All Segments
Ep.84 — Thomas J Bevan — Avoiding the Middle Ground
33 segments available
Thomas J Bevan is an author and essayist. He pens The Commonplace newsletter which includes workshops on writing, movie reviews, and essays on life. We talk about: - Starting a commonplace - Striking a balance between the physical and digital - Not defining growth with metrics - The Soaring 20s Social Club - And MUCH more! Follow Thomas on Twitter at https://twitter.com/thomasjb3van and subscribe to his newsletter at https://thomasjbevan.substack.com/
Segments Timeline
Welcome to Infinite Loops
Jim O'Shaughnessy introduces the Infinite Loops podcast, discussing the concept of getting caught in infinite loops of thought. He emphasizes the goal of resetting our thinking and gaining a better understanding of various issues through a multi-faceted lens, including history, philosophy, and quantitative analysis.
"[Music] hi i'm jim o'shaughnessy and welcome to infinite loops sometimes we get caught up in what feel like infinite loops when trying to figure things out markets go up and down research is presented..."
Introducing Thomas J Bevan
Jim welcomes Thomas J Bevan, author of The Commonplace newsletter and proprietor of the Soaring 20s Social Club. They discuss Bevan's work and the significance of his writing, particularly focusing on the idea of avoiding the middle ground in thought and expression.
"thanks for joining us now please enjoy this episode of infinite loops jim o'shaughnessy is chairman and co-chief investment officer of o'shaughnessy asset management where jamie catherwood is an assoc..."
Avoiding the Middle Ground
Thomas J Bevan shares insights from his piece 'Avoid the Middle Ground,' where he critiques the blandness and dangers of mediocrity in thought and expression. He argues that embracing extremes can lead to more meaningful engagement and creativity, rather than settling for a safe, uninspired middle path.
"i am joined by somebody who i've wanted to have on this podcast for quite some time i've followed him for a while his name is thomas j bevin is the proprietor of the soaring 20s social club as well as..."
The Dangers of Mediocrity
Bevan elaborates on the consequences of taking the middle path in life and writing. He emphasizes that settling for mediocrity leads to a collective stagnation, where individuals miss out on the richness of life by avoiding commitment to their ideas and passions.
"and i loved it because everyone writes with weasel words today they assume that their audience is an idiot exactly yeah here is what i am saying here is what i am saying here is what i said that's jus..."
The Power of Commonplace Journaling
Jim and Thomas discuss the transformative power of commonplace journaling. Bevan explains how writing down thoughts helps clarify understanding and fosters self-discovery, allowing individuals to confront their beliefs and ideas without the pressure of an audience.
"go home and i'm going to really write this out like i said to be honest and this kind of goes with the idea of trying to avoid the middle i try not to think things out what i try and do or what i end ..."
Understanding Yourself Through Writing
Thomas emphasizes the importance of writing as a tool for self-reflection and understanding. He discusses how articulating thoughts can reveal inconsistencies in one's beliefs, making it easier to confront and refine personal narratives.
"lot of people have asked me so how do i start this give me the list and i said there is no list you just start writing and as you just pointed out you're only writing for yourself initially so one of ..."
The Unreliable Narrator
The conversation shifts to the concept of being an unreliable narrator in one's own life. Thomas discusses how memory can distort reality and the importance of humility and self-awareness in navigating personal narratives and beliefs.
"is that almost out of necessity any discussion advice on writing is going to be false and any narrative of any kind of any tense is a study in human nature i love that line so talk to me about that pa..."
The Fear of Self-Examination
Jim and Thomas explore the fear associated with self-examination and change. They discuss how societal pressures and the desire for control can hinder individuals from confronting their true selves, leading to a reluctance to engage in deep self-reflection.
"self-awareness i honestly and i'm saying this maybe truthfully who knows i just can't understand why people are reluctant to do this i think of a quote by the writer who's not a real person by the way..."
Comfort in Stasis
Thomas J Bevan delves into the concept of comfort in stasis, explaining how people cling to familiar views to avoid the discomfort of change. He warns that this approach can lead to catastrophic failures when faced with seismic shifts in the world, emphasizing the need for epistemic humility.
"yeah why do you think that is is it because we hope for control we hope for perth and home the rockwell vision of a happy family happy life all these things or is it because fear which in my opinion r..."
The Challenge of Change
In this segment, Bevan discusses the difficulty of accepting change and the importance of being open to new ideas. He argues that while it may feel easier to maintain static views, true growth requires the willingness to adapt and reassess one's beliefs in light of new information.
"i've always thought that stasis equals death and if i could get people to understand that but again i don't try because i can't change anybody i fully understand that you can change only yourself you ..."
