Since I've been forced to think about reflexivity for my thesis, I can't believe how little it's a requirement in the pure sciences or in any profession- whether it's finance or law.
How can we learn, if we don't question how we learn, what our basic premises and assumptions are, and what the limits to our knowledge are?
The markets and laws aren't neutral either- power and knowledge flows affect them as much as they do the 'social world'. Can we really draw a line dividing the social and natural world, as texts discussing epistemology often do?
I keep coming back to the conclusion that philosophy needs to be taught in schools- how can we truly study anything without knowing how and why the subject evolved?
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Writing
Clearly I've been spending a lot of time thinking about what makes good writing- I spent a while picking up random books about history, politics, fiction and anthropology in the library to try and identify what makes for interesting reading, regardless of the topic.
The most obvious element seems to be having something honestly interesting to say- whether its connecting different schools of thoughts, facts, interviews and sources, or coming up with a new argument or spin for an already established event.
Clarity and a strong voice is important as discussed previously- as is building an argument. The pace of writing is important- you have to set the context, and slowly give the reader new information. You can't drag it out too long without saying something new, or dump too much information on the reader at the same time.
The most obvious element seems to be having something honestly interesting to say- whether its connecting different schools of thoughts, facts, interviews and sources, or coming up with a new argument or spin for an already established event.
Clarity and a strong voice is important as discussed previously- as is building an argument. The pace of writing is important- you have to set the context, and slowly give the reader new information. You can't drag it out too long without saying something new, or dump too much information on the reader at the same time.
Getting Things From People
It seems a little silly, but the best way to get something from someone- whether it's a contact, job or favor is to act like you don't need it.
People don't like neediness or being asked for help.
If you're relaxed and confident, people think you're successful, and want to help you without you asking for it.
The best you can do is do your homework, and then go out (to the right places) and have a good time. Things will fall into place.
People don't like neediness or being asked for help.
If you're relaxed and confident, people think you're successful, and want to help you without you asking for it.
The best you can do is do your homework, and then go out (to the right places) and have a good time. Things will fall into place.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Academia
Another valuable thing I've learnt this year, besides constructing arguments and finding my own voice is learning how universities function- and how academics think. I've begun to understand what being an academic is, and the purpose of academia itself.
Context is key, building an argument is half the battle. You add small bits of new information and thought into previous arguments. Breakthroughs either involve turning an argument or viewpoint on its head is a rare or synthesizing ideas and concepts from different fields and history. So many interesting philosophies have been lost in all the information we have access to- it seems entire schools of thought are fads.
Context is key, building an argument is half the battle. You add small bits of new information and thought into previous arguments. Breakthroughs either involve turning an argument or viewpoint on its head is a rare or synthesizing ideas and concepts from different fields and history. So many interesting philosophies have been lost in all the information we have access to- it seems entire schools of thought are fads.
Epistemology
Cambridge has taught me more than how to think- it's allowed me to understand what it is I think already.
I think that's why I enjoyed this year- I came across things I've always thought, but I have a name for them now.
What more can an education do than teach you how to look for information, think about it critically and connect different strands of thought?
No argument is wrong, because nothing can be entirely disproven, including this argument itself.
I think that's why I enjoyed this year- I came across things I've always thought, but I have a name for them now.
What more can an education do than teach you how to look for information, think about it critically and connect different strands of thought?
No argument is wrong, because nothing can be entirely disproven, including this argument itself.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
What They Don't Tell You
I recently attended an event organized by Newnham alumnus on how to make the most of your work experience- and they stressed the importance of networking, following up, not complaining no matter what the work is, and making yourself indispensable.
We spoke quite a lot on how to find an internship, and on working hard- but what they neglected to say was that the key to doing well is having people like you.
Why would anyone want to help you out or give you a job if they don't want you around?
Being positive, smiling and enthusiastic is key when you're just starting out- and is a tall order when all you're doing is making coffee and running to deliver mail.
Another key thing is to stand out. If they don't remember you, if you're just a cog in the wheel, how can you get called back? Be different, speak up, contribute.
We spoke quite a lot on how to find an internship, and on working hard- but what they neglected to say was that the key to doing well is having people like you.
Why would anyone want to help you out or give you a job if they don't want you around?
Being positive, smiling and enthusiastic is key when you're just starting out- and is a tall order when all you're doing is making coffee and running to deliver mail.
Another key thing is to stand out. If they don't remember you, if you're just a cog in the wheel, how can you get called back? Be different, speak up, contribute.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Freedom
You can do absolutely anything you want, in every aspect possible.
You think the way you do because of your influences- and they can be changed.
There is no right, certain or established way to do anything. Everything's good as long as you're proud of it and enjoy it.
You think the way you do because of your influences- and they can be changed.
