Crazy Wisdom

Crazy Wisdom
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Crazy Wisdom

In his series "Crazy Wisdom," Stewart Alsop explores cutting-edge topics, particularly in the realm of technology, such as Urbit and artificial intelligence. Alsop embarks on a quest for meaning, engaging with others to expand his own understanding of reality and that of his audience. The topics covered in "Crazy Wisdom" are diverse, ranging from emerging technologies to spirituality, philosophy, and general life experiences. Alsop's unique approach aims to make connections between seemingly unrelated subjects, tying together ideas in unconventional ways.

  1. Liberty's Future: Yaron Brook on Argentina, Objectivism, and Technology’s Role

    2 DAYS AGO

    Liberty's Future: Yaron Brook on Argentina, Objectivism, and Technology’s Role

    On this episode of Crazy Wisdom, host Stewart Alsop interviews Yaron Brook, chairman of the Ayn Rand Institute and host of "The Yaron Brook Show" on YouTube. They explore a range of topics including the recent political developments in Argentina with the rise of libertarian figure Javier Milei, the intersection of libertarianism and religion, and critiques of anarcho-capitalism. Yaron Brook also shares his thoughts on how culture and politics shape freedom, the significance of reason, and the role of technology in shaping the future. You can find more about Yaron’s work on his YouTube channel and the Ayn Rand Institute's website aynrand.org. Time Stamps 00:28 Discussing Libertarianism and Objectivism 02:08 Analyzing Anarcho-Capitalism 03:52 Millet's Political Actions and Challenges 07:43 Comparing Libertarian Leaders 16:59 Cultural and Philosophical Foundations of Liberty 18:24 Historical Context of Liberty 25:30 Current Political Landscape and Challenges 30:02 Comfort and Radicalism in Modern Society 30:43 Immigration and Cultural Discomfort 31:42 European Immigration and Political Shifts 33:14 The Right-Wing Political Landscape 34:20 The Golden Age and Technological Progress 35:31 The Influence of Greek Philosophy 37:38 The Renaissance and Rediscovery of Greek Ideas 39:55 The Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution 41:09 Christianity and Individualism 44:01 The Future of Technology and Freedom 47:16 Living in Latin America: Freedom and Safety 52:43 El Salvador's Approach to Crime and Governance Libertarianism’s Global Moment: Yaron Brook reflects on the significance of Javier Milei’s rise to power in Argentina, noting that Milei is the first self-identified libertarian elected to a major political position. This moment represents a test of libertarian principles in governance, but it also highlights the challenges libertarians face when trying to implement free-market policies in a culture that hasn’t fully embraced the underlying philosophical foundation of liberty. The Contradiction of Anarcho-Capitalism: Brook explains why he believes anarcho-capitalism is a contradiction in terms. He argues that capitalism requires a government to enforce laws, protect individual rights, and maintain a monopoly on the legitimate use of force. Without such an authority, he contends that society would descend into chaos, resembling a cartel-dominated environment like that of Mexico, where competing factions destroy markets rather than protect them. Libertarianism’s Philosophical Weakness: A recurring theme in the conversation is the critique of libertarianism’s philosophical inconsistency. Brook contrasts libertarianism with objectivism, which he sees as a more coherent and philosophically grounded worldview. He criticizes libertarians for embracing a "big tent" approach that allows for religious and anarchist factions, which dilutes the movement’s commitment to reason, individualism, and true freedom. Religion and Libertarianism: The conversation touches on the influence of religion within the libertarian movement, particularly in Milei’s case. Brook acknowledges that many libertarians are religious, but he argues that objectivism, as an atheistic philosophy, offers a more consistent framework for defending individual rights. He expresses concern that religious elements in Milei’s platform, such as his anti-abortion stance, could undermine the broader goal of achieving a society based on individual freedom. The Role of Culture in Political Change: Brook emphasizes that lasting political change requires a corresponding cultural shift. He argues that while Milei may implement free-market policies, the Argentine culture remains largely statist. Without a cultural embrace of individualism, personal responsibility, and reason, Brook is skeptical that Milei’s reforms can succeed in the long term. He warns that politics is downstream of culture, and real freedom must be rooted in a philosophical commitment to individual ri

