Psychology
The Paradox of Choice
More choices, less happiness. The paradox of choice explains why freedom can feel like a burden.
Sean Oldham
Hi, I'm Sean! I'm the guy that writes stuff here. I have an interest in just about everything I come across and I like to share what I learn as often as I can. I hope you enjoy being here!
Technology
Why Do We Stick to QWERTY Keyboards?
The QWERTY keyboard layout has been the standard for over a century, despite the existence of alternative designs that claim to be faster, more ergonomic, and more efficient. From mechanical typewriters to modern touchscreen devices, QWERTY remains the default input method for billions of people worldwide. But why? Many assume
Design
What Makes a Pen Comfortable to Write With?
Despite the rise of digital technology, pens remain an essential tool for writing, sketching, and note-taking. Whether signing documents, journaling, or taking lecture notes, the right pen can make a significant difference in comfort and writing quality. But what exactly makes a pen feel comfortable to use? Some pens glide
ADHD
The 48-Hour Rule
Here’s something I’ve learned the hard way: if a problem spans more than 48 hours, there’s a good chance I won’t solve it. Not because I can’t, or because I don’t want to—but because, by then, the mental thread I was following is
Psychology
The Psychology of Color in Product Design
Color is one of the most powerful tools in product design, influencing how we perceive and interact with everyday items. Whether it's the toothpaste we choose in the morning, the phone case we carry throughout the day, or the kitchen appliances that fill our homes, color plays a
Science
The Science of Luck
Luck is a concept that has fascinated humans for centuries, influencing everything from gambling strategies to business decisions and even personal relationships. But is luck a genuine force at work in the universe, or is it merely an illusion created by probability and psychology? In this post, we will explore
Music
How Music Affects Your Brain
We’ve all had moments when the right song seems to supercharge our focus, lift our mood, or even make tedious tasks feel more enjoyable. But can the right playlist actually make you smarter? Science suggests that music has a powerful effect on the brain—enhancing memory, boosting concentration, and
History
Lost Technologies of the Ancient World
Throughout history, civilizations have demonstrated astonishing technological achievements, some of which remain unexplained to this day. From precision-cut stone structures to advanced metallurgy, ancient peoples developed techniques that modern science struggles to fully replicate. These so-called "lost technologies" continue to intrigue researchers, sparking debate over how they were
Books
The Truth The Color of Law Forces Us to Confront
Reading The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein is a gut-punch. It’s not that I didn’t know segregation was intentional, but seeing the extent to which the government actively created and enforced it—and how deeply those policies still shape our society today—is infuriating. This wasn’t
Books
The Enduring Mystery of Eels: A Deep Dive into The Book of Eels
Few creatures have captivated human curiosity like the eel. Slippery, secretive, and seemingly otherworldly, the eel has puzzled scientists, inspired mythologies, and formed deep cultural and personal connections across generations. In The Book of Eels: Our Enduring Fascination with the Most Mysterious Creature in the Natural World, Patrik Svensson explores
Books
From Secession to Insurrection: The Demon of Unrest and America’s Repeating History
Erik Larson’s The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War offers a deeply researched and gripping narrative of the five months leading up to the outbreak of the Civil War. By focusing on the political calculations, ideological rigidity, and
Science
The Neuroscience of Curiosity
Curiosity is a fundamental force in human nature, driving innovation, learning, and discovery. From childhood exploration to scientific breakthroughs, curiosity propels us to seek out new information and make sense of the world. But what is happening in our brains when we feel curious? Neuroscientists have been unraveling the mechanisms