-
The Instrumentalization of Everything
What we do matters, but why we are doing what we’re doing matters almost just as much. I agree with the premise of this article, even if the implications are hard to unpack. The choice remains for us to make: what is the highest good and where are we going towards? Even in a world where the highest “good” is pluralistic, we are limited by our humanity, and a pursuit of any intrinsic good comes at the sacrifice of another. At that point we might need to draw a line between what is good just for itself and what is good intrinsically AND instrumentally.. Could that be the source of the structural instrumentalization that we are seeing?
// Instrumentalization is Making Everything a Means to an End – AEON
-
The Value of Humanity if AI Becomes Smarter
This is sort of in relation to what was said in the Citrini Research report. I think a lot of what is in the report is garbage, superficial vibe reporting masquerading behind the “this is an imagination of what the future could be, not what it will be” cop out. But saying that it has nothing of value to add neglects a question that we should be grappling with, and which this article from Wayfare excellently explores: Why are we scared of our intelligence being replaced? I agree with this article that our fear tells us about how we view and value ourselves, and thought it was a great read.
// Alchemy of a Soul – Wafare Magazine -
Damodaran on Talking the Dog On More Walks
Interesting post from finance legend Aswath Damodaran on the impact that AI will have on careers. Differing from AI doomers, he argues that even if he is replaced by the “Damodaran bot” there is something valuable about him that will persist. Even though he has defined himself as a public figure in finance and valuation, he recognizes that he is not what he does, he is something more.
-
The Death of Beauty
If you want to understand any society, don’t listen to what it says about itself, look to what it creates.
This was a beautiful little video about the value that victorians (or at least the powerful and wealthy victorians who were in power during the mid 19th century) placed on ordinary beauty. I found Quirke’s criticism of modern utilitarianism a little too strong, given he recognizes her seeds in the construction of London’s sewers. Regardless, I thought that the above quote made the video deserving of recognition.
-
Why being a little snobby might be a good thing
The Common Reader – Literary Elitism
Having a cannon lets us be objective, and provides a foundation for discussion that can lead to truth.
-
Does Freedom = Choice?
The Explosion of Choice – AEON
It’s not just that we don’t always know our minds. It’s that choice in its current incarnation isn’t, in fact, always freeing… In the past, for example, freedom has sometimes been imagined as a release from oppression or as an act of pure imagination, alternative visions we might want to bring back into circulation. As it turns out, choice doesn’t always produce freedom, and freedom itself often looks very different.
Trying to maximize everything is futile. Choice doesn’t always equate to freedom.
-
What if Lincoln Had a Smartphone
What if Lincoln Had a Smartphone – Cal Newport
Cal Newport is one of my favorite thinkers on distraction and living a deep life. This is his most recent blog post about how distraction has been a constant force for a while now.
-
The Chance to Be Lonely
A short video where a French girl talks about the opportunity to be lonely.
-
Uncertainty
Pretty interesting article on how adopting a humble and uncertain position can build trust and allow for a solution to be found or for peace while uncertainty abounds.