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'''High agency''' is a psychological and behavioral concept first publicly articulated by Eric Weinstein during a 2016 interview on The Tim Ferriss Show. In the episode, Weinstein defined high agency as a mindset characterized by persistent, creative problem-solving in the face of obstacles, particularly when authority or systems present apparent limitations.
'''High agency''' is a psychological and behavioral concept first publicly articulated by Eric Weinstein during a 2016 interview on The Tim Ferriss Show. In the episode, Weinstein defined high agency as a mindset characterized by persistent, creative problem-solving in the face of obstacles, particularly when authority or systems present apparent limitations.


== Origin ==
== Origin ==


The term was introduced in [[Eric Weinstein Interview Full Episode (YouTube Content)|a conversation between Eric Weinstein and Tim Ferriss]], where Eric described high agency individuals as those who, when told something is impossible, begin formulating ways to circumvent the limitation rather than accepting it. He used examples such as getting past a nightclub bouncer without credentials or starting a business without credit or experience. Weinstein framed this behavior as analogous to MacGyver-like thinking—resourceful, independent, and nonconformist.
The term was introduced in [[Eric Weinstein on Challenging “Reality,” Working with Peter Thiel, and Destroying Education to Save It (YouTube Content)|a conversation between Eric Weinstein and Tim Ferriss]], where Eric described high agency individuals as those who, when told something is impossible, begin formulating ways to circumvent the limitation rather than accepting it. He used examples such as getting past a nightclub bouncer without credentials or starting a business without credit or experience. Weinstein framed this behavior as analogous to MacGyver-like thinking—resourceful, independent, and nonconformist.


<blockquote>
<blockquote>
''Are you constantly... when you're told that something is impossible, is that the end of the conversation, or does that start a second dialogue in your mind?''
''Are you constantly... when you're told that something is impossible, is that the end of the conversation, or does that start a second dialogue in your mind?''


— '''Eric Weinstein''', The Tim Ferriss Show, 2016
— '''Eric Weinstein''', [[Eric Weinstein on Challenging “Reality,” Working with Peter Thiel, and Destroying Education to Save It (YouTube Content)|The Tim Ferriss Show]], 2016
</blockquote>
</blockquote>


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== Implications ==
== Implications ==


Weinstein proposed the development of a parallel educational infrastructure to systematically cultivate high agency, creativity, and genius. He noted that while institutions are adept at training for expertise, they often suppress or fail to foster the attributes necessary for original discovery and innovation.
Weinstein proposed the development of a parallel educational infrastructure to systematically cultivate high agency, creativity, and [[Genius vs Excellence|genius]]. He noted that while institutions are adept at training for expertise, they often suppress or fail to foster the attributes necessary for original discovery and innovation.


== Quotes ==
== Quotes ==
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- '''Eric Weinstein''' on [https://tim.blog/2016/01/13/eric-weinstein/ Tim Ferriss]
- '''Eric Weinstein''' on [https://tim.blog/2016/01/13/eric-weinstein/ Tim Ferriss]
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
== On YouTube ==
{{#widget:YouTube|id=8LPwyy4scAc|start=2447}}


== On X ==
== On X ==


<div class="tweet">
=== 2016 ===
    <div class="tweet-header">
{{Tweet
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/768487846894116866
        </div>
|name=Eric Weinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/768487846894116866 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|username=EricRWeinstein
        </div>
|content=Without Burning Man, there would be no proof of the vast scale of the genius, decency, creativity &amp; '''agency''' that the default world suppresses
    </div>
|timestamp=4:39 PM · Aug 24, 2016
    <div class="tweet-content">
}}
<big>Without Burning Man, there would be no proof of the vast scale of the genius, decency, creativity & agency that the default world suppresses
</big>    </div>
    <div class="tweet-date">
Aug 24, 2016
    </div>
</div>