There is no right, certain or established way to do anything. Everything's good as long as you're proud of it and enjoy it.
Unexpectations
The best things are the unexpected ones.Make an effort to exceed expectations.
Do your work early, do more than what's required, do it before it's asked for, anticipate the next step.
Keep ahead. No one does well for doing what they're supposed to.
Enjoy the process, it's always worth it.
Do your work early, do more than what's required, do it before it's asked for, anticipate the next step.
Keep ahead. No one does well for doing what they're supposed to.
Enjoy the process, it's always worth it.
People/Networks
No one is successful by themselves. Your work and its recognition is based on others, and it can't be good without their sacrifice and support.
It's important to have people believe in you, to push you, to give you something to work for and towards.
You get support, help and inspiration from the most unexpected sources.
Talk to as many people as you can, have an open mind. Everyone is interesting, has a story and has things to teach you.
Work hard, your work has to be worth noticing.
When you're done go out and enjoy yourself. Sign up to as many events as you can, don't turn down invitations. Who knows who you'll meet, and where it'll take you?
Be nice to everyone, but don't fake it.
Genuinely want to help people, go out of your way to do it. They'll remember.
Smile, laugh, enjoy yourself.
People want to be around happy people; and you can't be happy if you're not productive.
One conversation, idea, person can change your life. Let it.
It's important to have people believe in you, to push you, to give you something to work for and towards.
You get support, help and inspiration from the most unexpected sources.
Talk to as many people as you can, have an open mind. Everyone is interesting, has a story and has things to teach you.
Work hard, your work has to be worth noticing.
When you're done go out and enjoy yourself. Sign up to as many events as you can, don't turn down invitations. Who knows who you'll meet, and where it'll take you?
Be nice to everyone, but don't fake it.
Genuinely want to help people, go out of your way to do it. They'll remember.
Smile, laugh, enjoy yourself.
People want to be around happy people; and you can't be happy if you're not productive.
One conversation, idea, person can change your life. Let it.
Any Sort of Writing
Whether you're writing for a journal, newspaper or yourself, you have to work your work interesting.
Of course the content has to be valid and appropriate, but your writing style is every bit as important.
Your work is interesting if you're interested- and it shows.
Even in academic writing, it's always a better read if bits of yourself show through.
Your reader is human, why shouldn't your writing be?
A catchy title, unexpected sentences, pictures and good formatting helps.
You can put a spin on anything.
Keep them wanting more, anticipating what's next. Reel them in, surprise them , be punchy.
Don't be afraid to be different, they need to remember your work.
Of course the content has to be valid and appropriate, but your writing style is every bit as important.
Your work is interesting if you're interested- and it shows.
Even in academic writing, it's always a better read if bits of yourself show through.
Your reader is human, why shouldn't your writing be?
A catchy title, unexpected sentences, pictures and good formatting helps.
You can put a spin on anything.
Keep them wanting more, anticipating what's next. Reel them in, surprise them , be punchy.
Don't be afraid to be different, they need to remember your work.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Academic Writing Continued
1) Say what you will and will not do. Outline the scope of your work.
2) Be as neutral and balanced as possible. Contrary views and cases are important.
3) Talk about the limitations, constraints and gaps.
2) Be as neutral and balanced as possible. Contrary views and cases are important.
3) Talk about the limitations, constraints and gaps.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Academic Writing
What makes good academic writing? What IS academic writing? I've been struggling with this question the whole year, and I think I may be getting the hang of it.
1) Make an argument: say something new
2)Back it up: put it in context; build on previous work
3) Guide the reader: tell them what to expect, what you're saying, where you're going
4) Be clear/concise: make it easy and quick to read
5) Connect facts/events/fields: again: you have to be original
6) Be balanced: don't make sweeping statements- you can't say anything that can't be verified. There are no absolutes
1) Make an argument: say something new
2)Back it up: put it in context; build on previous work
3) Guide the reader: tell them what to expect, what you're saying, where you're going
4) Be clear/concise: make it easy and quick to read
5) Connect facts/events/fields: again: you have to be original
6) Be balanced: don't make sweeping statements- you can't say anything that can't be verified. There are no absolutes
Writing
This has been said many times before, I don't know why I never listen:
The only way to write is to write.
1)Starting:
All that advice about finding inspiration, getting into the mood, freeing your mind, choosing the setting? It doesn't work until you actually begin. And once you begin, it doesn't really matter.
2)Getting stuck:
My thesis draft is virtually unrecognizable from my first write. It was hard, I got stuck, I wasn't sure how to proceed.
But there are books out there on how to write in virtually any format. I found reading and speaking to people was key to organizing my own thoughts- I wasn't sure what I thought until I read it somewhere or told someone, and then things just clicked.
