
Become a Member at dekyon.io/seanmcclure/nontrivial
Premium members get access to the full member app. This includes data visualizations of the core concepts in each episode, a Study Space for learning fundamentals, and premium articles on Techniques and Mindsets.
Members can also save personal notes, explore episode summaries and transcripts, search across episodes, track watch history and progress, and participate in the community forum. Premium membership includes ongoing support.