Critique of Listicles
Bevan critiques the trend of listicles and generic advice, expressing frustration with the oversimplification of complex topics. He argues that individual experiences vary greatly, and the nuances of personal journeys often get lost in the pursuit of catchy headlines and viral content.
"right on the app because i'd been reading one of these idiotic things and the reason i clicked on it was i was curious i was actually curious what are they trying to foist on people here and this part..."
The Value of Editing
Thomas J Bevan shares his perspective on editing in writing, discussing its role in refining thoughts while also acknowledging the importance of preserving meaning found in mistakes and digressions. He reflects on his own writing process and the balance between clarity and authenticity.
"better judgment writing sort of longer essays about writing itself just because i had so many bones to pick with the received wisdom of all i don't really prize editing half as much as most people do ..."
Letters to My Kids
In this heartfelt segment, Bevan talks about writing letters to his children, emphasizing the significance of capturing genuine thoughts and feelings. He reflects on the lessons learned through this process and how it has shaped his understanding of communication and legacy.
"regard i do find editing to be helpful because i can go on and sometimes a helpful editor slapping my wrist with a ruler saying you don't have to tell them 10 times the same thing works out but then i..."
The Impermanence of the Web
Bevan discusses the impermanence of online content and the desire to create something lasting. He contrasts the fleeting nature of social media with the value of tangible works, expressing a longing for deeper connections and meaningful contributions in a digital age.
"the mistakes or in digressions or in digressions exactly you can see this painting right behind me some people that i do the pod with really love it and they ask about it and there's really a great st..."
The Value of Human Contact
In this segment, Bevan reflects on a conversation with young artists who prioritize human contact over social media. He discusses the allure of exclusivity and scarcity in art and how personal connections can enhance the experience of creativity and community.
"their very nature they're written more in my opinion to learn and to keep his messages and thoughts about in your own life let me ask you a question if you were going to publish all of the stuff that ..."
The Power of Networks
Bevan emphasizes the importance of networks in the art world, using Van Gogh as an example of how lack of connections can hinder success. He argues that building relationships and leveraging networks are crucial for artists and creators to thrive in their fields.
"pretty quickly but you know with all the things happening in the world i just think if this has got to be shipped all over the world and christmas is coming do i do this now and it gets lost in the po..."
The Joy of Browsing Books
Thomas J Bevan reflects on the experience of browsing physical bookstores before the internet era. He discusses how this tactile experience often led to unexpected discoveries, contrasting it with the convenience of digital reading on devices like Kindle. Bevan emphasizes the importance of human contact and the thrill of scarcity in events, highlighting a blend of online and offline interactions.
"internet you had to show up you wanted a book you went to the bookstore and you oftentimes ended up buying books that you didn't go there to buy it was just the browsing that allowed you oh this looks..."
The Value of Networking
In this segment, Bevan draws parallels between the art world and the importance of networking, using Vincent van Gogh as an example. He discusses how van Gogh's lack of connections hindered his success, stressing that a strong network is crucial for artists and creators. This conversation leads to a broader discussion about the dangers of being stuck in the middle ground of online engagement.
"right mix at least for me maybe not for everybody because i'm a tech freak too i early adopted all technology because the power is in the network and by that i mean i started thinking about van gogh a..."
Avoiding the Middle Ground
Bevan elaborates on the pitfalls of being in the middle ground of online and offline engagement. He warns against the trap of excessive social media use without meaningful action, advocating for a balance between traditional and digital methods. This segment emphasizes the importance of taking decisive action rather than getting lost in the noise of social media.
"of what we were talking about it's all about avoiding the middle so that example you gave of the people who promote their own weren't online at all that's very much one way and you can go very much th..."
The Internet as a New Frontier
Thomas J Bevan discusses the transformative power of the internet, likening it to a new Paris where connections can be made without geographical barriers. He reflects on how the internet allows for the discovery of new voices and ideas, emphasizing the need for careful curation of content to avoid the pitfalls of literalism and misunderstanding in online discourse.
"thing i think one of the things about it is it really depends on the person so i have specific goals or had specific goals with moving to social media from traditional media i used to do a lot of trad..."
Words as Labels and the Challenge of Interpretation
In this thought-provoking segment, Bevan explores the concept of label thinking and how it limits original thought. He critiques the tendency of people to interpret ideas literally rather than metaphorically, which can stifle creativity and understanding. This discussion highlights the importance of nuanced thinking in a world filled with buzzwords and labels.
"and whatnot but you wrote something else i think what was for the sovereign individual which i wanted to talk to you about you wrote we are all gamblers at heart as we make bets on the future with wor..."
The Journey of Becoming a Writer
Bevan shares his personal journey towards becoming a writer, emphasizing that his initial motivation was pure expression rather than financial gain. He discusses how this approach resonated with readers and ultimately led to the possibility of making a living from his writing. This segment underscores the importance of authenticity in creative endeavors.
