Understanding High Agency

Introduction

• High agency is a crucial yet under-discussed concept.
• Difficult to define but recognizable when seen, similar to Justice Potter Stewart's definition of pornography.

Concepts of High and Low Agency

• Two individuals on a desert island: one uses resources to seek help, the other to escape — illustrates different frames of reality.
• High agency in history: Story of a man resisting Nazi salutes, signifies high agency in standing against norms.

High Agency Examples

• Sasquatch Festival video: One dancer starts a movement, highlighting high agency.
• Darren Brown compliance test: Demonstrates low agency as participants follow the crowd.

High Agency Questions

• Who would you call if trapped and needed help? The answer highlights the high agency person in your life.
• High agency is about impacting life rather than life impacting you.

Importance of High Agency

• Human agency has led to societal advancements, e.g., clothing, heating.
• Critical for solving problems and advancing society.

Examples of High Agency Individuals

• SpaceX and Northern Rail: Contrast between innovation and stagnation.
• The story of Cole Summers: Young entrepreneur exemplifying high agency.

Low Agency Traps

• Midwit Trap: Overcomplicating simple problems.
• Rumination Trap: Overthinking without taking action.
• Vague Trap: Lack of specificity in goals and actions.
• Cynic Trap: Negative outlook preventing action.

High Agency Beliefs

• No unsolvable problem unless it defies physics.
• Adults don't exist.
• No guarantee of an easy life.
• There's no single way or path to success.
• No memory of normal; embrace uniqueness.

Tips to Cultivate High Agency

• Ask if problems defy the laws of physics.
• Start with small, manageable steps (like video game levels).
• Use clear, specific questions and goals.
• Embrace disagreement and think independently.

Historical and Modern Examples

• Wright Brothers: Persistence in solving flight challenges.
• The Patels: Overcoming adversity to become significant motel owners in the US.

Conclusion

• Aim to develop high agency thinking by learning from history and adopting practical strategies to overcome common traps.