The post critiques Oliver Sacks's fabrications in his medical narratives, highlighting the ethical implications of blurring fiction and nonfiction in medicine.
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Maria Konnikova writes about decision making, risk, and literature in her newsletter 'The Leap'.
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Handwriting offers significant cognitive benefits over typing, enhancing learning and creativity, despite the convenience of digital methods.
The blog post discusses the historic achievement of Leo Margets, who became the first woman to reach the final table of the WSOP Main Event since 1995, finishing in seventh place. It highlights the significance of her accomplishme...
6.1Why do we find things funny?
2025-09-30 • writing reflection psychology humor cartoons
The author reflects on their experiences with humor and the nature of comedy, particularly through the lens of cartoonist Asher Perlman's work. They discuss the challenges of analyzing humor, emphasizing its subjective nature and ...
The blog post discusses a recent scandal in the poker documentary 'NO LIMIT,' where the creator, Dustin Iannotti, used AI to generate dialogue for participants without their consent. This revelation came from player Alan Keating, ...
5.9In defense of the em-dash
2025-11-20 • writing punctuation em dash literary fiction ai
The post defends the em-dash as a significant punctuation mark used by renowned writers throughout history, including Emily Dickinson and Benjamin Franklin. It argues against the notion that its use is indicative of AI-generated w...
The post examines the mathematical foundations of psychology through Tom Griffiths' work, emphasizing the importance of individual differences and universal laws in understanding human behavior.
The post explores Miguel Servet's execution for heresy, highlighting the ongoing struggle for free speech and the moral implications of silencing dissenting ideas.
The post discusses the complexities and uncertainties surrounding migraines and headaches, drawing from an excerpt of Tom Zeller's upcoming book, 'The Headache.' It highlights the lack of understanding in the medical community reg...
Kylie Jenner's poker lesson is criticized for promoting a gambling mindset instead of highlighting poker's strategic value and decision-making skills.
Tod Goldberg shares insights on writing, crime fiction, and creativity in a conversation that explores his life experiences and latest book.
5.6Funny or offensive?
2025-10-08 • reflection humor cartoons gary larson jane goodall
The author reflects on a humorous yet controversial note received from a subscriber regarding the inclusion of a Gary Larson cartoon in a discussion about Asher Perlman's book. The note coincided with the death of Jane Goodall, wh...
5.6What's in a name?
2025-09-16 • career identity poker naming chris moneymaker
The blog post discusses the concept of nominative determinism, which suggests that a person's name can influence their career and life choices. The author, along with guest David Epstein, explores various examples of this phenomen...
5.5Of death and poker
2025-08-05 • family grief and bereavement eulogy poker legacy
Maria Konnikova reflects on the recent death of her grandmother, Baba Anya, while preparing for a significant poker event. She shares the complex relationship they had, highlighting her grandmother's skepticism about her gambling ...
A recent dining experience in Paris highlights the importance of being present and the dangers of multitasking during enjoyable moments.
In this blog post, Maria Konnikova reflects on her relationship with author Matthew Pearl and his new novel, 'The Award.' She shares her personal journey as a writer, including her admiration for Pearl's work and their shared expe...
The author reflects on their experience of being eliminated early from the World Series of Poker Main Event, emphasizing the importance of decision-making processes in both poker and life. They discuss the critical role of prepara...
The author reflects on the Nobel Prize announcements, emphasizing the intellectual curiosity they inspire. They highlight the significance of Nobel lectures and the insights gained from the winners across various fields, particula...
4.7Fall is for reading
2025-09-07 • fiction reading list books literary fiction june
The author reflects on the nostalgic feeling of September as a time for new beginnings, akin to the back-to-school season. Inspired by a conversation with a poker pro who rarely reads fiction, the author compiles a personal readin...
Emphasizing a hopeful outlook for 2026, the post shares Seamus Heaney's haiku and encourages readers to focus on connections and personal agency amidst challenges.
This blog post is the second part of a reflection on the importance of patience, drawing from Elizabeth Weingarten's book, 'How to Fall in Love with Questions.' It discusses Rainer Maria Rilke's letters to Franz Xaver Kappus, emph...
4.4The value of patience
2025-08-22 • creativity decision making patience boredom poker
The author reflects on the importance of patience in poker and life, emphasizing that many amateur players make mistakes due to impatience and a desire for constant action. The post discusses how moments of boredom can lead to dee...
The author reflects on her experience in an AP French class during eighth grade, where she felt like an outsider among older, more experienced students. Despite initial hostility, she was befriended by a kind senior named Rose, wh...
The author apologizes for being absent and shares their recent experience at the NAPT poker tournament in Las Vegas. They discuss the challenges of balancing poker and writing, the adrenaline of tournament play, and their success ...