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Funny thing about mentioning Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and "dopamine-generating distractions". https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b00855lt https://www.bbc.co.uk/sound

Funny thing about mentioning Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and "dopamine-generating distractions". https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b00855lt https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b00855lt Avicenna apparently had a very strict schedule of putting down the quill and enjoying the company of his women. So now, the fact of his genius notwithstanding, what does that do with the dopamine and distraction theorem given this man was unbelievably productive in his life? https://historyofphilosophy.net/did-avicenna-kill-himself-having-too-much-sex https://historyofphilosophy.net/did-avicenna-kill-himself-ha...

jaqalopes 4y ago
I've also seen it suggested that modern tech is causing people today to be less in touch with their physical bodies and the bodies of those around them. I personally think I'm much happier and more "productive" when I have access to physical intimacy (which, as with perhaps many people today, is less often than I would prefer). Perhaps it's all related?
- eternalban 4y ago
  Add the discipline bit (which he had in spades) and I think you may have something there. I'm struggling a bit thinking of the correct word here; satisfaction and contentment come to mind, as well as un-settled mind when dissatisfied. It all seems to boil down to the mind, and where you stand on the mind-body (none?) issue. These days I'm tending to be far more accepting of the unified view that dispenses with the duality. The un-settled mind is prone to distraction, naturally.
- flangola7 4y ago
  My mind is definitely more focused and at peace if I have recently cuddled or had sex with a friend in the past couple of days.
tablespoon 4y ago
> Avicenna apparently had a very strict schedule of putting down the quill and enjoying the company of his women. So now, the fact of his genius notwithstanding, what does that do with the dopamine and distraction theorem given this man was unbelievably productive in his life? Probably not much. I forget the exact term, but when people refer to "dopamine" in the contact of distraction, they're not really talking about dopamine in general, but rather things like slot-machine-like random enforcement engagement mechanisms (which can be explicitly designed, like in social media apps, or accidentally "fall out" of new tech-enabled activities).
soiler 4y ago
I would not consider a scheduled physical/social/emotional activity to be a distraction. Is eating lunch a distraction? Is sleeping a distraction? If anything, I think Avicenna supports the value of reducing distraction.

jaqalopes 4y ago

I've also seen it suggested that modern tech is causing people today to be less in touch with their physical bodies and the bodies of those around them. I personally think I'm much happier and more "productive" when I have access to physical intimacy (which, as with perhaps many people today, is less often than I would prefer). Perhaps it's all related?

eternalban 4y ago
Add the discipline bit (which he had in spades) and I think you may have something there. I'm struggling a bit thinking of the correct word here; satisfaction and contentment come to mind, as well as un-settled mind when dissatisfied. It all seems to boil down to the mind, and where you stand on the mind-body (none?) issue. These days I'm tending to be far more accepting of the unified view that dispenses with the duality. The un-settled mind is prone to distraction, naturally.
flangola7 4y ago
My mind is definitely more focused and at peace if I have recently cuddled or had sex with a friend in the past couple of days.

tablespoon 4y ago

> Avicenna apparently had a very strict schedule of putting down the quill and enjoying the company of his women. So now, the fact of his genius notwithstanding, what does that do with the dopamine and distraction theorem given this man was unbelievably productive in his life? Probably not much. I forget the exact term, but when people refer to "dopamine" in the contact of distraction, they're not really talking about dopamine in general, but rather things like slot-machine-like random enforcement engagement mechanisms (which can be explicitly designed, like in social media apps, or accidentally "fall out" of new tech-enabled activities).

soiler 4y ago

I would not consider a scheduled physical/social/emotional activity to be a distraction. Is eating lunch a distraction? Is sleeping a distraction? If anything, I think Avicenna supports the value of reducing distraction.