In Garrett Hardin's book "Filters Against Folly," he discusses the three filters that help us interpret reality and make sense of the world. These filters are essential for understanding areas outside of our circle of competence and avoiding fooling ourselves. Hardin's goal is to understand reality and human nature as they truly are, without premature judgment.

Glasp

Hatched by Glasp

Sep 20, 2023

4 min read

0

In Garrett Hardin's book "Filters Against Folly," he discusses the three filters that help us interpret reality and make sense of the world. These filters are essential for understanding areas outside of our circle of competence and avoiding fooling ourselves. Hardin's goal is to understand reality and human nature as they truly are, without premature judgment.

The first filter is the literate filter, which involves understanding the true meaning of words. Language is action, and it is important to grasp what is really being said. Hardin warns against the use of high-flown language that closes off discussion, such as the words "infinity" or its derivatives. These words are often used to escape debate without honestly admitting their operational meaning. By truly understanding the words being used, we can avoid being deceived or manipulated.

The second filter is the numerate filter, which emphasizes the importance of numerical fluency. Being able to count, weigh, and compare values is essential for understanding expert claims and assessing problems rationally. Hardin notes that many major scientific discoveries were made with little measuring and counting. Rough calculations can often reveal the outline of a new and important discovery. The numerate filter helps us apply numerical limits and make informed decisions based on quantifiable data.

The third and final filter is the "And then what?" filter. This filter requires us to consider the multitude of effects that proposed solutions and interventions may have. We must think beyond the immediate consequences and consider the long-term implications. Hardin emphasizes that most unintended consequences are simply unanticipated consequences. By asking "And then what?" we can better understand the full impact of our actions and make more informed decisions.

These three filters are not meant to be used in isolation but should be used together for a more comprehensive understanding of reality. They are interconnected and provide different perspectives that help us make better decisions. No single filter is sufficient on its own. The well-educated person uses all three filters in conjunction to gain a deeper understanding of the world.

Drawing from Ron Conway's talk at Startup School 2012, we can see that some key principles have remained constant throughout time. Traits such as determination, conviction, leadership, drive, and fearlessness are still important qualities for success in entrepreneurship. Conway emphasizes the focus on growth, shipping products, and continuous improvement. A good product leads to happy users, and word-of-mouth can make a company great, as seen with Google, Facebook, and Twitter. Advertising is not always necessary when a company has happy users who spread the word about their positive experiences.

Incorporating these ideas into the concept of filters, we can see that the literate filter is necessary for effective communication and conveying the value of a product to users. Being able to articulate the benefits and features of a product in a clear and concise manner is essential for attracting and retaining customers.

The numerate filter can help entrepreneurs assess the growth and success of their business. By quantifying metrics such as user acquisition, revenue, and profitability, entrepreneurs can make data-driven decisions and understand the true health of their company.

Lastly, the "And then what?" filter is crucial for considering the long-term effects of business decisions. Entrepreneurs must think beyond the immediate gains and consider the broader impact on stakeholders, the industry, and society as a whole. By asking "And then what?" entrepreneurs can anticipate potential challenges and mitigate risks.

In conclusion, the three filters discussed by Garrett Hardin and the insights from Ron Conway's talk at Startup School 2012 provide valuable guidance for thinking through problems and making informed decisions. To effectively interpret reality, we must understand the true meaning of words, be numerically fluent, and consider the long-term implications of our actions. By incorporating these filters into our thinking process, we can navigate the complexities of the world and avoid fooling ourselves.

Actionable advice:

  • 1. Develop your literacy skills by carefully analyzing the meaning and implications of the words used in discussions and debates.
  • 2. Cultivate numeracy by honing your ability to count, weigh, and compare values. Use rough calculations to reveal the outline of new discoveries and make informed decisions.
  • 3. Embrace the "And then what?" filter by considering the long-term effects of your decisions. Think beyond immediate gains and anticipate potential challenges.

Hatch New Ideas with Glasp AI 🐣

Glasp AI allows you to hatch new ideas based on your curated content. Let's curate and create with Glasp AI :)