My Favorite Things in 2022
Writing
This year, I explored the world of progress studies. This is the study of the history of technological progress and how we can get more of it in the future. A few of my favorite pieces in this general area:
Where is My Flying Car by J Storrs Hall, a deep dive into the history of technological progress and what it would look like to speed it up dramatically. See the excellent review by Jason Crawford
An inspiring piece from Austin Vernon and Eli Dourado exploring the possibilities of energy superabundance.
We Need a New Philosophy of Progress by Jason Crawford, an excellent summary of technological progress in the modern world and how we can accelerate it now.
Community
In my exploration of progress studies, I found an interesting new forum: the Progress Forum from Jason Crawford. This is one of those small, tight, aligned communities that feels very productive and engaging. Several authors in the progress community are active in the forum and the discussions are high-quality.
Tools
I invested heavily in fitness this year. I integrated some great tools into my life and am now in the best shape I’ve been in for a long time. Future has enabled me to get the personalized attention of a personal trainer without needing to make in-person appointments. Each week, my trainer gives me a customized workout plan, and he checks in with me throughout the week. Having a trainer has made all the difference for me. I have finally been able to establish a consistent exercise habit with the help of my trainer. This has made my life much better.
An app called Vital is also helping me make fitness a solid practice. It’s like a more well-rounded and more social Strava, with exercise, sleep tracking, and regular challenges. It’s been especially helpful in sleep. There are monthly sleep challenges that I have been participating in. For the first time, I can proactively manage my sleep with the support of a lively community.
Conclusion
Overall, I found a lot of reasons to be optimistic in 2022, in spite of the turmoil the world experienced. I found a community that is trying to figure out how to build a more abundant future. I found tools that remind me how technology can help a person live a more vital life. I look forward to continuing to explore these themes in 2023.