After 16 months of daily L-theanine supplementation, the author experienced subtle but positive effects. They reported feeling calmer and more focused, with reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality. These benefits were particularly noticeable during stressful periods. While acknowledging the possibility of placebo, the author found the effects consistent enough to continue taking theanine, viewing it as a beneficial addition to their routine for promoting a general sense of well-being. They emphasized the subjective nature of their experiment and encouraged others to research and experiment themselves.
This paper explores cognitive behaviors that contribute to effective self-improvement in reasoning. It argues that simply possessing knowledge and logical rules isn't enough; individuals must actively engage in metacognitive processes to refine their reasoning. These processes include actively seeking out and evaluating evidence, considering alternative perspectives and explanations, identifying and correcting biases, and reflecting on one's own reasoning process. The authors propose a framework for these "self-improving reasoner" behaviors, emphasizing the importance of "epistemic vigilance," which involves carefully scrutinizing information and its sources, and "adaptive reasoning," which entails adjusting reasoning strategies based on performance and feedback. Ultimately, cultivating these cognitive behaviors is essential for overcoming limitations in reasoning and achieving more accurate and reliable conclusions.
HN users discuss potential issues and implications of the paper "Cognitive Behaviors That Enable Self-Improving Reasoners." Some express skepticism about the feasibility of recursive self-improvement in AI, citing the potential for unforeseen consequences and the difficulty of defining "improvement" rigorously. Others question the paper's focus on cognitive architectures, arguing that current deep learning approaches might achieve similar outcomes through different mechanisms. The limited scope of the proposed "cognitive behaviors" also draws criticism, with commenters suggesting they are too simplistic to capture the complexities of general intelligence. Several users point out the lack of concrete implementation details and the difficulty of testing the proposed ideas empirically. Finally, there's a discussion about the ethical implications of self-improving AI, highlighting concerns about control and alignment with human values.
A 2013 study suggests that the introduction of iodized salt in the US during the early 20th century played a significant role in raising IQ levels, particularly in iodine-deficient regions. Researchers found a correlation between iodine levels in soil (and thus food) and IQ scores, demonstrating higher IQs in areas with more iodine and a notable increase in cognitive abilities in iodine-deficient areas after iodization programs were implemented. This suggests that a simple public health intervention like iodizing salt can have a profound impact on population-level cognitive performance.
Hacker News users discuss the complexities of attributing IQ gains solely to iodine. Several commenters highlight other potential contributing factors during the same period, such as improved nutrition, education, and reduced exposure to lead. Some express skepticism about the methodology used in the study, questioning the reliability of historical IQ data and the potential for confounding variables. Others point out the importance of iodine for overall health, especially for pregnant women and developing fetuses, regardless of its impact on IQ. The genetic component of intelligence is also raised, with some arguing that iodine supplementation primarily benefits those with pre-existing iodine deficiency, rather than boosting IQ across the board. A few users share anecdotes about the noticeable cognitive improvements they experienced after addressing their own iodine deficiencies.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43305803
HN users discuss the original poster's (OP) self-experiment with theanine, expressing skepticism about the subjective nature of the reported benefits and the lack of a control group. Some users suggest the placebo effect may be at play, while others question the long-term effects of daily theanine use. Several commenters share their own experiences with theanine, with varying results, some finding it effective for anxiety relief and focus, others experiencing headaches or no noticeable effects. The potential for individual variation in response to theanine is also highlighted. There's also discussion around the dosage used by the OP and whether combining it with caffeine negates any benefits. Finally, some users request more rigorous data and controlled studies to validate theanine's purported effects.
The Hacker News post "My 16-month theanine self-experiment" generated several comments discussing the author's experience with the supplement, along with broader considerations regarding its use and efficacy.
Several commenters shared their own experiences with theanine, some mirroring the author's positive findings. One user described feeling calmer and more focused after taking theanine, particularly in social situations. Another mentioned using it alongside caffeine to mitigate the latter's jittery effects, corroborating a common use case mentioned in the original post. However, not all experiences were positive. One commenter noted experiencing headaches after taking theanine, advising caution and suggesting starting with a lower dose.
The discussion also delved into the scientific aspects of theanine. One commenter questioned the methodology of the self-experiment, highlighting the lack of a control group and the potential for placebo effects. This sparked a small thread discussing the limitations of self-experimentation and the importance of rigorous scientific studies for drawing definitive conclusions. Another user requested more details about the author's dosage and timing, emphasizing the importance of such information for others considering trying theanine.
A few commenters offered alternative suggestions for managing stress and anxiety, including mindfulness meditation and exercise. One commenter specifically cautioned against relying solely on supplements and advocated for a holistic approach to well-being. Another user shared a link to Examine.com, a website known for its evidence-based analysis of supplements, providing a resource for further research on theanine.
Finally, some comments focused on the subjective nature of supplement effectiveness. One user pointed out the variability in individual responses to supplements, highlighting the importance of personal experimentation to determine what works best. Another commenter echoed this sentiment, adding that factors like diet, lifestyle, and genetics can influence the effectiveness of supplements.