<div class="tweet">
=== 2017 ===
    <div class="tweet-header">
{{Tweet
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/942138500039634944
        </div>
|name=Eric Weinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/942138500039634944 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|username=EricRWeinstein
        </div>
|content=Also, the public that is '''HIGH agency''' is looking for alternate non-institutional experts: @nntaleb @BretWeinstein @jordanbpeterson @CHSommers @SamHarrisOrg @HeatherEHeying @PiaMalaney @peterthiel @DouglasKMurray @Raheelraza @tristanharris @sparker etc....
    </div>
|timestamp=9:04 PM · Dec 16, 2017
    <div class="tweet-content">
}}
<big>Also, the public that is HIGH agency is looking for alternate non-institutional experts:  
@nntaleb, @BretWeinstein, @jordanbpeterson, @CHSommers, @SamHarrisOrg, @HeatherEHeying, @PiaMalaney, @peterthiel, @DouglasKMurray, @Raheelraza, @tristanharris, @sparker, etc....
</big>    </div>
    <div class="tweet-date">
Dec 16, 2017
    </div>
</div>




<div class="tweet">
{{Tweet
    <div class="tweet-header">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/942457223896166401
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|name=Eric Weinstein
        </div>
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|username=EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/942457223896166401 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|content=@RadioFreeTom @SamHarrisOrg @paulkrugman @NSF @theNASciences And, no I don’t call something a conspiracy because I disagree w/ experts. I usually agree w/ them! What I disageee with is using expertise to transfer wealth &amp; '''agency''' from the supposedly childlike voters who intuit something is rigged but can’t name it in political 3 card Monty.
        </div>
|timestamp=6:11 PM · Dec 17, 2017
    </div>
}}
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>And, no I don’t call something a conspiracy because I disagree w/ experts. I usually agree w/ them! What I disageee with is using expertise to transfer wealth & agency from the supposedly childlike voters who intuit something is rigged but can’t name it in political 3 card Monty.
</big>    </div>
    <div class="tweet-date">
Dec 17, 2017
    </div>
</div>




<div class="tweet">
=== 2018 ===
    <div class="tweet-header">
{{Tweet
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/951696768344907776
        </div>
|name=Eric Weinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/951696768344907776 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|username=EricRWeinstein
        </div>
|content=When we take manageable numbers of '''high agency''' people longing for opportunity from desperate nations &amp; give them a gift of US citizenship from strength, a kind of magic happens. It rarely does taking them from advanced nations.
    </div>
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>When we take manageable numbers of high agency people longing for opportunity from desperate nations & give them a gift of US citizenship from strength, a kind of magic happens. It rarely does taking them from advanced nations.


And you know it if you’ve ever seen a swearing-in.
And you know it if you’ve ever seen a swearing-in.
</big>    </div>
|timestamp=6:06 AM · Jan 12, 2018
    <div class="tweet-date">
}}
Jan 11, 2018
    </div>
</div>




<div class="tweet">
{{Tweet
    <div class="tweet-header">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1013421459941675008
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|name=Eric Weinstein
        </div>
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|username=EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1013421459941675008 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|content=I smell dyslexia, ADHD, or some such “learning disability” all over this story. '''Super high agency'''. High creativity. Can’t fit in. Some blood on his hands but unexpectedly little considering his “line of work.” Can’t fit in to society.
        </div>
    </div>
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>I smell dyslexia, ADHD, or some such “learning disability” all over this story. Super high agency. High creativity. Can’t fit in. Some blood on his hands but unexpectedly little considering his “line of work.” Can’t fit in to society.


This guy may need a prison STEM PhD program.
This guy may need a prison STEM PhD program.
</big>    </div>
|quote=
    <div class="tweet-date">
{{Tweet
Jul 1, 2018
|image=akannampilly-profile.jpg
    </div>
|nameurl=https://x.com/akannampilly/status/1013389662625325056
</div>
|name=Ammu Kannampilly
|usernameurl=https://x.com/akannampilly
|username=akannampilly
|content=Notorious thief flees French jail by helicopter. "It was the second time Faid has pulled off a spectacular jailbreak -- in 2013, he blasted his way out of a prison in northern France using dynamite before being recaptured six weeks later".
@AFP https://au.news.yahoo.com/notorious-thief-flees-french-jail-helicopter-prison-authority-113632983--spt.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=tw via @Y7News
|timestamp=11:51 AM · Jul 1, 2018
}}
|timestamp=1:57 PM · Jul 1, 2018
}}
 
 
{{Tweet
|image=george__mack-profile.jpg
|nameurl=https://x.com/george__mack/status/1068238562443841538
|name=George Mack
|usernameurl=https://x.com/george__mack
|username=george__mack
|content=1/ '''HIGH AGENCY'''
 
Once you SEE it - you can never UNSEE it.
 
Arguedbly the most important personality trait you can foster.
 
