The art of being a nerd

trout lily at Fullersburg Woods

I follow this Oxford student (@Erinmerystudy) who posts on neuroscience, study skills, and other things with extreme levels of nerdy enthusiasm.  This post advocates for reading an "academic paper every day." In an earlier post, she names a number of whole courses that you watch on YouTube.  In another post she advocates having analogue hobbies, like learning the names of trees.  Here she talks about her whole project - the art of being a nerd, which to her is obsessiveness and passions.  Here she talks about making notes for class.  She calls it #intellectualglowup (see below)

The tone is "stop wasting your time and be smart and curious"!  

Meanwhile, across the street, middle aged men arrive to hang out in his garage with a couch and big screen TV and drink High Noons while watching sports.  Last week it a golf tournament, with the whole extended family attending.  Meanwhile professional sports.  Meanwhile podcasts about sports or YouTube. Meanwhile adults cosplay. Meanwhile binge TV.   Meanwhile doomscroll.

The decision is to get busy learning and making and doing or ... be entertained.  

It's not about "being productive," it's about engaging in life, using it.  How have I done on this score?  I would count things like my 10x10 projects -- learning HTML, TILF blog posts, reading all Shakespeare, watercolor, woodworking projects, gardening, bread making, cook book making, vegetarianing, etc. It's fun to learn.  

Intellectual glow up

A glow-up is a dramatic, positive transformation, usually referring to a significant improvement in a person’s physical appearance, style, or confidence. While often associated with maturing or changing habits, it frequently emphasizes becoming more attractive, self-assured, or successful, often highlighted by "before and after" comparisons on social media. 

Key Aspects of a Glow-Up:

• Physical Transformation: Changes in styling, skincare, weight, or overall aesthetic to look more polished or attractive.
• Inner Confidence: Beyond looks, it often represents a mental shift, leading to higher self-esteem, improved mental health, and a positive mindset.
• Personal Growth: It can involve developing better lifestyle habits, such as improved nutrition, exercise, or pursuing personal goals.
• Context: It is often used to describe someone "growing up" and emerging from an awkward phase into a more polished version of themselves. 

Usage and Origin:

• The term is popular on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, frequently showcased through "before and after" photos.
• It originated from "growing up," evolving into slang for a positive makeover.
• While primarily personal, it can also refer to improvements in spaces or objects, such as a "home glow-up".