Open thread, September 8-14, 2014

polymathwannabe

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If it's worth saying, but not worth its own post (even in Discussion), then it goes here.

Notes for future OT posters:

1. Please add the 'open_thread' tag.

2. Check if there is an active Open Thread before posting a new one.

3. Open Threads should be posted in Discussion, and not Main.

4. Open Threads should start on Monday, and end on Sunday.

Does anyone have any good ideas about how to be productive while commuting? I'll be starting a program soon where I'll be spending about 2 hours a day commuting, and don't want these hours to go to waste. Note: I have interests similar to a typical LessWrong reader, and am particularly interested in startups.

My brainstorming:

Audio books and podcasts. This sounds like the most promising thing. However, the things I want to learn about are the hard sciences and those require pictures and diagrams to explain (you can't learn biology or math with an audiobook). I'm also in the process of learning web development and design, but these things also seem too visual to work as an audiobook.
Economics audiobooks might work, idk. I could also listen to books about startups/business, but I'm at the point where I know enough about these things that diminishing returns have kicked in.
I've read a good amount about psychology already, and feel like diminishing returns have kicked in. Although psychology seems like it'd work well with an audiobook.
Perhaps sci-fi audiobooks would be good? Would I learn from these or would it just be entertaining? Any suggestions (I read 1984, Enders Game and Brave New World. I liked them, but didn't learn too much from them.
I read HPMOR and loved it. Anything similar to that?
Other than audiobooks, I could spend the time brainstorming. Startup ideas, thought experiments, stuff like that.

Given the limitations (that you describe in other replies) I think you've got a good list.

Regarding podcasts, this could be a great time to experiment with new ones & decide which you want to listen to longer term.

Perhaps there are some short activities of value to you, such as Anki (assuming you have a smartphone), mentally reviewing your memory palace, or mindfulness exercises. Mindfulness exercises on public transport may seem a little odd, but the distractions may make it more effective as exercise - just be patient with yourself.

18Torello12y

Not really what you're looking for, but I feel obligated: Move or get a different job. Reduce your commute by 1 or 1.5 hours. This is the best way to increase the productivity of your commute. I read (can't remember source) that commuting was the worst part of the people's day (they were unhappy, or experienced the lowest levels of their self-assess subjective well being).

9Lumifer12y

Driving or public transportation? If driving, don't forget that you have a limited amount of attention available and being "productive" as a driver involves some trade-offs X-)

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