I've thought about this concept every week for the last two years since I heard @EricRWeinstein discuss it on @tferriss' podcast. 


{{#widget:Tweet|id=1068238562443841538}}
THREAD...
|timestamp=1:57 PM · Jul 1, 2018
}}




<div class="tweet">
{{Tweet
    <div class="tweet-header">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1075859859243843584
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|name=Eric Weinstein
        </div>
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|username=EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1075859859243843584'''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|content=Give a man a fish and he eats for a day.  
        </div>
    </div>
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>Give a man a fish and he eats for a day.  


Teach him to fish, and he becomes dependent & clingy as a student who has to be shown everything new in a time draining & soul sucking infantilizing ritual that cannibalizes his agency.
Teach him to fish, and he becomes dependent &amp; clingy as a student who has to be shown everything new in a time draining &amp; soul sucking infantilizing ritual that cannibalizes his '''agency'''.


Consider teaching a man to teach himself fishing..
Consider teaching a man to teach himself fishing..
</big>    </div>
|timestamp=9:05 PM · Dec 20, 2018
    <div class="tweet-date">
}}
Dec 20, 2018
    </div>
</div>




<div class="tweet">
=== 2019 ===
    <div class="tweet-header">
{{Tweet
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1095808235133558785
        </div>
|name=Eric Weinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1095808235133558785'''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|username=EricRWeinstein
        </div>
|content=Thought those of you who put up with me should know; I've been thinking about this for a long time and it's time to boost @jgreenhall's signal: high variance, high insight, and '''high agency'''. Just know, he's not your indoor cat.  
    </div>
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>Thought those of you who put up with me should know; I've been thinking about this for a long time and it's time to boost @jgreenhall's signal: high variance, high insight, and high agency. Just know, he's not your indoor cat.  


End.
End.
</big>    </div>
|timestamp=10:13 PM · Feb 13, 2019
    <div class="tweet-date">
}}
Feb 13, 2019
    </div>
</div>




<div class="tweet">
{{Tweet
    <div class="tweet-header">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1128189185511178240
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|name=Eric Weinstein
        </div>
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|username=EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1128189185511178240 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|content=It's a great feeling seeing so many people letting this idea of '''"high agency"''' impact their lives for the better.  
        </div>
    </div>
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>It's a great feeling seeing so many people letting this idea of "high agency" impact their lives for the better.  


[Thanks @george__mack.]
[Thanks @george__mack.]
</big>    </div>
|timestamp=6:43 AM · May 14, 2019
    <div class="tweet-date">
}}
May 13, 2019
 
    </div>
 
</div>
{{Tweet
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1167978088816246784
|name=Eric Weinstein
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
|username=EricRWeinstein
|content=Can we stop pretending that we care as a nation? Because clearly we don’t. There can be 10 of these in a month and we don’t do a thing. We don’t try things. We don’t experiment. We sit here like '''low agency''' idiots suffering from learned helplessness.
|timestamp=1:50 AM · Sep 1, 2019
}}




<div class="tweet">
=== 2020 ===
    <div class="tweet-header">
{{Tweet
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1237790369263153153
        </div>
|name=Eric Weinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1167978088816246784 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|username=EricRWeinstein
        </div>
|content=That thing we were told was an Internet panic is now a pandemic.
    </div>
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>Can we stop pretending that we care as a nation? Because clearly we don’t. There can be 10 of these in a month and we don’t do a thing. We don’t try things. We don’t experiment. We sit here like low agency idiots suffering from learned helplessness.
</big>    </div>
    <div class="tweet-date">
Aug 31, 2019
    </div>
</div>


Is it possible that authoritative sources are now more the problem than the 1st hand videos &amp; direct reports that were circulating?


<div class="tweet">
I mean Jesus Christ: When do we overthrow this overclass of '''low agency “experts”'''?
    <div class="tweet-header">
|timestamp=5:19 PM · Mar 11, 2020
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
}}
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
        </div>
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1237790369263153153 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
        </div>
    </div>
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>That thing we were told was an Internet panic is now a pandemic.


Is it possible that authoritative sources are now more the problem than the 1st hand videos & direct reports that were circulating?


I mean Jesus Christ: When do we overthrow this overclass of low agency “experts”?
{{Tweet
</big>    </div>
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
    <div class="tweet-date">
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1237802721857556480
Mar 11, 2020
|name=Eric Weinstein
    </div>
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
</div>
|username=EricRWeinstein
|content=A herd of cats.


