203: Readocracy - Redefining Credentials in a Connected World With Mario Vasilescu

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Takeaways

• The current system of recognizing learning and competence is narrow and leaves many people behind.
• Credentials should include the expertise and affiliations of the content creators to provide more transparent and meaningful signaling.
• Considering different perspectives and ideas is crucial for a healthy democracy and society. Malformation and propaganda can distort the way facts are used and understood.
• The current information infrastructure, driven by the attention economy, shapes behavior and power dynamics in society.
• There is a need to create a new infrastructure that values the quality of attention and knowledge.
• Education should be valued beyond its immediate application in work and school.
• The economic value of intellectual data should be recognized and protected.
• Proof of human knowledge is essential in a world where fabrication and misinformation are prevalent.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
02:47 The Problems with Credentials, Verifiability, and Status Signaling
14:39 Reflecting on a Recent Shift in Perspective: Democracy through Socrates' Eyes
34:20 Rethinking How We Value Learning
37:34 Creating a New Infrastructure for Society
44:19 The Economic Value of Intellectual Data
48:49 Proof of Human Knowledge
55:06 The Forward from 'Amusing Ourselves to Death'

Resources

• The Readocracy Manifesto
• A humble proposal to turn the internet upside down
• Intros to Infobesity and Information Wellness
• Browse Mario knowledge profile: www.readocracy.com/mario
• Neil Postman Amusing Ourselves To Death book
• Cal Newport Slow Productivity book