The pursuit of solutions, whether personal or societal, often requires a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. It’s a process that can feel inherently unsettling, a deliberate unsettling of the status quo. As author Ava Bear recently observed, “Conflict is the art of checking underneath the rocks. It’s something you only learn by doing. It’s really, really scary. It’s also often the only sincere way to solve the problems in your life.” This idea, shared on her Substack, bookbear express, on March 23, 2026, resonates with a growing recognition that genuine progress isn’t found in avoiding difficulty, but in actively seeking it out. This exploration of conflict, and the value of understanding over output, is increasingly relevant in a world grappling with complex challenges.
The notion of deliberately seeking out friction isn’t about instigating chaos, but about a rigorous honesty with oneself and the systems around us. It’s a sentiment echoed in diverse fields, from the evolving understanding of artificial intelligence to the complexities of the human psyche. The willingness to dismantle, to question, to truly *understand* – rather than simply produce – is emerging as a critical skill in navigating an increasingly uncertain future. This shift in perspective is prompting a reevaluation of how we approach problem-solving, learning, and even our own internal lives.
The Value of Malleability in a Changing World
The conversation around artificial intelligence, for example, is beginning to move beyond the promise of automated solutions. A recent exchange on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted a critique of a “consumerist model of AI,” where the goal is simply to offload tasks to an agent. Kanjun, responding to a post by Karri Saarinen on March 23, 2026, argued that this approach overlooks the value of human learning. “This is true as long as we’re thinking of people as factory machines producing outputs,” Kanjun wrote. “But an alternate frame is of humans as *learning models* — where the value for the human is not in their output, but in their understanding of something.”
Saarinen’s original post, titled “The Malleable Software That Never Was,” explored the potential of software that could be easily modified, and adapted. The core idea – modifying a system to deepen understanding – aligns directly with Kanjun’s point. In a world increasingly shaped by complex systems, the ability to not just *use* technology, but to *understand* and *modify* it, will be paramount. This requires a shift away from seeking effortless automation and towards embracing the challenges of active engagement and iterative learning. The original X post can be found here, and Saarinen’s post here.
Pragmatism, Psychoanalysis, and the Questions We Avoid
This emphasis on understanding extends beyond the technological realm and into the realm of self-awareness. Psychologist Adam Phillips, in his essay “On Getting the Life You Want,” published in the London Review of Books on June 20, 2026, draws a distinction between pragmatism and psychoanalysis. Pragmatism, he argues, focuses on achieving desired outcomes, while psychoanalysis delves into the reasons *why* we might not even know what we truly want. According to Phillips, referencing the work of Michel Serres, “the only modern question is: what is it you don’t want to know about yourself?”
Phillips suggests that psychoanalysis encourages us to examine the obstacles we erect to our own happiness, while pragmatism takes our stated desires at face value. This tension highlights the importance of both action and introspection. Simply pursuing goals without understanding the underlying motivations and anxieties can lead to a sense of emptiness, even in success. Phillips’s essay serves as a precursor to his new book, The Life You Want, released in the UK on June 20, 2026, and soon to be available in the US. The essay can be read here.
The Discomfort of Disconnection and the “Slipstream of Life”
The require for balance between focused effort and broader engagement is further illustrated by a recent observation shared by Autumn Christian on X. Christian recounted an experience of isolating herself for six months to write, only to find herself feeling disconnected and creatively stifled. “All my life I longed for the times when I could be alone to write, yet after holing myself up in a basement…I began to feel disconnected from reality,” she wrote on March 22, 2026. She ultimately realized that the act of creation alone wasn’t enough. she craved “action, companionship, good food, excitement, randomness.”
This sentiment resonated with many, including Dwarkesh Patel, whose interview with Terence Tao sparked the initial conversation. Tao, a renowned mathematician, reportedly found himself lacking ideas after a period of unlimited time for focused thought. Christian particularly appreciated the phrase “the slipstream of life,” which she found captured the essential quality of being fully immersed in the world. The original X post can be found here, and Patel’s interview here.
Thought Forms and the Visible World of Ideas
The idea of thoughts having a tangible form, while seemingly abstract, finds resonance in the work of artists and occultists. Gary Lachman, in his article “Kandinsky’s Thought Forms and the Occult Roots of Modern Art,” published in Quest Magazine in March-April 2008, explores the connection between the artist Wassily Kandinsky and the concept of “thought-forms.” Lachman details how Kandinsky believed that thoughts manifested as visual shapes, with clear, definite thoughts taking on “robust shapes, sharp triangles, cones, tentacles, and starbursts.”
This idea, rooted in theosophical teachings, suggests that our internal world isn’t simply ephemeral, but has a discernible impact on the external world. The book Thought-Forms, referenced in Lachman’s article, offers a visual exploration of these concepts. The article can be found here, and more information on Thought-Forms can be found here.
the threads connecting these seemingly disparate ideas – the value of conflict, the importance of understanding, the need for balance, and the tangible nature of thought – point to a common theme: the pursuit of a meaningful life requires a willingness to engage with complexity, to embrace discomfort, and to continually question our assumptions. The next step in this ongoing conversation will likely involve a deeper exploration of how these principles can be applied to address the pressing challenges facing individuals and societies alike.
If you are struggling with difficult emotions or mental health challenges, resources are available. You can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the US and Canada, or by dialing 111 in the UK. These services are available 24/7, free, and confidential.
What are your thoughts on the role of conflict in personal growth and societal progress? Share your perspectives in the comments below.