Here are a few names of higher variance '''high agency''' super independent people I think highly of and I would consult on any national problem:
@LauraDeming</br>
@patrickc</br>
@paulg</br>
@NAChristakis</br>
@DrJoonYun</br>
@peterthiel</br>
@pwang</br>
@tylercowen</br>
@nntaleb</br>
Liz Blackburn</br>
@SamHarrisOrg
|timestamp=6:09 PM · Mar 11, 2020
}}


<div class="tweet">
    <div class="tweet-header">
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
        </div>
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1237802721857556480 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
        </div>
    </div>
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>A herd of cats.


Here are a few names of higher variance high agency super independent people I think highly of and I would consult on any national problem:
{{Tweet
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1239349071199887360
|name=Eric Weinstein
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
|username=EricRWeinstein
|content=It's time for a massive reversal of who is allowed to contribute to our institutional sense-making.


@LauraDeming
End.
@patrickc
 
@paulg
<nowiki>#</nowiki>SlipTheDISC
@NAChristakis
{{#widget:YouTube|id=QxnkGymKuuI}}
@DrJoonYun
|thread=
@peterthiel
{{Tweet
@pwang
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
@tylercowen
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1239349064488996864
@nntaleb
|name=Eric Weinstein
Liz Blackburn
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
@SamHarrisOrg
|username=EricRWeinstein
</big>    </div>
|content=The outbreak of a pandemic and/or a bioweapon was *entirely* forseeable. As was the 2008 crisis. As was 9/11.
    <div class="tweet-date">
 
Mar 11, 2020
As I have said almost constantly for years: we have SYSTEMATICALLY selected for the wrong experts &amp; leaders for between 30 to 50 years.
    </div>
 
</div>
We need to replace our experts.
|timestamp=12:33 AM · Mar 16, 2020
}}
{{Tweet
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1239349065256558593
|name=Eric Weinstein
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
|username=EricRWeinstein
|content=Trump, Bernie &amp; Biden are *all* unworkable. Our Chinese staffed research labs are all unworkable. Our payment obligations under social security are unworkable. As is Just-In-Time supply lines across borders. Our Debt is likely not payable. Macroeconomists are not talented enough.
|timestamp=12:33 AM · Mar 16, 2020
}}
{{Tweet
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1239349066124779521
|name=Eric Weinstein
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
|username=EricRWeinstein
|content=We're panicking because we're being lied to and misinformed. Panic is stupid: our efforts should be to get rid of our impotent institutional expert/leadership class. We have '''low agency''' get-a-long social creatures where we need disagreeable tough minded creative folks in the room.
|timestamp=12:33 AM · Mar 16, 2020
}}
{{Tweet
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1239349066921693184
|name=Eric Weinstein
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
|username=EricRWeinstein
|content=We need more divergent thinkers and we need to get rid of everyone who ushered in our state of panic, ill-preparedness and indebtedness.
 
I'm sorry but it is this stark. We just have the wrong editors, the wrong politician, the wrong CEOs, and the wrong university presidents.
|timestamp=12:33 AM · Mar 16, 2020
}}
{{Tweet
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1239349067899006977
|name=Eric Weinstein
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
|username=EricRWeinstein
|content=We need competence to match our threats. If not this one, then the next.
 
We should institute competency reviews for people over 70 who are sitting in important chairs. There's no way the final people running for president should have ALL been septuagenarian. It's simply insane.
|timestamp=12:33 AM · Mar 16, 2020
}}
{{Tweet
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1239349069585113088
|name=Eric Weinstein
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
|username=EricRWeinstein
|content=It is time to re-evaluate all (and re-instate some) of the people our current fake experts called Xenophobes, Chicken Littles, The Disgruntled, Whiners, Catastrophists.
 
The globalizers were never people in love with other cultures. They were profiteers looting their nations.
|timestamp=12:33 AM · Mar 16, 2020
}}
{{Tweet
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1239349070365216768
|name=Eric Weinstein
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
|username=EricRWeinstein
|content=I'm sorry to bore you with this frequently. But this evil impotent center has put our entire world at risk.


These are not our candidates.</br>
They aren't our journalists.</br>
They are not our researchers.


