Monday31: Genetics, Habits and Time

Today brought some interesting articles, ones that were more thought provoking than normal.

I watched two videos that were a collaboration of the YouTube channels ASAP science and V Sauce 3. Both videos discussed the possibilities and current science of genetic manipulation. VSacue's video focused on if it is possible to genetically modify our current bodies to become stronger, smarter, faster, etc. The short answer is no. Genes, and the traits they determine are very complex and engineering them is very difficult. However, I believe that we may see a day when genetic manipulation becomes real and regular.

The other video focused on engineering genes in our children, choosing specific traits and qualities to breed a more intelligent human. Again, interesting thoughts that sound like science fiction. But if history has taught us anything (and continues to teach us) it's that science fiction often become science reality.

Another brief article I saw that had some interesting charts and graphics to go along with it was about the daily habits of highly creative people of the last several centuries. There were very well-designed graphs of Mozart's daily patterns, including baths, walks, composing and a lot of breaks for food. It also had other famous writers and composers.

I think our fascination with history's powerful figures is very interesting. I think there may be some benefit from studying their habits but at the same time, from what I saw, there was no pattern to their days across the board. One of the famous writers (I can't remember his name) spent only 2 hours a day actually writing while another spent over 11! Instead of focusing on what others have done to achieve greatness maybe we should look inside and around ourselves to discover what it is that will make us individually great.

The last thing I will bring up came from a website that I discovered today (via an article) called Clearer Thinking. This website has some interesting tools and training on how to improve many aspects of your life. The article I read featured a tool that they have created that lets you calculate how much your time is really worth to you. It asks questions about how much you make, if you would change jobs, how long you'd be willing to wait in line for a gift card and so on. It's quite interesting and while it's certainly not completely accurate (time and money are very subjective matters in my subjective opinion) it is rather insightful. It also gives several recommendations on how you can use your time or change your habits. It turns out, an hour of my free time is worth about $14.83. I'm not sure how I feel about that but at least I make more than minimum wage in my own mind's time.