Writing on search systems, retrieval, mental models, and clear thinking. https://againstentropy.dev/ 2026-03-22T00:00:00.000Z Sumit Garg https://againstentropy.dev https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/how-does-behavior-change-happen 2026-03-22T00:00:00.000Z 2026-03-22T00:00:00.000Z

The article analyzes the difficulty of human behavior change and habit formation, drawing insights from the author's experience building a habit coaching app. It posits that effective change hinges on increasing motivation and significantly reducing friction, alongside proper context and repetition. The core argument emphasizes that suggesting tiny, achievable actions and illustrating their compounding effect is crucial for sustainable progress.

Paras Chopra https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/the-value-of-grey-thinking 2026-03-20T00:00:00.000Z 2026-03-20T00:00:00.000Z

The article advocates for "Grey Thinking," an approach that rejects rigid, binary classifications to embrace the continuum of reality. It argues that most complex issues lack simple 'good or bad' answers and instead require acknowledging multiple perspectives, scale, and second-order consequences. This helps develop a more accurate understanding by embracing uncertainty and avoiding oversimplified ideologies.

Shane Parrish https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/making-a-product-that-marl-loves-inverted-passion 2026-02-16T00:00:00.000Z 2026-02-16T00:00:00.000Z

Consumer products, especially those seeking mass adoption and growth, often optimize for the "Marl" persona—users with short attention spans and a craving for instant gratification—leading to gamified experiences over deep utility.

Unknown https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/science-of-habit-building 2026-02-16T00:00:00.000Z 2026-02-16T00:00:00.000Z

Habits form through repeated, rewarding actions in stable contexts, reinforcing cue-response loops. They can be influenced by environmental changes, specific intentions, and consistent practice, while breaking bad habits involves disrupting automaticity through mindfulness and replacement behaviors.

Author Paras Chopra https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/a-technique-for-producing-ideas 2026-01-26T00:00:00.000Z 2026-01-26T00:00:00.000Z

An idea is a new combination of old elements, and generating them is a systematic, trainable, 5-step process involving intentional data gathering, mental digestion, subconscious processing, an 'aha' moment, and critical refinement.

Shane Parrish https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/manifesto-for-doing-good-science-in-ai 2026-01-18T00:00:00.000Z 2026-01-18T00:00:00.000Z

Good science involves discovering novel and impactful knowledge by cultivating deep curiosity in a domain, extensively reading to identify gaps, forming precise hypotheses, rigorously experimenting, gathering diverse evidence, and meticulously validating results before communication.

Paras Chopra https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/what-is-research-and-how-to-do-it 2026-01-18T00:00:00.000Z 2026-01-18T00:00:00.000Z

Research is the systematic process of reducing uncertainty within a scientific community's knowledge base. It involves mapping existing uncertainties, prioritizing them based on impact, neglectedness, and tractability, and designing experiments to resolve the selected questions.

Paras Chopra https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/10-life-lessons-from-a-navy-seal 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z

This article outlines ten life lessons derived from Navy SEAL training, emphasizing that individual resilience, embracing difficulty, and consistent effort in small tasks are fundamental to achieving larger goals and making a significant impact on the world.

Shane Parrish https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/16-leadership-lessons-from-a-four-star-general 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z

Leadership is the art of influencing others, shaping attitudes and behavior, and can be separate from values and morals

Shane Parrish https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/active-listening-the-master-key-to-effective-communication 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z

Active listening involves comprehending, retaining, and responding to information, while suppressing one's ego and considering the other person's emotions and intentions

Shane Parrish https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/all-models-are-wrong 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z

Models simplify complex systems, allowing for understanding and prediction, despite being imperfect representations of reality

Shane Parrish https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/avoiding-stupidity-is-easier-than-seeking-brilliance 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z

Success comes from avoiding major mistakes and playing to your strengths, rather than trying to make brilliant moves

Shane Parrish https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/carol-dweck-a-summary-of-growth-and-fixed-mindsets 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z

People with a growth mindset believe their abilities can be developed, while those with a fixed mindset think their traits are unchangeable, affecting their motivation and behavior

Shane Parrish https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/charlie-munger-adding-mental-tools-to-your-toolbox 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z

Mental models help simulate time, predict the future, and understand the world, while also identifying mental process flaws, to make better decisions and avoid problems

Shane Parrish https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/charlie-munger-on-getting-rich-wisdom-focus-fake-knowledge-and-more 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z

Charlie Munger's success is attributed to his unique approach to learning, avoiding stupidity, and focusing on being consistently not stupid, rather than trying to be very intelligent

Shane Parrish https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/culture-eats-strategy-nucors-ken-iverson-on-building-a-different-kind-of-company 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z

Decentralization and simple strategy enable companies to make better decisions and foster a culture of trust and autonomy

Shane Parrish https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/decision-journal-template-and-example-included 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z

Our brains edit past decisions to make us appear smarter, making it difficult to learn from mistakes, but keeping a decision journal can help reveal blindspots and improve decision-making

Shane Parrish https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/einstein-on-the-essential-feature-of-productive-thought 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z

Combinatory play combines existing ideas to form new ones through voluntary reproduction and combination of mental images

Shane Parrish https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/eudora-welty-to-the-new-yorker-the-best-job-application-ever 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z

Persistent and creative self-promotion can lead to recognition and opportunities

Shane Parrish https://againstentropy.dev/library/article/f-scott-fitzgerald-a-list-of-things-to-worry-about-and-things-to-not-worry-about 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000Z

Focusing on virtues like courage and cleanliness while ignoring external validation and fleeting concerns can lead to a more fulfilling life

Shane Parrish