3) Effective reading:
Another thing I've learnt is to never read and copy out the relevant points aimlessly.
Make notes of what you read, save the references, organize the readings, and then write.
4) Trust yourself and your voice:
Your structure will change many times, but you need to be confident about what you've read, what you know, your material. Your confidence and insecurities show through clearly.
Don't use references as a clutch, use them to back up what YOU think.
Always make it easy for the reader- tell them where they're at and where they're going.
5) Editing takes time:
Your edits will change your entire piece. Give yourself enough time to go through your work repeatedly, and ask for feedback.
6) Make it look good:
Formatting, fonts and color matter. No one wants to read massive amounts of text. Make it sound AND look interesting.
The only way to write is to write.
1)Starting:
All that advice about finding inspiration, getting into the mood, freeing your mind, choosing the setting? It doesn't work until you actually begin. And once you begin, it doesn't really matter.
2)Getting stuck:
My thesis draft is virtually unrecognizable from my first write. It was hard, I got stuck, I wasn't sure how to proceed.
But there are books out there on how to write in virtually any format. I found reading and speaking to people was key to organizing my own thoughts- I wasn't sure what I thought until I read it somewhere or told someone, and then things just clicked.
3) Effective reading:
Another thing I've learnt is to never read and copy out the relevant points aimlessly.
Make notes of what you read, save the references, organize the readings, and then write.
4) Trust yourself and your voice:
Your structure will change many times, but you need to be confident about what you've read, what you know, your material. Your confidence and insecurities show through clearly.
Don't use references as a clutch, use them to back up what YOU think.
Always make it easy for the reader- tell them where they're at and where they're going.
5) Editing takes time:
Your edits will change your entire piece. Give yourself enough time to go through your work repeatedly, and ask for feedback.
6) Make it look good:
Formatting, fonts and color matter. No one wants to read massive amounts of text. Make it sound AND look interesting.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Getting Clients
1) Reply promptly to e-mails: it shows you're efficient and on the ball. And you get to them before anyone else does.
2) Organize: Have a list of key points about your clients that you update regularly. Having a database makes your life easier, and impresses clients when you don't have to keep asking them for information.
3) Provide free samples: Prove that you're good at what you can do, and earn their trust. A little goodwill goes a long way.
4) Make it easy to pay: Have a well organized easy to access website. If they're giving you their money, make it easy for them.
2) Organize: Have a list of key points about your clients that you update regularly. Having a database makes your life easier, and impresses clients when you don't have to keep asking them for information.
3) Provide free samples: Prove that you're good at what you can do, and earn their trust. A little goodwill goes a long way.
4) Make it easy to pay: Have a well organized easy to access website. If they're giving you their money, make it easy for them.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Holding Back
I think one of the biggest differences I see in myself this year, is not a different way of thinking or speaking- but having the confidence to express my thoughts.
I used to hold myself back, second-guess myself, try to fit in, and now I just can't be bothered. WHy shouldn't I be as critical or questioning as I want to be?
And ironically, people seem to enjoy it too. All those wasted years of false agreement, sigh.
I used to hold myself back, second-guess myself, try to fit in, and now I just can't be bothered. WHy shouldn't I be as critical or questioning as I want to be?
And ironically, people seem to enjoy it too. All those wasted years of false agreement, sigh.
Cutting Edge
I just had a really interesting conversation with a friend who's doing her thesis on the effects of health on decision making in politics- and it's so freaking interesting.
It seems like the only things worth doing and studying are those at the boundaries- combining health/biology, the environment, development and markets? Hm.
It seems like the only things worth doing and studying are those at the boundaries- combining health/biology, the environment, development and markets? Hm.
The Fear of Fat
There seems to be a correlation between education and body size.
Everyone here is so THIN- both the academics and the students.
The only overweight people I ever see anymore are the ones that work in cafes, restaurants, colleges.
I suppose education does make you aware of the benefits of healthy eating and exercise- but come on, you can get that advice from any magazine too.
I think it's more a sign of commitment, drive, ambition.
They're in control of the rest of their lives, they're motivated, directed.
Why wouldn't they be in control of their body size too?
Everyone here is so THIN- both the academics and the students.
The only overweight people I ever see anymore are the ones that work in cafes, restaurants, colleges.
I suppose education does make you aware of the benefits of healthy eating and exercise- but come on, you can get that advice from any magazine too.
I think it's more a sign of commitment, drive, ambition.
They're in control of the rest of their lives, they're motivated, directed.
Why wouldn't they be in control of their body size too?
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Freewrite
You know that feeling of floating, or free falling, of there being no limits, nothing to hold you? Nothing to hold onto. It's hard to know what ends and when it begins. We're so trapped by time and schedules, when you take it away, you're free, you see. You begin to be. And rhyme, apparently.