    57 min
  2. Episode #397: Tech at the Front Lines: How Consumer-Scale Innovation is Shaping War

    6 DAYS AGO

    Episode #397: Tech at the Front Lines: How Consumer-Scale Innovation is Shaping War

    In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, I'm Stewart Alsop, and my guest is Nathan Mintz, CEO and co-founder of CX2. We explore the fascinating world of defense technology, the evolution of electronic warfare, and how consumer tech is reshaping the battlefield. Nathan shares insights from his experiences, including his work with CX2, a company focused on building affordable, scalable electronic warfare systems for modern conflicts. We also touch on military tech's impact on broader societal trends and dive into the complexities of 21st-century warfare. You can find more about Nathan and CX2 at CX2.com. Nathan also writes on his Substack, Bow Theseus, which you can access via his LinkedIn. Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:23 The Gundo vs. El Segundo Debate 01:32 Tech Hubs in the US: San Francisco vs. LA 02:41 Deep Tech and Hard Tech in Various Cities 04:59 Military Tech: Software vs. Hardware 09:54 The Rise of Consumer-Scale Warfare 13:32 Nathan Mintz's Background and Career 22:17 The Evolution of Military Strategies 26:57 The Evolution of Air Combat Tactics 28:29 Vietnam War's Impact on Military Strategy 29:23 Asymmetric Warfare and Modern Conflicts 31:43 Technological Advances in Warfare 34:16 The Role of Drones in Modern Combat 38:38 Future of Warfare: Man-Machine Teaming 45:13 Electronic Warfare and CX2's Vision 46:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Key Insights The Rise of Consumer-Scale Warfare: Nathan Mintz discusses how warfare has reached a "consumer scale," with small, affordable, and widely available technologies like drones playing a massive role in modern conflicts. In Ukraine, for instance, inexpensive drones are regularly used to take out much larger, multi-million-dollar military assets. This shift shows how accessible tech is transforming the nature of warfare.The Importance of Spectrum Dominance: A central theme of the conversation is the increasing importance of controlling the electromagnetic spectrum in modern warfare. Mintz explains that the ability to maintain secure communications, disrupt enemy signals, and ensure the operation of autonomous systems is critical. As battlefields become more technologically complex, controlling the spectrum becomes as important as physical dominance.Hard Tech's Role in Military Innovation: Nathan highlights the growing importance of hard tech—physical hardware solutions like satellites, drones, and electronic warfare systems—in the defense industry, especially in regions like LA. While software has dominated in areas like San Francisco, LA has become a key hub for aerospace, space tech, and hard tech innovations, crucial for the future of defense technology.Dual-Use Technologies in Defense: A significant insight is the role of dual-use technologies, where products developed for consumer or commercial markets are adapted for military use. Technologies like drones, which have everyday applications, are being repurposed for the battlefield. This shift allows for more cost-effective, scalable solutions to military challenges, marking a departure from traditional defense industry practices.The Future of Manned-Unmanned Teaming: Nathan describes how the future of military operations will involve manned-unmanned teaming, where humans will act as "quarterbacks" managing a fleet of autonomous drones and systems. This strategy is designed to leverage the strengths of AI and automation while keeping humans in the loop to make critical decisions in contested or unpredictable environments.Electronic Warfare as a Key Battlefield Domain: One of Nathan’s key points is that electronic warfare is becoming a primary battlefield domain. Modern warfare increasingly involves not just physical attacks but also the disruption of enemy communications, navigation, and targeting systems. This form of warfare can neutralize advanced technologies by jamming signals or launching cyber-attacks, making it a vital aspect of future confli

    50 min
  3. Episode #396: From Chaos to Crypto: How Argentina’s Turmoil is Fueling Global Innovation

    SEP 30

    Episode #396: From Chaos to Crypto: How Argentina’s Turmoil is Fueling Global Innovation

