THE GREAT FILTERS OF REALITY
“seven filters for seeing reality. missing one explains most disagreements.”
The Lesson
Filters are ways of looking at reality that help you see around corners. Economics: money motivates, supply/demand, diminishing costs, learnable in an hour. Mating instinct: almost everything humans do connects to reproduction, even showing off. Persuasion: understanding irrationality, illusions, fake vs real news. Science literacy: knowing that one study isn't proof, and journalists interpreting science isn't science. Dilbert organizations: knowing how large hierarchies predictably behave irrationally. Psychedelic experience: understanding reality as subjective construct (can also get this from travel or having beliefs corrected). Statistics and odds: recognizing when something isn't a proper randomized trial. When you disagree with someone, check which filter they're missing.
Real-World Example
A founder argues with an investor about market size. The investor cites a 'study' showing the market is small. The founder recognizes: that's a journalist's interpretation of one survey, not real science. The investor is missing the science literacy filter. The founder reframes by asking what would constitute real evidence. This shifts the conversation productively.
Watch Scott explain this lesson
Watch Lesson on Locals →