# McKeenMind > McKeenMind explores human agency through essays on work, cognition, economics, technology, philosophy, and the forces that shape how we live. Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages ### About this site URL: https://www.mckeenmind.com/about/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T13:35:14.000Z Everything I write is an exploration of human agency. Whether through thought, movement, work, technology, or civilization, I'm interested in the systems that expand—or diminish—our ability to shape our lives and the world around us. My mission here is to inform you, but also to inspire you to dig deeper on your own. Every article I write is *practice*—nothing is ever really *finished* or *complete.* Until it's read and reflected by you, dear reader. Hope to see you on the other side of the mirror. ### Access all areas Subscribe for free to receive weekly essays via email and enjoy partial access to our website. Upgrade to The Reading Room and unlock full access to the smokey, backrooms of the site. Your subscription helps make this site possible. Thank you for coming along on the journey with me. ### Privacy Policy URL: https://www.mckeenmind.com/privacy-policy/ Last updated: 2025-03-05T13:59:56.000Z Effective Date: February 17, 2025 **McKeen** ("**we**," "**us**," or "**our**") is committed to protecting your privacy. This **Privacy Policy** explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website **McKeen** (the "**Website**"), owned and operated by **Fovere Verba Publishing Inc.**, a federally incorporated Canadian company. By using our Website, you consent to the practices described in this **Privacy Policy**. If you do not agree with the terms, please refrain from using our Website. ## **1\. Information We Collect** We collect information in two ways: ### **1.1 Information You Provide Directly** When you interact with our Website, you may provide us with: - **Personal Information:** Name, email address, contact information, and any other details you voluntarily provide when subscribing to our newsletter, registering for a membership, or submitting comments or feedback. - **Membership Information:** If you subscribe to our paid membership, we may collect billing information through our secure third-party payment processors. ### **1.2 Information Collected Automatically** When you use the Website, we may automatically collect certain information, including: - **Technical Data:** IP address, browser type and version, operating system, and device information. - **Usage Data:** Pages visited, time spent on the Website, referring URLs, and other analytical data. - **Cookies and Tracking Technologies:** We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze usage patterns, and deliver personalized content. ## **2\. How We Use Your Information** We may use the information we collect for the following purposes: - **Website Operations:** To operate, maintain, and improve our Website and services. - **Communication:** To respond to inquiries, comments, and support requests. - **Newsletters and Updates:** To send you newsletters or updates if you have subscribed to receive them. - **Analytics:** To analyze and monitor usage trends and gather statistical information. - **Legal Compliance:** To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes. - **Membership Management:** To manage free and paid membership accounts, process payments securely, and provide access to premium content. ## **3\. Cookies and Tracking Technologies** We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to: - **Enhance User Experience:** Remember your preferences and settings. - **Analyze Website Performance:** Understand how visitors interact with the Website. - **Marketing and Personalization:** Deliver relevant content and advertisements. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of certain features on the Website. For more information about our use of cookies, please review **Ghost's Cookie Policy** within their Privacy Policy, under "How we use data" ([link to Ghost's Cookie Policy](https://ghost.org/privacy/?ref=mckeenmind.com)). ## **4\. How We Share Your Information** We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances: - **Service Providers:** With trusted third-party vendors who assist us in operating the Website (e.g., hosting providers, email services, payment processors) under confidentiality agreements. - **Ghost Hosting Platform:** Our Website is hosted on **Ghost**, a third-party content management and publishing platform. Your personal information may be processed by **Ghost** in accordance with their privacy practices. For more information, please review **Ghost's Privacy Policy** at ([link to Ghost's Privacy Policy](https://ghost.org/privacy/?ref=mckeenmind.com)). - **Payment Processing:** For payment transactions, we use **Stripe**, a **PCI DSS Level 1** certified payment processor, which uses **TLS encryption** and **AES-256 encryption** to securely handle your billing