Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg Do technological innovations yield net gains in the long run? (with Justin Smith-Ruiu)
Oct 25, 2023
Justin Smith-Ruiu, a Paris-based writer and philosophy professor, dives into the limits of tech solutionism and whether technological advancements truly improve our lives. He questions if today's society is worse off than those in the past, explores the evolving nature of art in the age of AI, and critiques the decline of mainstream artistry. The conversation also touches on the balance of commercial creativity versus independent expression, emphasizing the need for authentic voices amidst shifting cultural and academic landscapes.
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Reading as a Blip
- Justin Smith-Ruiu believes reading is a temporary phenomenon in human history, not essential to being human.
- He argues other forms of information processing, like interpreting nature, are equally valuable.
Technology Creates Needs
- Justin Smith-Ruiu suggests technology creates new needs rather than fulfilling existing ones.
- A paleolithic person wasn't lacking anything they intrinsically valued, unlike modern humans who desire teleportation.
Bargain Bin Aesthetics
- Justin Smith-Ruiu contrasts algorithmic content discovery with his experience in used record stores.
- He found the random heterogeneity of bargain bins more aesthetically stimulating than AI-curated playlists.