<div class="tweet">
They propped up institutions that needed to go through crisis periodically.
    <div class="tweet-header">
|timestamp=12:33 AM · Mar 16, 2020
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
}}
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|timestamp=12:33 AM · Mar 16, 2020
        </div>
}}
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1239349066124779521 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
        </div>
    </div>
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>We're panicking because we're being lied to and misinformed. Panic is stupid: our efforts should be to get rid of our impotent institutional expert/leadership class. We have low agency get-a-long social creatures where we need disagreeable tough minded creative folks in the room.
</big>    </div>
    <div class="tweet-date">
Mar 15, 2020
    </div>
</div>




<div class="tweet">
{{Tweet
    <div class="tweet-header">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1255180803866148864
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|name=Eric Weinstein
        </div>
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|username=EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1255180803866148864 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|content=Protest political people with dazzling '''agency''', beauty, technical rigor and grace. That class can’t do these things.  
        </div>
    </div>
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>Protest political people with dazzling agency, beauty, technical rigor and grace. That class can’t do these things.  


They don’t code. They don’t weld. They don’t compose. They don’t crowdsource. They don’t understand crypto. They don’t believe in standing alone.
They don’t code. They don’t weld. They don’t compose. They don’t crowdsource. They don’t understand crypto. They don’t believe in standing alone.


Now use that.
Now use that.
</big>    </div>
|timestamp=Apr 28, 2020
    <div class="tweet-date">
}}
Apr 28, 2020
    </div>
</div>




<div class="tweet">
{{Tweet
    <div class="tweet-header">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1257771307560665090
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|name=Eric Weinstein
        </div>
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|username=EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1257771307560665090 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|content=Please tell me this '''high agency''' kid is listening to The Portal.
        </div>
|quote=
    </div>
{{Tweet
    <div class="tweet-content">
|image=nytimes-profile.png
<big>Please tell me this high agency kid is listening to The Portal.
|nameurl=https://x.com/nytimes/status/1257740625996394498
</big>    </div>
|name=The New York Times
    <div class="tweet-date">
|usernameurl=https://x.com/nytimes
May 5, 2020
|username=nytimes
    </div>
|content=When his mom refused to buy him a Lamborghini, a 5 year-old Utah boy hit the road himself in the family's SUV. “He decided to take the car and go to California to buy one himself,” said the Utah Highway Patrol trooper who pulled him over.
</div>
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/05/us/utah-boy-driver.html
|timestamp=6:35 PM · May 5, 2020
}}
|timestamp=8:37 PM · May 5, 2020
}}


{{#widget:Tweet|id=1257771307560665090}}


<div class="tweet">
{{Tweet
    <div class="tweet-header">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1316073539963768832
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|name=Eric Weinstein
        </div>
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|username=EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1316073539963768832 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|content=“Hey! Administrator! Leave those kids alone.”
        </div>
    </div>
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>“Hey! Administrator! Leave those kids alone.”


The K-12 version of what I‘ve been talking about in universities. Administration-heavy schools destroy our minds of greatest promise and agency.
The K-12 version of what I‘ve been talking about in universities. Administration-heavy schools destroy our minds of greatest promise and '''agency'''.


It’s the administrators stupid.
It’s the administrators stupid.


With apologies to Pink Floyd, but the times changed...
With apologies to Pink Floyd, but the times changed...
</big>    </div>
|timestamp=5:49 PM · Oct 13, 2020
    <div class="tweet-date">
}}
Oct 13, 2020
    </div>
</div>




<div class="tweet">
{{Tweet
    <div class="tweet-header">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1328874583802298368
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|name=Eric Weinstein
        </div>
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|username=EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1328874583802298368 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|content=You aren’t getting it. I actually have TWO sets of business cards: the one’s I run out are the ones *without* PhD printed on them.
        </div>
    </div>
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>You aren’t getting it. I actually have TWO sets of business cards: the one’s I run out are the ones *without* PhD printed on them.


