The document discusses self-experimentation as a form of science. It argues that formal scientific studies have limitations and that testing hypotheses on oneself can provide more directly relevant knowledge. Some key principles of effective self-experimentation include having a sound hypothesis, managing confounding factors, confronting biases honestly, and continuing to learn from one's experiments. The author provides examples of their own self-experiments around diet, exercise and lifestyle factors.

1. Self-Experimentation
The Best Science?
Richard Nikoley, FreetheAnimal.com

2. What is Science?
• The intellectual and practical activity
encompassing the systematic study of the
structure and behavior of the physical and
natural world through observation and
experiment
• A systematically organized body of knowledge
on a particular subject
• Knowledge of any kind

3. How is Science Done?
• Make observations and study them
• Find associations
• Form a hypothesis; make a prediction
• Test hypothesis

4. Principles of Science
• Falsifiability
• Try to disprove
• Avoid confounders
• No number of failures to disprove confirms an
hypothesis while a single falsification relegates
the hypothesis to the shitcan

5. Bullshit Science
• Confirmation bias
• Grant whores
• Pet theories
• Follow the money
• Political policy

6. Good vs. Useful Science
• Even the best controlled, randomized
intervention study utilizing impeccable
methods and presenting clear conclusions is of
limited relevance to YOU!
• You still have to test it on yourself

7. Principles of Self-
Experimentation
• Sound foundation (heroin will make you feel
good)
• Manage confounders
• Confront your biases
• Be honest with yourself
• Never stop learning

8. My Self-Experiments
• Walking 3 miles per day for 5-6 years (5,000 -
6,000 miles).

9. Result: 35-40 lbs Gained

10. #FAIL

11. Resistance Training

12. Paleo Eating

13. Intermittent Fasting

14. Fasted Training

15. Cold Water Exposure

16. Result: ~60
lbs lost

17. #WINNING

18. Continuing Experiments
• Low-carb vs. Moderate vs. Cycling
• No Soap; No Shampoo
• Various Intermittent Fasting Methods
• Starch (potatoes, white rice)
• Dairy and nut reduction elimination
• Fermented vegetables
• Extended cold water exposure
• Barefoot

19. The Whole Animal
• News & Current Events Obsession
• 1 in 300 millionth say in your own affairs
• Care about whose going to rule you next
• Going one God further

20. FreeTheAnimal.com