"and almost don't have that capacity to sort of shift the context of seeing that you're trying to explain something in terms of another and the internet might well foster it but this bizarre sort of li..."
Truth-Telling Through Comedy
In this concluding segment, Bevan reflects on the role of comedians as truth-tellers in society. He quotes Billy Wilder on the necessity of humor in conveying difficult truths, reinforcing the idea that comedy can be a powerful medium for honest expression. This discussion ties back to the overarching theme of avoiding the middle ground in both art and communication.
"possible i agree by the way making things conditional is not a good way to think about them if i achieve x then i will be happy if i don't do why then i will you know don't make your life conditional ..."
The Impact of the Internet on Expression
Bevan shares his thoughts on the internet's role in shaping creative expression, particularly how centralized platforms can deskill readers. He reflects on his approach to writing and how it filters out those who aren't genuinely interested, allowing for a more engaged audience.
" kill you exactly yeah so do you have any trepidations about putting it out there not really because i just kind of thought who cares you know it's not as if to be cancelled and attacked by a mob you ..."
The Roaring 20s Social Club
Thomas J Bevan introduces his Roaring 20s Social Club, a decentralized community for writers, artists, and creatives. He explains how this club fosters a supportive environment away from hustle culture, allowing members to collaborate and grow without the pressures of traditional metrics.
"people out it's not a problem it's fine i love that where are the pictures yeah i would like you to tell me a little bit about the roaring 20s social club what's that all about that is and i think thi..."
Web 3.0 and Creative Freedom
Bevan discusses the potential of Web 3.0 to empower creatives by providing platforms that allow for independent expression and financial sustainability. He highlights how this shift is leading to a new era where talented individuals can thrive outside traditional media structures.
"premium sub stack so there is a tiny tiny little charge there and that just enables me to earn a living so i can just write what i want to write without compromise have time for all the people there a..."
The Matthew Effect in Creative Networks
In this segment, Bevan explains the Matthew Effect, where successful nodes in a network attract more connections, while less successful ones fade away. He discusses how this principle applies to creative fields and the importance of meritocracy in recognizing talent.
"again referencing why all the journals now are melting down is because all of the best people are leaving that world and setting up their own sub stack or podcast or whatever and they're making bank n..."
Finding Meaning in Creative Endeavors
Bevan reflects on the necessity of finding personal meaning in creative work. He shares insights from his essay 'Diving for Pearls,' discussing how enduring challenges in the creative process can lead to profound insights and contributions to society.
"operating at every level from bacteria all the way up to the most advanced social systems and so one of the ways that i think that web 3.0 can maybe negate that a little bit is it can provide a platfo..."
Challenging Social Norms
In this thought-provoking segment, Bevan explores the idea of social norms and limitations imposed by society. He argues for the importance of challenging these norms to foster creativity and personal agency, drawing comparisons between different cultural attitudes towards success and expression.
"going and was that a self-referential quote i think so to degree yeah i think that's something that you learn because suffering of one form or another is going to be an inevitability of life that's ce..."
The Creative Process Through Walking
Thomas J Bevan explains how walking contributes to his creative process. He discusses the importance of motion in generating ideas and how his best thoughts often come to him during long walks, leading to productive writing sessions afterward.
"understand a city yeah absolutely have you read the book zen in the art of motorcycle maintenance a long long time ago i think his insights are quite compelling and one of the things he makes the poin..."
Future Aspirations and Creative Freedom
In this segment, Bevan talks about his aspirations as a writer, emphasizing the importance of creative freedom. He expresses his desire to produce more fiction, essays, and reviews, highlighting the significance of being able to write without interference.
"inevitably comes yeah that's how i actually got the idea for my first two books was on long walks is it a desolatory stroll or do you go with a purpose do you have a place that you're walking to or do..."
Inception of a Day Off
Bevan creatively imagines a world where he could incept the idea of a universal day off, allowing everyone to pause and reflect. He believes this day would encourage people to create something meaningful without the pressure of expectations, fostering a culture of creativity and sharing.
"i love it well this has been fantastic you want to just tell our listeners how they can find you the sub stack is thomas j bevin that's t-h-o-m-a-s-j-b-e-v-a-n dot sub stack dot com and you can sign u..."
Thoughtful Leadership and Responsibility
Concluding the conversation, Bevan reflects on the responsibilities of leadership and the importance of not causing harm while inspiring change. He emphasizes the need for thoughtful approaches to influence, contrasting historical examples of destructive leadership with his vision for positive impact.
"see of tackling the awful burden of your question so i love that you approach the question that way because so many times in history the people who do the most damage to humanity always are claiming t..."