    In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom podcast, Stewart Alsop speaks with Diego Fernandez, co-creator of QuarkID and the Secretary of Innovation for Buenos Aires. They discuss the future of innovation in Buenos Aires, focusing on how technology can simplify citizen interactions with the government and empower individuals through control over their identity with Web3. The conversation explores the potential of decentralized technologies like blockchain to transform government services and create new opportunities for innovation, especially in Argentina's unique economic landscape. In the episode Stewart forgot the name of something about the innovation of digitizing real world assets in Argentina, see this tweet about the deregulation of warrants so that they can be handled online. And for more on QuarkID, visit www.quarkid.org. Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast 00:13 Innovation in Buenos Aires: A Vision for the Future 01:34 The Role of Technology in Government 02:37 Web3 Technologies: Closing the Gap 05:29 Argentina's Unique Economic Resilience 08:53 Crypto Adoption in Argentina 11:25 The Impact of Inflation and Crypto Solutions 17:41 Argentina's Potential in the Web3 Era 27:40 Crypto Scene in San Francisco 28:20 Buenos Aires: A Hub for Crypto Innovation 29:04 Aleph's Pop-Up City and Economic Vision 31:04 Regulatory Changes and Crypto Opportunities 32:09 Decentralization and the Future of Money 32:47 The Role of Governments in the Digital Age 34:50 The Evolution of Money and Technology 38:02 Real-World Crypto Applications: Morphy Token 41:09 Decentralized Platforms and Censorship 41:57 QuarkID: Revolutionizing Digital Identity 45:21 The Future of Digital Identity and Privacy 51:22 Conclusion and How to Learn More About QuarkID Key Insights Innovation in Buenos Aires: Diego Fernandez emphasizes that the future of innovation in Buenos Aires is centered around making government services seamless and empowering citizens. He envisions a "WiFi-like" government where the state's presence is only noticed when something goes wrong, with a primary focus on streamlining interactions between citizens and government through technology.The Role of Web3 in Identity: Web3 technologies, particularly decentralized identifiers (DIDs) and verifiable credentials, are set to revolutionize how individuals manage their identities. With QuarkID, citizens will have control over their digital identities, securely storing documents and credentials on their own devices. This shifts control from centralized entities like governments or tech giants to individuals.Argentina’s Economic Resilience: Fernandez expresses optimism about Argentina’s future, calling its citizens "economic Navy Seals" due to their experience in dealing with decades of economic instability. He believes that Argentina's hardships have made its population more entrepreneurial, adaptable, and uniquely positioned to embrace blockchain and Web3 technologies to overcome economic challenges.Web3’s Impact on Global Financial Systems: The episode highlights how Web3 technologies are poised to disrupt traditional financial systems by enabling peer-to-peer transactions of value and identity. In Argentina, where economic crises have pushed citizens to adopt cryptocurrencies, the use of decentralized financial tools is not only growing but also fostering innovation in industries like tokenization of real-world assets.The Leapfrogging Potential of Argentina: Fernandez believes that Argentina has the potential to "leapfrog" other nations in developing new financial systems and infrastructure based on decentralized technologies. The country’s lack of entrenched financial systems, combined with its thriving blockchain ecosystem, provides an opportunity to build future-proof solutions that could serve as a model for other emerging economies.Blockchain Startups Flourishing in Argentina: Argentina has become a hotspot fo

    52 min
  4. Episode #395: How to Teach an AI to Think: A Conversation About Knowledge and Intelligence

    SEP 27

    Episode #395: How to Teach an AI to Think: A Conversation About Knowledge and Intelligence