That’s not how it should be. But overproduction of low agency PhD drones for jobs that don’t exist has degraded my credential as a signaling device.
That’s not how it should be. But overproduction of '''low agency''' PhD drones for jobs that don’t exist has degraded my credential as a signaling device.
</big>    </div>
|timestamp=1:36 AM · Nov 18, 2020
    <div class="tweet-date">
}}
Nov 17, 2020
    </div>
</div>




<div class="tweet">
{{Tweet
    <div class="tweet-header">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1332106208124100609
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|name=Eric Weinstein
        </div>
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|username=EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1332106208124100609 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|content=Thanks for all the '''agency''' and hope over the years. Especially the hope.
        </div>
|timestamp=11:37 PM · Nov 26, 2020
    </div>
}}
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>Thanks for all the agency and hope over the years. Especially the hope.
</big>    </div>
    <div class="tweet-date">
Nov 26, 2020
    </div>
</div>




<div class="tweet">
{{Tweet
    <div class="tweet-header">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1336050541848264704
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|name=Eric Weinstein
        </div>
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|username=EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1336050541848264704 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|content=You don’t have a consistent plan. And you don’t communicate scientifically. And you’re not honest about what this is doing to our kids in terms of risks and costs.
        </div>
    </div>
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>You don’t have a consistent plan. And you don’t communicate scientifically. And you’re not honest about what this is doing to our kids in terms of risks and costs.


I’ll wear a mask and follow the law if you bring us a high agency science based plan. Or Is that asking too much?
I’ll wear a mask and follow the law if you bring us a '''high agency''' science based plan. Or Is that asking too much?
</big>    </div>
|timestamp=8:50 PM · Dec 7, 2020
    <div class="tweet-date">
}}
Dec 7, 2020
    </div>
</div>




<div class="tweet">
{{Tweet
    <div class="tweet-header">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1338575427279810560
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|name=Eric Weinstein
        </div>
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|username=EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1338575427279810560 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|content=A remarkable high tech system has just been unveiled to screen out '''low agency''' humans.
        </div>
    </div>
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>A remarkable high tech system has just been unveiled to screen out low agency humans.


Once locked SmartGate2000 uses a proprietary algorithm to convince low agency humans to turn around while higher agency people willing to take responsibility for themselves easily pass through.
Once locked SmartGate2000 uses a proprietary algorithm to convince '''low agency''' humans to turn around while '''higher agency''' people willing to take responsibility for themselves easily pass through. https://t.co/23n5rB47pb
</big>    </div>
|timestamp=8:03 PM · Dec 14, 2020
    <div class="tweet-date">
|media1=ERW-X-post-1338575427279810560-EpOTQHDUwAAKP_C.jpg
Dec 14, 2020
}}
    </div>
</div>


{{#widget:Tweet|id=1338575427279810560}}


<div class="tweet">
=== 2021 ===
    <div class="tweet-header">
{{Tweet
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1382006499216531457
        </div>
|name=Eric Weinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1382006499216531457 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|username=EricRWeinstein
        </div>
|content=Well executed Vaccines are miracles in *relative* risk reduction. You exchange some risk in receiving vaccine for a larger reduction of risk against a disease.
    </div>
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>Well executed Vaccines are miracles in *relative* risk reduction. You exchange some risk in receiving vaccine for a larger reduction of risk against a disease.


Overselling vaccines takes away public agency. Then when inevitable issues crop up, Public Health credibility crumbles.
Overselling vaccines takes away public '''agency'''. Then when inevitable issues crop up, Public Health credibility crumbles.
</big>    </div>
|timestamp=4:23 PM · Apr 13, 2021
    <div class="tweet-date">
}}
Apr 13, 2021
    </div>
</div>




<div class="tweet">
=== 2022 ===
    <div class="tweet-header">
{{Tweet
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1579014103653224448
        </div>
|name=Eric Weinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1579014103653224448 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|username=EricRWeinstein
        </div>
|content=@declanganley @sapinker We are reduced to hoping this doesn’t go critical instantaneously. All the brilliant '''high-agency''' people on earth, reduced to hoping, crossing their fingers and mumbling prayers.  
    </div>
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>We are reduced to hoping this doesn’t go critical instantaneously. All the brilliant high-agency people on earth, reduced to hoping, crossing their fingers and mumbling prayers.  


I cannot believe all of human history brought us to this. Yet, here we are.
I cannot believe all of human history brought us to this. Yet, here we are.
</big>    </div>
|timestamp=7:41 AM · Oct 9, 2022
    <div class="tweet-date">
}}
Oct 9, 2022
    </div>
</div>




<div class="tweet">
{{Tweet
    <div class="tweet-header">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1606407639826837504
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|name=Eric Weinstein
        </div>
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|username=EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1606407639826837504 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|content=I have had the feeling that @AsraNomani is talking about the tip of a *FAR* larger iceberg: merit-privilege, success-privilege, initiative-privilege, '''agency'''-privilege, talent-privilege.
        </div>
    </div>
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>I have had the feeling that @AsraNomani is talking about the tip of a *FAR* larger iceberg: merit-privilege, success-privilege, initiative-privilege, agency-privilege, talent-privilege.


