21A – Reading Reflection No. 2
Cognitive Surplus by Clay Shirky
1. The general argument of Shirky's book is that Cognitive surplus around the world is so big, even a small change in behavior can result in a whole lot of big consequences. Basically, Shirky's overall message is that the world would become more of a better place if individuals around the world can devote their spare time and power to do something worthwhile.
2. To be honest, I had a hard time making a bridge between the idea and this course. I hashed over how cognitive surplus can help me better my entrepreneurship. But I realized that the book talks about the potentials of all the wasted or leisure time of individuals and this potential can create something valuable over time if time is well spent. As an entrepreneur, time is a very valuable commodity to your business and it made me realize if I manage my time more wisely, I can contribute more to the business.
3. There was an interesting study conducted by Shirky; I want to do the same with the class. I will divide the class into two groups. A first group is a group that has a penalty to pay fine if one skips a class. The other group is a regular group that does not have the penalty. Which group is more likely to be absent often? If Shirky's assumption is right, I would say the result would be that the penalty-paying group is more likely to skip classes and have less remorse for doing so, because the group No.1 has less guilt on skipping a class because they know they can pay their way out of their wrongdoing.
4. Clay Shirky says that we, as a humanity, are more generous and emotional than we think. And when we can combine these potentials and digital technology, 'cognitive surplus' will lead to a big positive change in our society. That was my aha moment.
1. The general argument of Shirky's book is that Cognitive surplus around the world is so big, even a small change in behavior can result in a whole lot of big consequences. Basically, Shirky's overall message is that the world would become more of a better place if individuals around the world can devote their spare time and power to do something worthwhile.
2. To be honest, I had a hard time making a bridge between the idea and this course. I hashed over how cognitive surplus can help me better my entrepreneurship. But I realized that the book talks about the potentials of all the wasted or leisure time of individuals and this potential can create something valuable over time if time is well spent. As an entrepreneur, time is a very valuable commodity to your business and it made me realize if I manage my time more wisely, I can contribute more to the business.
3. There was an interesting study conducted by Shirky; I want to do the same with the class. I will divide the class into two groups. A first group is a group that has a penalty to pay fine if one skips a class. The other group is a regular group that does not have the penalty. Which group is more likely to be absent often? If Shirky's assumption is right, I would say the result would be that the penalty-paying group is more likely to skip classes and have less remorse for doing so, because the group No.1 has less guilt on skipping a class because they know they can pay their way out of their wrongdoing.
4. Clay Shirky says that we, as a humanity, are more generous and emotional than we think. And when we can combine these potentials and digital technology, 'cognitive surplus' will lead to a big positive change in our society. That was my aha moment.
Hey Byung. It looks like you put a lot of thought into this post. I see that you learned a lot from this book and I'm glad you enjoy. Although I didn't read this book I do see a lot of value in what you read and I might read it too. I like the activity that you created from the book, it could teach a valuable lesson about the consequences of certain actions.
ReplyDeleteI think your book choice was great but I have not heard of it and it was quite a complicated concept. I think you added value to the class by picking this book though. I think I would read this book as it sounds like it is valuable to learn about the consequences of actions .
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