WWB Trainer
WWB Concepts
Timeless ideas at the intersections of science, philosophy, critical thinking, and history.
MODE:
~
5 minutes
of takeaways.
10 concepts, the takeaway of each idea.
First up. The essence of some tales from history.
1.
The topic: “History.”
Subject: Existentialism.
From History: b. 1899
1899 to 1990, aged 90
For Peter Wessel Zapffe, human consciousness is an evolutionary overshoot—awareness expanded beyond what life can comfortably bear. Our suffering is structural, not fixable, and culture exists largely to distract us from this truth. Albert Camus, writing later, accepts the same abyss but refuses despair. Where Zapffe sees tragedy without remedy, Camus finds dignity in revolt—living clearly, defiantly, and fully despite the silence.
2.
The topic: “History.”
Subject: Motion Finds Its Mathematics.
From History: 5 Jul 1687
- Infinitesimal Math.
Before calculus, physics was intuition and geometry. After calculus, it became a science of precision. Differentiation and integration turned the blur of continuous change into something measurable—paving the way for mechanics, electromagnetism, relativity, and every equation that followed.
3.
The topic: “History.”
From History: 48,000 BCE (+/- 2,000 years)
Neanderthals made rope by 48,000 BCE indicating the raw cognitive abilities likely evolved on our common ancestor 440,000 years ago.
Next. Some interesting and meaningful quotes.
4.
Quote:
The topic: “Philosophy.”
Subject: Impermanence.
- Heraclitus.
- 500 BCE.
Meaning:
Heraclitus’ claim that “everything is in flux” captures a deep truth shared by both metaphysics and classical physics. The world appears stable only because change often happens gradually. Beneath every solid object, fixed identity, and steady law lies continuous motion, transformation, and becoming. What endures is not stillness, but patterned change.
5.
Quote:
The topic: “History.”
Subject: Socratic Method.
- Socrates.
- 399 BCE.
Meaning:
Socrates taught that self-reflection brought knowledge, which in turn brought meaning. I think he wanted you to uncover the truth, no matter what it is, reconcile it with your beliefs, and make sense of it in a way that is consistent with common knowledge.
6.
Quote:
The topic: “Philosophy.”
Subject: Worldviews.
- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr..
- 1858.
Meaning:
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. reminded us that we are not forged in a vacuum. We are born into a family with a family view, and into a society with a societal view. Long before we can choose our own beliefs, we inherit them. Our traditions, our education, and our early experiences shape how the world first makes sense to us. In this very real way, we are products of our upbringing.
Finally, some frequently asked “questions.”
7.
The topic: “Philosophy.”
Subject: Illusion.
Maya and illusion in various traditions has roots in reality. Ninio’s Extinction Illusion reveals how our brains can overlook details, causing us to miss elements right before our eyes. It underscores the subjective nature of perception, reminding us that our senses are only a reflection of reality.
8.
The topic: “History.”
Subject: Galileo.
In 1610, Galileo published “Starry Messenger.” The original Latin title was Sidereus Nuncius and it is considered one of the most important scientific books ever published, helping to establish the scientific revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries. Galileo, an Italian astronomer, also wrote many of his works in Italian to reach a broader audience, making his discoveries accessible beyond the scholarly elite.
9.
The topic: “Science.”
Subject: The Stuff of Stars.
In 1925, Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin discovered stars are primarily hydrogen and helium, overturning assumptions they were like Earth. Her breakthrough, using spectral analysis, was later confirmed and revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos.
10.
The topic: “Critical Thinking.”
Subject: Idea of Ideas.
If math refers to the patterns and relationships embedded in reality, then it was discovered. If it refers to the symbols and systems we use to describe those patterns, then it was invented. In 30 Philosophers, this duality appears as latent ideas: truths that exist independently, waiting for minds to notice and name them.
“Done.” Refresh for another set.
WWB Trainer
(c) 2025 TouchstoneTruth.
Writing and coding by Michael Alan Prestwood.
(c) 2025 TouchstoneTruth.
Writing and coding by Michael Alan Prestwood.