information. - **Legal Requirements:** When required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request. - **Business Transactions:** In connection with a merger, sale, or transfer of all or part of our business or assets, where user information may be part of the transferred assets. ## **5\. Third-Party Links** Our Website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites. We encourage you to review their **Privacy Policies** before providing any personal information. ## **6\. Data Security** We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. - **Encryption:** Sensitive information (e.g., payment data) is encrypted during transmission using **TLS**. - **Access Control:** Personal information is accessible only to authorized personnel. - **Ghost Security Practices:** Our hosting provider, **Ghost**, also employs industry-standard security practices, including data encryption, secure server environments, and access controls. ### **Data Breach Notification** In the event of a data breach involving personal information, we will comply with applicable legal requirements regarding notification of users and regulatory authorities. If the breach involves data managed by **Ghost**, we will coordinate with them to ensure appropriate steps are taken to mitigate risks and inform affected individuals. ## **7\. Your Rights and Choices** ### **Your General Rights** - **Access:** Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you. - **Correction:** Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal data. - **Deletion:** Request the deletion of your personal information, subject to certain legal limitations. - **Withdrawal of Consent:** Withdraw your consent where applicable. - **Data Portability:** Request the transfer of your personal data to another service provider. - **Restriction of Processing:** Request that we limit data processing in certain circumstances. - **Objection to Processing:** Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing. - **Automated Decision-Making:** Right not to be subject to automated decisions with legal effects. - **Marketing Opt-Out:** Unsubscribe from newsletters or marketing communications. ### **Jurisdiction-Specific Rights** - **GDPR (EU/EEA Residents):** Rights to restrict processing, data portability, and to lodge complaints with supervisory authorities. - **PIPEDA (Canadian Residents):** Right to access, correct data, and request transparency regarding data sharing. - **CCPA (California Residents):** Rights to know, delete data, and non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights. - **LGPD (Brazilian Residents):** Rights to confirm processing, anonymize/block data, and request data sharing information. - **Australian Privacy Act (Australian Residents):** Rights to access, correct data, and make complaints under the **Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)**. - **UK-GDPR (UK Residents):** Same rights as under **GDPR**, including access, rectification, and erasure of data. - **DPDP Act (Indian Residents):** Rights to access, correct data, withdraw consent, and seek grievance redressal. ### **How to Exercise Your Rights** To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at **info@fovereverba.com**. We will coordinate with **Ghost** and any relevant third-party service providers to facilitate your request. We aim to respond to all legitimate requests within **30 days** and will inform you if more time is needed. ### Terms and Conditions URL: https://www.mckeenmind.com/terms-and-conditions/ Last updated: 2025-03-05T13:59:39.000Z Last Updated: February 17, 2025 Welcome to **McKeen** ("Website"), a blog owned and operated by **Fovere Verba Publishing Inc.**, a federally incorporated Canadian company ("Company"). Our Website is dedicated to discussions on neuroscience, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, philosophy, and related topics. By accessing or using this Website, subscribing to our newsletter, or engaging with any content, you agree to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree, please refrain from using our services. ## **1\. Definitions** - **"Website"** refers to **McKeen** (mckeen.ghost.io) hosted on **Ghost**. - **"We," "Us,"** and **"Our"** refer to **McKeen** and **Fovere Verba Publishing Inc.