    In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, Stewart Alsop chats with Ian Mason, who works on architecture and delivery of AI and ML solutions, including LLMs and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG). They explore topics like the evolution of knowledge graphs, how AI models like BERT and newer foundational models function, and the challenges of integrating deterministic systems with language models. Ian explains his process of creating solutions for clients, particularly using RAG and LLMs to support automated tasks, and discusses the future potential of AI, contrasting the hype with practical use cases. You can find more about Ian on his LinkedIn profile. Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation! Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:32 Understanding Knowledge Graphs 02:03 Hybrid Systems and AI Models 03:39 Philosophical Insights on AI 05:01 RAG and Knowledge Graph Integration 07:11 Challenges in AI and Knowledge Graphs 11:40 Multimodal AI and Future Prospects 13:44 Artificial Intelligence vs. Artificial Linear Algebra 17:50 Silicon Valley and AI Hype 30:44 Defining AGI and Embodied Intelligence 32:29 Potential Risks and Mistakes of AI Agents 35:04 The Role of Human Oversight in AI 38:00 Understanding Vector Databases 43:28 Building Solutions with Modern Tools 46:52 The Future of Solution Development 47:43 Personal Journey into Coding 57:25 The Importance of Practical Learning 59:44 Conclusion and Contact Information Key Insights The evolution of AI models: Ian Mason discusses how foundational models like BERT have been overtaken by newer, more capable language models, which can perform tasks that once required multiple models. He highlights that while earlier models like BERT still have their uses, foundational models have simplified and expanded AI’s capabilities.The role of knowledge graphs: Knowledge graphs provide structured, deterministic ways of handling data, which can complement language models. Ian explains that while LLMs are great for articulating responses based on large datasets, they lack the ability to handle logical and architectural connections between pieces of information, which knowledge graphs can provide.RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) systems: Ian delves into how RAG systems help refine AI output by feeding language models relevant data from a pre-searched database, reducing hallucinations. By narrowing down the possible answers and focusing the LLM on high-quality data, RAG ensures more accurate and contextually appropriate responses.Limitations of language models: While LLMs can generate plausible-sounding responses, they lack deep architectural understanding and can easily hallucinate or provide inaccurate results without carefully curated input. Ian points out the importance of combining LLMs with structured data systems like knowledge graphs or vector databases to ground the output.Vector databases and embeddings: Ian explains how vector databases, which use embeddings and cosine similarity, are crucial for narrowing down the most relevant data in a RAG system. This modern approach outperforms traditional keyword searches by considering semantic meaning rather than just text similarity.AI’s impact on business solutions: The conversation highlights how AI, particularly through tools like RAG and LLMs, can streamline business processes. For instance, Ian uses AI to automate customer service email drafting, breaking down complex customer queries and retrieving the most relevant answers, significantly improving operational efficiency.The future of AI in business: Ian believes AI’s real-world impact will come from its integration into larger systems rather than revolutionary standalone changes. While there is significant hype around AGI and other speculative technologies, the focus for the near future should be on practical applications like automating business workflows, where AI can create measurable value without over-promising its capabilities.

    1h 1m
  5. Episode #394: Can AI Actually Think? Exploring the Future of Intelligence and Automation

    SEP 23

    Episode #394: Can AI Actually Think? Exploring the Future of Intelligence and Automation

    On this episode of Crazy Wisdom, I, Stewart Alsop, sit down with Ben Ford and Michael Greenberg for a dynamic conversation. Ben is the founder of Mission Control Dev, and Michael is the founder of Third Brain, a company focused on automating business operations. We explore a variety of topics, including the real meaning of "artificial intelligence," how AI is impacting various industries, and whether we truly have AI today. Michael introduces his concept of "Third Brain," a digital layer of operations, while Ben reflects on his military background and how it shapes his current work. Both offer unique perspectives on where technology is headed, especially around the future of knowledge work, digital transformation, and the human element in an increasingly automated world. Check out the links to learn more about Ben's Mission Control Dev and Michael's Third Brain. Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast 00:15 Meet the Guests: Ben Ford and Michael Greenberg 01:04 Exploring Third Brain and Mission Control 03:05 Debating Artificial Intelligence 05:24 The Role of AI in Business Operations 08:54 Challenges in Digital Transformation 16:59 Implementing AI and Digital Operations 29:12 Exploring Puzzle App: A New Tool for Documentation 30:14 The Power of Graphs in Computer Science 32:14 Infinite Dimensions and String Theory 32:57 AI Systems and Social Media Content 33:31 Wardley Mapping and Business Processes 35:26 The Future of AI and Job Security 35:49 AI Whisperers Meetup and Conference 43:35 The Role of Subject Matter Experts in AI 44:13 The Impact of AI on Learning and Careers 55:09 Challenges in Implementing AI Chatbots 57:10 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information Key Insights The distinction between AI and true intelligence: Ben and Michael both agree that current AI, particularly large language models (LLMs), lacks true intelligence. While these systems are highly capable of pattern recognition and can execute specific workflows efficiently, they fall short of human-like intelligence due to their inability to form cognitive loops, embody real-world understanding, or have agency. AI today excels at capacity but not in truly autonomous thinking.Digital transformation is continuous, not a one-time event: The idea that digital transformation has failed was discussed, with Ben and Michael pointing out that the problem lies in the perception that digital transformation has a start and end point. In reality, businesses are constantly transforming, and the process is more about ongoing adaptation than achieving a static, “transformed” state. Success in this realm requires persistent updates and improvements, especially in operational structure.AI as an enabler, not a replacement: Both guests emphasized that AI should be seen as a tool that augments human capability rather than replaces it. AI can significantly enhance the capacity of knowledge workers, enabling them to focus on more creative or strategic tasks by automating routine processes. However, human oversight and strategic input are still essential, especially when it comes to structuring data and providing context for AI systems to function effectively.The future of work involves "AI whisperers": Stewart introduces the idea of "AI whisperers" — people skilled in communicating with and directing AI systems to achieve specific outcomes. This requires a high level of linguistic and operational understanding, suggesting that those who can finesse AI’s capabilities with precision will be in high demand in the future workforce. This shift may see creative, word-focused individuals becoming increasingly critical players in business operations.Structured data is crucial for effective AI deployment: A major challenge in deploying AI for businesses is the lack of well-structured data. Many organizations lack the documentation or system integration needed to effectively implement AI, meaning much of the init

