More Does Not Mean Better
Study shows how people approach problems and why
I can finally share my thoughts on why more doesn’t always mean better and that rethinking what we mean by growth and productivity is necessary. After some light philosophy, we get to my newest note-taking practice and why public transportation fails those who need it most.
More Does Not Mean Better
This idea that productivity, improvement, and growth come from doing more and adding new things has weighed on me for a while now. At the end of last year, I kept thinking, why are people focused on adding things to their life or work instead of subtracting the things that aren’t worthwhile?
Well, I’m finally writing about it thanks to this new study showing the natural reaction to solving a problem is through addition instead of subtraction. This quote from one of the researchers sums up the reason why:
“Additive ideas come to mind quickly and easily, but subtractive ideas require more cognitive effort,” associate professor Benjamin Converse says. “Because people are often moving fast and working with the first ideas that come to mind, they end up accepting additive solutions without considering subtraction at all.”
Taking Better Notes
I’ll keep this one quick because I’m a shorthand note-taker. Most of us know writing is better than typing when it comes to retention. Whether we abide by this or not, Kenneth Kiewra, professor of educational psychology, suggests revising your notes shortly after taking them and adding new thoughts or details to improve recall.
Transportation Equity
Much of the focus on equity work in society (that I see at least) focuses on health, education, and opportunity. This past week, however, was the first time I read about transportation equity. It focuses on how the current public transportation structure adds extra burdens on those already facing additional challenges.
Some of the most important takeaways:
- In metropolitan areas, residents can only reach 30% of jobs by transit in 90 minutes.
- Households with an annual income of less than $40,000 spend between 20 and 30% of their income on transportation.
- Low-income and minority communities are commonly located near highways or other transportation centers that increase air pollution — leading to adverse health effects.
