AI as a Tool, Not a Panacea

James sits down with astrophysicist Brian Keating for a candid, useful tour through three hot zones: how to think about AI (and where it actually helps), what’s broken in higher ed and admissions right now, and why outsourcing your mood to politics is a losing strategy. You’ll hear first-hand stories (from UC San Diego classrooms to New York City politics), specific ways James and Brian really use AI daily, and a simple framework for protecting your attention and happiness—even when everything feels polarized.

What You’ll Learn:

How universities can leverage AI-guided curiosity to revolutionize learning, according to James Altucher's vision for "Altucher University."

Why mastering communication skills—writing, speaking, negotiating—is crucial for career success, and why these skills are often neglected in traditional education.

Firsthand insights into how Brian Keating and James Altucher use AI daily for research, problem-solving, and creativity, along with practical examples from their personal and professional lives.

The economic and philosophical debates around AI's actual impact on industries, jobs, and the broader GDP, including its use in coding, media, and even farming.

The limitations of AI and large language models in science and creative work, and why critical thinking and prompt engineering remain essential—even as technology evolves.

Timestamped Chapters:

00:00 "AI Clarifies Venezuela Questions"

05:59 Venezuela News Omission

07:45 Frustrating Academia Raise Policy

11:54 Collaboration and Engagement Terms

14:23 "Ideas Overload Dilutes Impact"

19:11 Economic Efficiency Benefits All

19:49 Automation's Effect on Jobs

23:43 "Decentralized AI Competition"

27:09 "AI's Rapid Growth"

31:39 Copyright Limits Creativity

33:17 AI Book Recommendations

38:38 "AI Won't Replace Writers"

41:01 "Dumb Takes by Geniuses"

44:39 Content Overload Shift

47:47 Self-Publishing Outperforms Traditional

49:05 Dying Publishing Model

54:21 "Nobel Laureates' Impact Explained"

57:49 "Epstein, Trump, Wishcasting"

59:37 "Thrills Free on Pluto TV"

Additional resources:

📚 Target Earth by Govert Schilling: https://a.co/5uCEmZi

➡️ My new book:

📖 Into the Impossible Volume 2: Focus Like a Nobel Prize Winner: Lessons from Laureates to Concentrate Your Creativity and Ignite Your Career: https://a.co/d/hi50U9U

➡️ Follow me on your fav platforms:

✖️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating

🔔 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1

📝 Join my mailing list: https://briankeating.com/list

✍️ Check out my blog: https://briankeating.com/cosmic-musings/

🎙️ Follow my podcast: https://briankeating.com/podcast

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