    59 min
  6. Episode #393: The Art of Knowing: How AI and Discipline Shape Our Minds and Machines

    SEP 20

    Episode #393: The Art of Knowing: How AI and Discipline Shape Our Minds and Machines

    In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, host Stewart Alsop talks with Phil Filippak, a software arcanist and knowledgemancer from Ideaflow. The conversation covers a range of topics, including knowledge management, the discipline behind organizing knowledge, personal systems for note-taking, and the impact of AI on programming and game development. Phil shares his experiences with tools like Obsidian and discusses the balance between creative exploration and over-systematization in managing information. You can follow Phil on Twitter at @Blisstweeting (https://twitter.com/Blisstweeting) for more insights. Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast 00:49 Phil's Journey and Knowledge Management 02:17 The Discipline of Knowledge Management 05:49 Personal Struggles and Systematization 09:43 AI's Role in Knowledge Management 16:16 The Future of AI and Programming 21:03 Monasteries and the Future of Coding 28:03 Navigating Quests Without Markers 28:46 Evolution of Game Engines 32:02 Creating Games as a Solo Developer 34:42 The Balance Between Art and Commerce in Gaming 45:00 Knowledge Management in Large Companies 52:03 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Key Insights The Role of Discipline in Knowledge Management: Phil Filippak emphasizes that knowledge management is more than just gathering information—it's about organizing it with discipline. This process involves creating orderly structures, either mentally or through notes, to track progress across different areas of interest. Discipline is crucial for maintaining an interconnected understanding of multiple fields.Over-Systematization Can Be a Trap: While using tools like Obsidian to systematize knowledge can be helpful, Phil warns that too much structure can become burdensome. Over-systematizing can make it harder to add new information and can stifle creativity, leading to a reluctance to engage with the system at all.AI’s Transformative Role in Programming: Phil discusses how AI is changing the landscape of software development, particularly by assisting with tedious tasks like debugging. However, he points out that AI hasn't yet reached a point where it can handle more creative or complex problem-solving without human intervention, leaving room for the enjoyment and intellectual satisfaction that come from manual coding.Creativity in Game Development is Often Stifled by Commercial Pressures: Large gaming companies, driven by shareholder value, tend to avoid risks and stick to formulas that are proven to sell. Phil notes that this limits experimentation, whereas indie game developers and smaller studios—especially in places like Serbia—have more freedom to innovate and take creative risks.Periodic “Resets” in Personal Knowledge Systems: Phil recommends performing occasional resets on personal knowledge systems when they become too complex. This involves stripping away unnecessary rules and simplifying processes to keep the system flexible and sustainable, helping to avoid burnout from excessive structure.The Idea of a Code Monastery: Drawing on the historical role of monasteries as centers of knowledge preservation, Phil introduces the idea of a "code monastery" where programmers could dedicate themselves to maintaining and refining software. This concept highlights the aesthetic and spiritual satisfaction of combining technical expertise with a disciplined, purpose-driven lifestyle.The Future of Programming and AI: Looking ahead, Phil acknowledges that while AI will likely continue to take over more routine programming tasks, there will always be people passionate about coding for its intellectual rewards. He believes that even in an AI-dominated future, the human element of creativity and problem-solving in programming will remain essential.

