Physics → Thermodynamics
Attention obeys the same laws as heat. Without work, it dissipates. Understanding entropy is understanding why focus is hard.
Why does attention naturally decay?
In an unmanaged mind, attention always degrades toward the path of least resistance.
Corollary: Focus doesn't happen by default. It requires energy input to maintain order against natural decay.
Lower entropy = more ordered, more capacity. Higher entropy = more disordered, less capacity.
The critical difference: natural decay has exits. Engineered decay creates traps.
Extraction technology creates stable high-entropy states that don't exist in nature. Natural boredom (entropy 7) is unstable—it pushes toward resolution. Engineered scroll (entropy 8) is artificially stabilized through variable reward schedules and infinite content. You're held at maximum disorder with no natural exit. This is the mechanism of attention capture.
Different activities produce or reduce entropy at different rates.
| Activity | Entropy Effect | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Meditation | Negative (ordering) | Actively reduces entropy |
| Deep Work | Negative (ordering) | Builds structure, concentrates |
| Physical Exercise | Negative (discharge) | Resets, clears accumulated disorder |
| Nature Exposure | Slightly Negative | Nervous system regulation |
| Normal Work | Low production | Maintains, slight increase |
| Meetings | Medium production | Context switching adds disorder |
| Context Switching | High production | Destroys order rapidly |
| Scrolling | Very High production | Maximally disordering |
| Doomscrolling | Extreme production | Disorder + threat activation |
Activities that actively reduce entropy and restore order.
Morning low entropy (highest capacity) → Gradual rise through day → Sleep reset. Cycles sustainably.
Immediate phone check spikes entropy → Constant notifications maintain disorder → Never reaches low entropy → Disrupted sleep → Chronic debt.