Markets
Instead of criticizing the markets, monetization and the meaning of value- why don't we create our own systems of trade? There's nothing stopping us from defining our own values and forms of distribution.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Seeing India
This course has changed my way of seeing.
When I went back home this summer, everything was different, even though nothing was the same.
It's confusing that I had to leave the country, to learn about it, to notice things about it. Distance does give you perspective. But I worry that in a way, it's just a form of recolonizing my mind, isn't it?
If I think the way this system wants me to, am I caught in Spivak's paradox? But just having had the opportunity to be here probably disqualified me anyway.
When I went back home this summer, everything was different, even though nothing was the same.
It's confusing that I had to leave the country, to learn about it, to notice things about it. Distance does give you perspective. But I worry that in a way, it's just a form of recolonizing my mind, isn't it?
If I think the way this system wants me to, am I caught in Spivak's paradox? But just having had the opportunity to be here probably disqualified me anyway.
Academia
My course has basically been self- study.
I feel like I was put in a place with a million books, and thousands of fascinating people, handed a set of assignments, and left to get on with it.
I would have maybe liked more support, guidance, been taught how to write a great social science essay before getting my grades back- but in the end, how do you learn and grow, really?
If the point of a University is to provide an education- then this year has given me access to all the sources of learning I could have wanted.And I'd like to think I've made the most of it.
I've learnt so much through conversation- both about my subject and myself, my way of thinking.
Just as I'm getting my bearings, and getting on my feet, it's time to leave- but isn't that a sign I should be moving on anyway? Can't afford to get complacent.
I feel like I was put in a place with a million books, and thousands of fascinating people, handed a set of assignments, and left to get on with it.
I would have maybe liked more support, guidance, been taught how to write a great social science essay before getting my grades back- but in the end, how do you learn and grow, really?
If the point of a University is to provide an education- then this year has given me access to all the sources of learning I could have wanted.And I'd like to think I've made the most of it.
I've learnt so much through conversation- both about my subject and myself, my way of thinking.
Just as I'm getting my bearings, and getting on my feet, it's time to leave- but isn't that a sign I should be moving on anyway? Can't afford to get complacent.
This Year
I've learnt so much, grown so much this year.
I can see the difference in the way I think, speak, live.
It's partly my course, and partly my environment.
For the first time in what feels like ever, I feel absolutely free to be myself. And that's the key- that confidence, the lack of bullshit brings liberation with it.
People sense that, and want to be around you.
Nothing attracts people like happiness.
I can see the difference in the way I think, speak, live.
It's partly my course, and partly my environment.
For the first time in what feels like ever, I feel absolutely free to be myself. And that's the key- that confidence, the lack of bullshit brings liberation with it.
People sense that, and want to be around you.
Nothing attracts people like happiness.
Writing a First Draft
The only way to write is to write. But you can't write if you don't read.
Take your time reading, diversify your sources and authors. Take notes, record your thoughts. Once you've organized your reading, form an argument or story.
Break the piece down into subheadings, and group your notes into these different boxes/categories.
Write freely. Make coherent sentences. The rest will come.
Have your own voice, be strong. Guide your reader, tell them where you're going.
Make it easy for them, you know more than they do.
Take your time reading, diversify your sources and authors. Take notes, record your thoughts. Once you've organized your reading, form an argument or story.
Break the piece down into subheadings, and group your notes into these different boxes/categories.
Write freely. Make coherent sentences. The rest will come.
Have your own voice, be strong. Guide your reader, tell them where you're going.
Make it easy for them, you know more than they do.
The Art of Conversation
I'm constantly reminded by how essential it is to have good people skills. If you can talk to people, or more importantly- listen, doors will open for you.
People like feeling like they've been heard. Isn't having a great conversation the best buzz you can have?
It's easy when you break it down:
1) Make people feel interesting- Make eye contact, smile, laugh.
2) Make them feel like they can trust you- Be non-judgmental. Keep your expression neutral.
3) Keep them talking- Ask them questions, don't relate what they say back to yourself immediately
4) Be interesting- See other sides, don't take what they say at face value. Respond with something unexpected;they have to remember you.
There's more than one story, more than what they're telling you. Dig deeper- ask for history, context, comparisons.
People like feeling like they've been heard. Isn't having a great conversation the best buzz you can have?
It's easy when you break it down:
1) Make people feel interesting- Make eye contact, smile, laugh.
2) Make them feel like they can trust you- Be non-judgmental. Keep your expression neutral.
3) Keep them talking- Ask them questions, don't relate what they say back to yourself immediately
4) Be interesting- See other sides, don't take what they say at face value. Respond with something unexpected;they have to remember you.
There's more than one story, more than what they're telling you. Dig deeper- ask for history, context, comparisons.
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