    54 min
  7. Episode #392: From Digital Footprints to Transhumanism: Navigating the AI-Driven Future

    SEP 16

    Episode #392: From Digital Footprints to Transhumanism: Navigating the AI-Driven Future

    In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom podcast, Stewart Alsop speaks with Anand Dwivedi, a Senior Data Scientist at ICE, returning for his second appearance. The conversation covers a range of topics including the evolution of machine learning models, the integration of AI into operating systems, and how innovations like Neuralink may reshape our understanding of human-machine interaction. Anand also touches on the role of cultural feedback in shaping human learning, the implications of distributed systems in cybersecurity, and his current project—training a language model on the teachings of his spiritual guru. For more information, listeners can connect with Anand on LinkedIn. Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:25 Exploring GPT-4 and Machine Learning Innovations 03:34 Apple's Integration of AI and Privacy Concerns 06:07 Digital Footprints and the Evolution of Memory 09:42 Neuralink and the Future of Human Augmentation 14:20 Cybersecurity and Financial Crimes in the Digital Age 20:53 The Role of LLMs and Human Feedback in AI Training 29:50 Freezing Upper Layers and Formative Feedback 30:32 Neuroplasticity in Sports and Growth 32:00 Challenges of Learning New Skills as Adults 32:44 Cultural Immersion and Cooking School 34:21 Exploring Genetic Engineering and Neuroplasticity 38:53 Neuralink and the Future of AI 39:58 Physical vs. Digital World 41:20 Existential Threats and Climate Risk 45:15 Attention Mechanisms in LLMs 48:22 Optimizing Positive Social Impact 54:54 Training LLMs on Spiritual Lectures Key Insights Evolution of Machine Learning Models: Anand Dwivedi highlights the advancement in machine learning, especially with GPT-4's ability to process multimodal inputs like text, images, and voice simultaneously. This contrasts with earlier models that handled each modality separately, signifying a shift towards more holistic AI systems that mirror human sensory processing.AI Integration in Operating Systems: The conversation delves into how AI, like Apple Intelligence, is being integrated directly into operating systems, enabling more intuitive interactions such as device management and on-device tasks. This advancement brings AI closer to daily use, ensuring privacy by processing data locally rather than relying on cloud-based systems.Neuralink and Transhumanism: Anand and Stewart discuss Neuralink’s potential to bridge the gap between human and artificial intelligence. Neuralink’s brain-computer interface could allow humans to enhance cognitive abilities and better compete in a future dominated by intelligent machines, raising questions about the ethics and risks of such direct brain-AI integration.Cultural Feedback and Learning: Anand emphasizes the role of cultural feedback in shaping human learning, likening it to how AI models are fine-tuned through feedback loops. He explains that different cultural environments provide varied feedback to individuals, influencing the way they process and adapt to information throughout their lives.Cybersecurity and Distributed Systems: The discussion highlights the dual-edged nature of distributed systems in cybersecurity. While these systems offer increased freedom and decentralization, they can also serve as breeding grounds for financial crimes and other malicious activities, pointing to the need for balanced approaches to internet freedom and security.Generative Biology and AI: A key insight from the episode is the potential of AI models, like those used for language processing, to revolutionize fields such as biology and chemistry. Anand mentions the idea of generative biology, where AI could eventually design new proteins or chemical compounds, leading to breakthroughs in drug discovery and personalized medicine.Positive Social Impact Through Technology: Anand introduces a thought-provoking idea about using AI and data analytics for social good. He suggests that technology can help bridge disparities in ed

    59 min
  8. Episode #398: From the Deseret Alphabet to AI: The Hidden Language of Progress