What if woke Educator/Administrators are regularly & *BROADLY* doing what is alleged here?
What if woke Educator/Administrators are regularly &amp; *BROADLY* doing what is alleged here?
</big>    </div>
|timestamp=9:53 PM · Dec 23, 2022
    <div class="tweet-date">
}}
Dec 23, 2022
    </div>
</div>




<div class="tweet">
=== 2024 ===
    <div class="tweet-header">
{{Tweet
        <div class="tweet-header-image">
|image=Eric profile picture.jpg
[[File:{{{image|Eric profile picture.jpg}}}]]
|nameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1867165465585594779
        </div>
|name=Eric Weinstein
        <div class="tweet-header-name">
|usernameurl=https://x.com/EricRWeinstein
[{{{name|https://x.com/EricRWeinstein/status/1867165465585594779 '''Eric Weinstein'''}}}]
|username=EricRWeinstein
        </div>
|content=I do not believe a persistent slow moving “drone” situation in New Jersey is just a head scratcher &amp; a big shrug.
    </div>
    <div class="tweet-content">
<big>I do not believe a persistent slow moving “drone” situation in New Jersey is just a head scratcher & a big shrug.


There are too many smart high agency technical people in the US with tons of equipment, kit and sensors.
There are too many smart '''high agency''' technical people in the US with tons of equipment, kit and sensors.


As if CalTech, Lockheed, IAS and MIT don’t exist. Bullshit.
As if CalTech, Lockheed, IAS and MIT don’t exist. Bullshit.
</big>    </div>
|timestamp=11:11 AM · Dec 12, 2024
    <div class="tweet-date">
}}
Dec 12, 2024
 
    </div>
== Contemporary Interpretation by George Mack ==
</div>
 
In March 2025, writer and strategist '''[https://x.com/george__mack George Mack]''' published an influential essay titled ''[https://www.highagency.com High Agency]'', which sought to distill and operationalize the concept originally articulated by Eric Weinstein in 2016. While Weinstein introduced ''high agency'' as a psychological trait characterized by irreverent problem-solving and creative defiance of limitations, Mack extended the idea into a '''personal development framework''' complete with practical tools, mental models, and "lines of code" for everyday application.
 
Mack’s essay, which he described as the product of '''seven months of work''', aimed to offer a '''30-minute blueprint''' for cultivating a high-agency mindset in modern life. It gained wide traction online and was praised for its clarity, relevance, and impact—especially among readers in entrepreneurship, self-improvement, and technology.
 
=== Key Contributions ===
 
* '''Mental Reprogramming''': Mack introduces five core "lines of code" designed to override limiting beliefs. These include assertions such as ''“there are no true adults”'' and ''“there is no normal”'', encouraging readers to break out of passive or socially conditioned thinking.
 
* '''Actionable Tools''': He recommends writing down problems to externalize thought, tracking real-world metrics (such as weight or financial burn rate), and designing a "dream week" to clarify life goals and constraints.
 
* '''Democratizing High Agency''': While Weinstein emphasized the accidental or trauma-induced emergence of high-agency individuals, Mack focuses on '''intentional cultivation'''—suggesting that this mindset can be learned and scaled through habits, reflection, and strategic self-questioning.
 
Mack's work has helped bring the ''high agency'' concept to a broader audience, translating an originally abstract or elite trait into a '''replicable mental model'''. His essay complements Weinstein's original framing by bridging '''theoretical insight with tactical application'''.


== Related Pages ==
== Related Pages ==
* [[Eric Weinstein Interview Full Episode (YouTube Content)|Eric on The Tim Ferriss Show]]
* [[Eric Weinstein on Challenging “Reality,” Working with Peter Thiel, and Destroying Education to Save It (YouTube Content)|Eric on The Tim Ferriss Show]]
* [[Genius vs Excellence]]
* [[Genius vs Excellence]]
* [[Kung Fu Panda]]
* [[Kung Fu Panda]]
Retrieved from "https://theportal.wiki/wiki/Special:MobileDiff/21600...22756"