How Sleeping on the Ground Reshaped the Human Mind One of the most remarkable, yet often overlooked, shifts in our evolutionary history was not what happened when we were awake—but when we were asleep. For millions of years, our primate ancestors slept high in the trees, perched precariously on branches or nestled in rudimentary nests. This arboreal lifestyle came with a cost: lighter, more fragmented sleep, often disrupted by the ever-present risk of falling or attack. In such an environment, entering the deep neurophysiological vulnerability of REM sleep—when muscle tone disappears and the body is effectively paralyzed—was an evolutionary liability. In short, it wasn’t safe to surrender fully to REM in the trees. But somewhere along our evolutionary path, early humans did something extraordinary: we came down from the trees, not just by day, but by night. By sleeping on the ground—often in groups around fire—we gained something precious: safety. And with safety came the possibility for deeper, richer, and longer REM sleep. REM sleep is not just a curious biological state; it is a source of our creativity, our emotional intelligence, and our capacity to imagine futures that do not yet exist. It is the nightly theater where the brain integrates memories, solves problems, and rehearses social scenarios. The amplification of REM sleep in humans—proportionally greater than in almost any other species—is likely no coincidence. It may have been catalyzed by that very transition to ground sleeping. When our ancestors no longer had to remain in a constant state of vigilance during sleep, REM could flourish. And with it, so did the cognitive complexity that defines us as a species. In other words, the ground didn’t just give us rest—it gave us mind. So the next time you lie down at night, remember: you are participating in a deeply human act, one shaped by firelight, safety, and the strange miracle of REM. Sleep well.

Appeal to the nobler motives

Student loans should face the scrutiny of opportunity costs. Are institutions of higher learning providing a product that outweighs the cost (inclusive of the interest)? This should be done on a major by major basis.

Understanding the Eurodollar System: A Key Insight from Nik Bhatia Nik Bhatia, provides a clear and insightful explanation of the Eurodollar system, which plays a central role in the global financial landscape. In essence, the Eurodollar system refers to U.S. dollars that are held in banks outside the United States, primarily in Europe. However, the term has expanded over time to describe any U.S. dollar-denominated deposits or financial instruments held globally, not just in Europe. Here's why the Eurodollar system is so important: 1. Global Money Creation: The Eurodollar market allows for the creation of U.S. dollar liquidity beyond the control of the Federal Reserve. Banks outside the U.S. lend these dollars to borrowers worldwide, creating a massive pool of dollars that circulates internationally. 2. Impact on Global Finance: The Eurodollar system has been a key driver of international trade and finance, as most global transactions are conducted in U.S. dollars. This system provides liquidity to markets, facilitating international business, investments, and lending without relying solely on the U.S. banking system. 3. Decentralized Control: Unlike the U.S. money supply, which is directly managed by the Federal Reserve, the Eurodollar system operates largely outside of U.S. regulatory oversight. This gives rise to complexities in understanding how dollars are created, borrowed, and moved globally. 4. Risks and Implications: Bhatia emphasizes how this system can introduce significant risks, particularly during periods of financial stress. As the global reliance on Eurodollars grows, disruptions—like a liquidity crisis—can have wide-reaching effects, impacting everything from interest rates to international trade. In his work, Bhatia highlights the importance of understanding the Eurodollar system to fully grasp the dynamics of global finance and the interconnections between money creation, banking, and the broader economy. The Eurodollar system is crucial to modern economic life, but it’s also a complex and somewhat opaque framework that can influence everything from the price of goods to geopolitical stability. If you want to dive deeper into global finance, Nik Bhatia’s work is an excellent resource to begin unpacking this intricate system. #NikBhatia

I find it pretty wild that some animals, like dolphins and certain whales, sleep with only half of their brain at a time! This fascinating ability is called unihemispheric slow-wave sleep. While one half of the brain rests, the other half stays alert to control breathing and stay aware of potential dangers. It's especially important for aquatic mammals, who need to surface for air even while they're asleep. Wow!

Be sympathetic with the other person’s ideas and desires. #DaleCarnegie

What Is Moral Hazard? "Moral hazard" is an economics and finance term that describes a situation where one party takes on risk because they don't have to bear the full consequences of that risk. It often arises when individuals or institutions are protected in some way—such as through insurance, bailouts, or guarantees—and therefore act less cautiously than they otherwise would. For example, if a bank knows it will be bailed out by the government if it fails, it might engage in riskier lending practices, assuming taxpayers will pick up the tab if things go wrong. Similarly, someone with comprehensive car insurance might drive more recklessly, knowing that any damages will be covered. Moral hazard doesn't imply bad morals—it’s more about incentives and how they change when people or companies don’t feel the full impact of their decisions. It's a critical concept in understanding financial systems, public policy, and even everyday contracts. Whether in health care, banking, or corporate governance, recognizing and managing moral hazard helps create more stable and fair systems.

Try to see things from the other persons point of view. Empathy is key to understanding and influencing others. Get in their shoes, understand their feelings, and consider the context that shapes their behavior and decisions.