The post explores how societal changes have led to a decline in male physical touch, contributing to the loneliness epidemic among men and advocating for the revival of bromance.
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Michael Woudenberg is the author of Polymathic Being, a Substack publication that offers counterintuitive insights from technology, innovation, philosophy, psychology, and more. The site has thousands of subscribers.
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The essay explores the duality of human nature, contrasting our animalistic instincts (represented by sex and excretion) with our aspirations for purity and transcendence. Drawing on the works of Freud and Ernest Becker, it discus...
The post explores the complexities surrounding the diagnosis of ADHD, questioning its validity as a pathology and discussing its overdiagnosis and misrepresentation. It contrasts views of ADHD as a disorder requiring medication wi...
The essay critiques the concept of Equity within the framework of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), arguing that Equity undermines the goals of Diversity and Inclusion. It discusses the backlash against DEI initiatives, the ...
5.9Read the Damn Article
2025-11-30 • media bias commentary psychology clickbait
The article discusses the tendency of people to only read headlines and the implications of this behavior, which can lead to manipulation and misunderstanding. The author reflects on their own use of clickbait headlines as a strat...
Recognizing and managing complexity in systems is crucial for innovation, as ignoring challenges leads to chaos and missed opportunities.
The post examines the interplay between Narcissistic NPCs and identity, advocating for self-definition and agency to navigate societal pressures and avoid manipulation.
The post critiques the notion that Systems Thinking is insufficient for addressing today's complexities. It argues that while Systems Thinking is challenging to implement, it remains a valuable framework. The author discusses misc...
Engagement with AI reveals personal traits, categorized into archetypes that highlight the need for a human-centric approach to technology.
Ultracrepidarianism highlights the risks of overconfidence in expertise, while the Polymathic mindset promotes humility and interdisciplinary exploration for deeper understanding.
Servant Leadership is critiqued for fostering passive-aggressive behaviors, emphasizing the need for authentic leadership that balances service with decisiveness and accountability.
The essay discusses the importance of focusing on performance indicators rather than superficial appearances, drawing from the author's experiences in the Army. It critiques the emphasis on strict adherence to uniform standards at...
5.6Rivers of Change
2025-11-09 • climate change nature adaptation floods human impact
The essay discusses human hubris in relation to nature, particularly focusing on the Mississippi River and its management. It contrasts the Mississippi's engineered stability with the natural flood cycles of the Mekong River, high...
The post explores the psychology behind stock market crashes, emphasizing that they often occur unexpectedly. It discusses theories such as the Efficient Market Hypothesis, Reflexivity, and Contrarian Investing, illustrating how m...
Embracing a polymathic mindset, rooted in historical practices across cultures, fosters personal fulfillment and enhances problem-solving abilities in today's complex world.
The post argues that personality tests are valuable tools for understanding human behavior, cautioning against the dangers of pathologizing personality traits.
5.2How to Fix Dating
2026-02-01 • culture dating gender relationships societal issues
Modern dating is critiqued as a transactional relationship akin to prostitution, urging a reevaluation of societal expectations and communication in romantic interactions.
The blog post critiques the philosophy of Gentle Parenting, arguing that it leads to poor outcomes for children due to a lack of structure and authority. The author compares parenting to dog training, suggesting that just as autho...
4.7Natural Paths
2026-01-25 • design tactics critical thinking polymath nature trails
Natural paths in life can offer intuitive guidance but also pose risks, necessitating a balance between following them and critically assessing their implications.
Slowicism merges Stoicism and Taoism to help individuals manage information overload and regain agency in a chaotic world through intentional non-action and reframing perspectives.
4.4The Meek Warrior
2025-12-14 • strength moral values capability self-control meekness
Meekness is redefined as strength under control, emphasizing the importance of capability, humility, and moral purpose in personal development.
Three key threats to marriages—Money, Sex, and In-laws—are explored, highlighting the need for transparency, communication, and boundaries to strengthen relationships.
The essay discusses the concept of insatiable curiosity as a core element of Systems Thinking, emphasizing its importance in personal growth and innovation. It highlights the challenges of maintaining curiosity in a world that oft...
Personal growth is hindered by self-doubt and fear, and overcoming these internal barriers requires actionable steps and a mindset shift towards resilience.