Deep Questions with Cal Newport

I love this show. This is specifically in response to the episode about not needing a smart phone. At one point, Cal mentions that it is impossible to get through life without a smart phone. That at some point, you will need to add a smart phone to your life. He lists two factors security most two factor security systems will allow you to have a number text message to you or allow a hard token key. It takes a little bit of work and some questions from your organization or university but to do two factor authentication without a smart phone. I have found it to be helpful to retain the use of my iPad. after going to a Sunbeam phone and I still have my old iPhone in the drawer for certain tasks that I might need it for. But honestly, I’ve not pulled it out since getting the sunbeam. It’s been three months. I agree with all of the comments Cal had and the benefits that he listed. An iPad can still be problematic, but it just doesn’t fit in your pocket.. It is simply not as easy to carry around, so there’s that one barrier to having it quite as often as a smart phone..

I really like this podcast because Cal makes me think about digital life in new ways and slowly develop my own philosophy on tech use slowly but surely. I’m a dumb phone user and consider myself a digital minimalist, so this compliments my lifestyle well. Cal seems to have a good head on his shoulders. I also like how he explains tech boundaries in a very practical way that never feels extreme, just logical. Thank you for the show!

Haha ask your students if chat bots will be here in a couple years. You should read the book! It’s not a slog, it’s readable and short. The interview didn’t do the book justice, so it doesn’t make sense to review the interview without reading the book. I honestly did not think Eleazer aimed the point at Cal lol “Cal get off my lawn” it was more that people didn’t thought it could develop into this and so quickly but it did (remember the “limitations” to understanding nuances of speech and conversation cs scientists would talk about 10 years ago) and it’s likely to develop further and also quickly, and become super. The lawn stuff was a poor way to describe it, but the point is slightly different and Cal missed it in his defensiveness.

With so much optimization noise, Cal stands out! Deeply caring about what is important to you is NOT a trend that can be hacked and/ or automated.