The Importance of Taste

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This essay appears in audio format at the beginning of The Portal Podcast, Episode 34. Hello, it's Eric with a few thoughts for this week. I want to talk about a topic that is surprisingly dangerous: taste. Now, taste doesn't sound like…

The Portal Podcast #034: Zev Weinstein – On Parenting, Boys & Generation Z

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This is the first episode of The Portal which was 100% recorded at home, during quarantine, under social isolation. The guest is none other than my own son Zev Weinstein and the recording was timed to straddle his midnight transition from…

The Problem of Narrative-Driven Journalism – Sam Harris

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"I do feel like we are witnessing several sea changes, which I couldn't have honestly said, you know, 15 years ago or 20 years ago. I mean something, you know, something has changed and some things have clearly changed for the worse, and maybe…

The Greatest Puzzles in the Universe – Garrett Lisi

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"If you're not a huge fan of human beings, but you really like puzzles, and you're good at math, physics is very attractive." - Garrett Lisi In this Portal podcast clip, Eric Weinstein discusses the importance and the beauty of theoretical…

The Most Beautiful Wave – Kai Lenny

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"It's the closest thing to a rideable tsunami there is because there's no back to the wave." - Kai Lenny In this Portal podcast clip, Eric Weinstein discusses the sport of Big-wave surfing with professional Big-wave surfer, Kai Lenny.

Ego and Leadership – Jocko Willink

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"This other guy who's taking care of himself, he might actually get a promotion ahead of you. He might move ahead of you this time. He might even move ahead of you next time. But guess what? Eventually, people are going to look at that guy.…