    SEP 16

    Episode #398: From the Deseret Alphabet to AI: The Hidden Language of Progress

    In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom podcast, host Stewart Alsop welcomes guest Neal Davies, a former computer science professor and nuclear engineering PhD, currently working at the Urbit Foundation. Their conversation covers a range of intriguing topics including the Deseret Alphabet, a phonetic alphabet from the 19th century, Neal’s experiences balancing generalist and specialist roles, and the influence of AI in both his work and the world at large. Neal also shares his insights on syntax, symbols, and the cultural shifts that have shaped modern consciousness. You can connect with Neal on Twitter @Sigilante or find him on Urbit as @Lagravnokvap. Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast 00:19 Exploring the Deseret Alphabet 04:02 Challenges and Rewards of Being a Generalist 06:47 Impact of AI on Generalism and Specialization 08:24 AI in Code and Image Generation 13:43 Salvador Dali's Paranoiac Critical Method 17:18 Symbolism in Art and Language 20:49 The Spiritual Connection with Language 30:05 Greek Influence on Language and Zero 32:59 Exploring Number Systems 35:10 Rational Numbers and Greek Innovations 38:12 The Evolution of Linguistic Systems 40:29 Cultural Shifts: 1870s to 1960s 45:46 The Impact of the 1960s on Modern Thought 49:58 The Role of Illegible Spaces in Innovation 56:11 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions Key Insights Deseret Alphabet as a Cultural and Linguistic Experiment: Neal Davies is deeply fascinated by the 19th-century Deseret Alphabet, a phonetic alphabet created to help immigrants in Utah become literate. Its unique structure and religious origins present a profound example of how language can be intentionally shaped to serve a community, although this project ultimately didn’t gain widespread adoption.Balancing Generalism and Specialization: Neal shares his personal journey of pursuing generalist roles while maintaining expertise in specific fields like computer science and nuclear engineering. He emphasizes the value of broad, diverse knowledge in a world that often rewards specialization. His approach allows for flexibility and creativity in problem-solving, despite the professional challenges generalists may face in a society focused on specialization.AI as a Tool for Productivity, Not Replacement: Neal highlights the utility of AI in his work, particularly in code generation and ideation. He discusses how tools like GitHub’s Copilot act as force multipliers for developers, offering a starting point that saves time without replacing the critical thinking required for final implementation. AI is seen as a support system for creativity, especially in programming and image generation.Syntax and Symbols as Catalysts for Thought: Neal discusses the profound relationship between syntax, symbols, and thought. By exploring different symbol systems, such as mathematical notation or alphabets like Deseret, he argues that they can unlock new ways of thinking. Symbol systems not only shape reasoning but allow people to build layers of understanding and explore more complex ideas.Cultural Experimentation and Enclaves: Reflecting on the importance of high variance in human endeavor, Neal supports creating enclaves of culture and thought outside the mainstream. He argues that monoculture, driven by surveillance and conformity, limits the ability to think freely and explore novel solutions. Platforms like Urbit, which emphasize privacy and decentralized communication, provide a space for communities to experiment and innovate without being surveilled or controlled.The Failure and Legacy of the 1960s Counterculture: Neal suggests that the cultural revolution of the 1960s was an ambitious attempt at societal transformation that ultimately failed. Co-opted by commercialism, politics, and other forces, the movement couldn’t fully realize its vision of reshaping consciousness. However, it planted seeds for future cultural shifts, muc

    58 min
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About

In his series "Crazy Wisdom," Stewart Alsop explores cutting-edge topics, particularly in the realm of technology, such as Urbit and artificial intelligence. Alsop embarks on a quest for meaning, engaging with others to expand his own understanding of reality and that of his audience. The topics covered in "Crazy Wisdom" are diverse, ranging from emerging technologies to spirituality, philosophy, and general life experiences. Alsop's unique approach aims to make connections between seemingly unrelated subjects, tying together ideas in unconventional ways.

Information

  • Channel
    Crazy Wisdom
  • Creator
    Stewart Alsop
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2024
  • Episodes
    407
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Stewart Alsop
  • Show Website
    Crazy Wisdom

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