** - **"User"** refers to any individual accessing, browsing, or using the Website. - **"Subscriber"** refers to any user who signs up for our newsletter or other subscription services. - **"Content"** includes, but is not limited to, articles, videos, courses, images, graphics, and educational materials published on the Website. ## **2\. Use of Content** The content provided on this Website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee that all content is free from errors or omissions. The content should not be interpreted as professional, medical, legal, or financial advice. ### **2.1 Free Membership Tier** Users with a **Free Membership** may access and share publicly available content via social media or other platforms, provided that proper credit is given and the content is not modified or misrepresented. Free tier users may not redistribute, resell, or use the content for commercial purposes. ### **2.2 Paid Membership Tier** Users with a **Paid Membership** are granted additional access to premium content. Premium content is for **personal use only** and may not be shared, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without explicit written permission. Unauthorized sharing or distribution of premium content may result in the termination of membership and potential legal action. ### **2.3 Copyright and Fair Use** Users may share brief excerpts of our content (e.g., quotes or summaries) with proper attribution, but extensive copying, reproduction, or distribution of content without permission is prohibited. For questions about permitted uses of our content, please contact us at **info@fovereverba.com**. ## **3\. Intellectual Property Rights** All content on this Website, including but not limited to text, images, graphics, logos, and videos, is owned by or licensed to **Fovere Verba Publishing Inc.** and is protected by Canadian and international copyright, trademark, and intellectual property laws. - Users may not claim ownership of any content published on the Website. - Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of content without permission is strictly prohibited. ## **4\. Subscription and Membership** **McKeen** currently offers two membership tiers: ### **4.1 Free Membership (MckeenMind)** Provides access to a selection of our content at no cost. Free members may access publicly available content and share it in accordance with our **Use of Content** policy. ### **4.2 Paid Membership (McKeenMind Premium)** For **$15 CAD per month**, or **$135 CAD per year,** paid members gain access to exclusive premium content and additional benefits. - **Payment Terms:** All transactions are processed in **Canadian Dollars (CAD)**. Users are responsible for any transaction fees, including currency conversion fees if applicable. - **Billing Cycle:** Paid memberships renew automatically unless canceled prior to the renewal date. - **Cancellation Policy:** Users may cancel their paid membership at any time. No refunds will be provided for partial months or unused portions of the subscription period. - **Changes to Membership:** We may introduce additional membership tiers in the future, offering varied benefits and pricing. Existing paid members will be notified of any changes to their subscription terms, including pricing or access to content, with sufficient time to adjust or cancel their subscription if desired. By subscribing to any of our membership tiers, you agree to comply with these terms and any additional terms presented during the signup process. For questions about memberships or billing, please contact us at **info@fovereverba.com**. ## **5\. Privacy Policy** We collect and store personal information, including email addresses, solely for subscription and communication purposes. We do not sell or share personal information with third parties without consent, except as required by law. Our full **Privacy Policy** is available at [Privacy Policy](https://www.mckeenmind.com/privacy-policy/). ## **6\. User Conduct** Users agree to engage respectfully in discussions and comments. The following actions are prohibited: - **Harassment:** Including but not limited to hate speech, abusive language, or threats. - **Spam:** Unsolicited promotions, advertisements, or repetitive content. - **Malicious Content:** Uploading or transmitting software viruses, harmful code, or any content that could disrupt or damage our Website or its users. We reserve the right to remove content, suspend accounts, or ban users who violate these guidelines. ## **7\. Limitation of Liability** To the fullest extent permitted by law: - We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from the use of our Website or reliance on our content. - We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access to the Website. - Users assume all risks associated with using this Website, including exposure to content that may be considered inappropriate or offensive. ## **8\. External Links and Third-Party Content** Our Website may contain links to external websites or include content provided by third parties. - We do not endorse or assume responsibility for any content found on external websites. - Users accessing external links do so at their own risk. ## **9\. Disclaimer of Warranties** All content and services provided through this Website are offered **"as is"** without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to: - **Accuracy:** We do not warrant that the information provided is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. - **Availability:** We do not guarantee the Website will be available at all times or free from interruptions. - **Fitness for Purpose:** We do not warrant that our content is suitable for any particular