Every now and then I stumble across articles that are so good, so succinct about what it takes to write. When I read these articles, I’m inspired to write myself. Usually, it happens when I haven’t written for a long time. So maybe I’m just pretending that I want to write more.
By chance, these two articles (The Skill That Will Never Die and Advice for a friend who wants to start a blog) were next to each other in my Reader feed. Both articles said the same thing: writing is something personal and unique, and your problems or questions you’re thinking about make you unique, so you should write about them.
Lawrence Yeo suggests keeping a problem log in an article. This reminded me that I occasionally use the #question in Reflect to indicate open questions I want to explore.
Late at night, I got a burst of energy and went through my bullet points with the hashtag and scanned the Readwise highlights to document my Problem log as of January 29, 2025.
Complex Systems & Systems Thinking:
- What if I could only subtract to solve problems?
- How can we develop a deeper understanding of complex systems and use this understanding to design more effective interventions?
- How can we navigate uncertainty and make better decisions in a rapidly changing world?
- How can we foster a more systemic approach to problem-solving that considers the interconnectedness of issues and avoids unintended consequences?
- How can we develop better tools and methods for understanding and managing complex systems?
- How can we promote systems thinking and a long-term perspective in decision-making across different domains, from business and policy to personal development?
Technology & Society:
- How can we ensure that technological development aligns with human values and serves the common good?
- What are the potential unintended consequences of new technologies, and how can we anticipate and mitigate them?
- How can we foster responsible tech development and prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a few tech companies?
- How can we use technology to address pressing social and environmental challenges, such as climate change and inequality?
Work & Economy:
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How can we design work and economic systems that prioritize human well-being, social justice, and environmental sustainability?
- What if we could make the 1.5 degree lifestyle cool and desirable?
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What are the potential positive and negative impacts of AI and automation on work, the economy, and society? How can we mitigate the risks and maximize the benefits?
- Is all beachfront property mispriced?
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What are the viable alternatives to growth-obsessed capitalism? How can we transition to a more equitable and sustainable economic model?
- If moving from hydro energy to steam engines to fossil fuels was the triumph enabler for capitalism, could the decentralized renewable energy hubs end it? Or re-write the rules of capitalism?
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How can we ensure that the benefits of technological innovation are shared broadly and don’t exacerbate existing inequalities?
Cities & Urban Planning:
- What is the role of social infrastructure in building strong and resilient communities? How can we design and maintain effective social infrastructure?
- How can we design and build cities that are sustainable, equitable, and livable for all?
Storytelling, Meaning-Making & Values:
- How can we use the power of storytelling to drive positive change in business, personal development, and society?
- How can we cultivate a deeper understanding of human values and motivations, and use this understanding to design more effective products, services, and experiences?
- How can we create spaces and opportunities for meaningful connection and community building in a fragmented and increasingly digital world?
- How can we find and create meaning in a complex and uncertain world?
Design, Product & User Experience:
- What is the role of craft and quality in creating exceptional user experiences? How can we foster a culture of craft and quality in product development?
- How can we balance the needs of users, businesses, and the wider community in the design process?
- How can we design systems and interfaces that are intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable to use, while also being effective and efficient?
- How can we design products and services that empower users and promote agency, rather than simply optimizing for engagement or profit?
- How can design be used to create more equitable, sustainable, and ethical products, services, and experiences?
If any of these ideas resonate with you, I’d love to connect and become Internet pen friends. You can contact me at mikklemberg@icloud.com.