purpose. ## **10\. Changes to Terms** We reserve the right to update these **Terms and Conditions** at any time. - **Notification of Changes:** Any changes will be effective upon posting on this page. We encourage users to review this page regularly to stay informed of updates. - **Acceptance of Changes:** Continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance of the revised terms. ## **11\. Governing Law** These **Terms and Conditions** shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the **Province of Ontario, Canada**, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. - Any disputes arising under or in connection with these terms shall be subject to the **exclusive jurisdiction** of the courts of **Ontario, Canada**. - By using this Website, you consent to the jurisdiction and venue of such courts for the resolution of any disputes. ## **12\. Contact Information** For questions about these **Terms and Conditions**, please contact us at: - **Email:** **info@fovereverba.com** - **Mailing Address:** **Fovere Verba Publishing Inc., \[Address, if applicable\]** ## **13\. Acceptance of Terms** By accessing, browsing, or using this Website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these **Terms and Conditions**. ### The Reading Room URL: https://www.mckeenmind.com/the-reading-room/ Last updated: 2026-07-12T16:49:53.000Z _This page is for subscribers on the The Reading Room tier only._ ### Essays URL: https://www.mckeenmind.com/essays/ Last updated: 2026-07-14T19:56:39.000Z _No content available._ ### Catalogue URL: https://www.mckeenmind.com/catalogue/ Last updated: 2026-07-14T20:07:19.000Z _No content available._ ## Posts ### The Rise of our Silent Gods URL: https://www.mckeenmind.com/the-rise-of-our-silent-gods/ Last updated: 2026-07-14T19:47:47.000Z "We imagine that our preferences are ours. But is the sunflower’s tilt toward the sun a choice? Or has the light seduced it since seed? So too, we bend toward some inner radiance—or shadow—that calls us. Some to anger. Some to art. Some to needle. Some to prayer." _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Blurred Minds URL: https://www.mckeenmind.com/blurred-minds/ Last updated: 2026-07-14T19:47:55.000Z "Should we consider this spectrum of simulation illusory relative to the experience produced through perception? In other words, to what extent is our subjective reality predicated on our immediate sensory circumstances?" _This post is for subscribers only._ ### The Balance of Thirst and Quench URL: https://www.mckeenmind.com/the-balance-of-thirst-and-quench/ Last updated: 2026-07-14T19:48:03.000Z "Each new day is a new micro spawning from another darkened chasm of horizontality. We rise compulsively each morning ready to do creature things. But what does a creature need to do? What is a creature supposed to do?" _This post is for subscribers only._ ### To Achieve More, or to Need Less? URL: https://www.mckeenmind.com/to-achieve-more-or-to-need-less-2/ Last updated: 2026-07-14T19:48:10.000Z "...this dogged pursuit of material goods is a slippery slope to excess and betrayed expectations; discerning between wants and needs is a daily challenge with decades-long implications." _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Creating Sky from Earth - Communication, Expression, and the Flow of Thought URL: https://www.mckeenmind.com/creating-sky-from-earth-communication-expression-and-the-flow-of-thought-2/ Last updated: 2026-07-14T19:48:17.000Z We stand on the brink of an era where the spinal cord may become redundant, skills could be downloaded, and silent mind-reading might become a reality. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### The Mind Variations, by Brain URL: https://www.mckeenmind.com/the-mind-variations-by-brain/ Last updated: 2026-07-14T19:47:31.000Z Take one grand piano and have Glenn Gould and me each take a turn. The same instrument can in one case reveal a masterpiece, and in another, an objectionable assortment of sounds from a grand piano. The difference lies not in the instrumental constituency but in the patterns provoked by the player. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### The Process URL: https://www.mckeenmind.com/coming-soon/ Last updated: 2025-03-11T20:27:04.000Z A professor once asked me where I thought the most great ideas in history could be found. As if I would know. I blanked. Then, after a pause... *Cemeteries*, he said. *Because thoughts are ephemeral. Like ghosts*—*insights, intuitions, revelations, subtle observations... emerge, expand, and disappear, only to vanish altogether, as if they were never there.* *But the vast majority of *our* great ideas lay on the blank pages of our notebooks, the steam in our coffee vapours, or somewhere with a stranger, in the chaos of the future.* This periodical is me sitting with my pen, paper, and coffee, somewhere in your past. You're the stranger. PM [Subscribe](#/portal/) to stay up to date and receive emails when new content is published.