The Art of Doing Nothing

Feb 25, 2025

Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard dive into the philosophical implications of AI fatigue and the balance between technology and personal identity. They explore how storytelling shapes our interactions with tech and the nostalgia linked to past gadgets. The conversation highlights the need for intentional downtime away from big tech, fostering creativity amidst a fast-paced digital world. They also reflect on the influence of science fiction on innovation and the evolving relationship between art and life, encouraging listeners to embrace reflective moments and original thought.

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Intro

00:00 • 4min

The Narrative of Technology and Identity

03:42 • 18min

Balancing Tech and Reflection

21:32 • 15min

Rethinking Efficiency: Enhancing Experiences Over Speed

36:40 • 2min

Breaking the Hammer Mentality

38:40 • 4min

The Interplay of Expression, Art, and Communication

42:14 • 2min

Imagination Meets Innovation: Science Fiction's Impact

44:02 • 14min

Exploring the Complexity of Storytelling in the Age of AI

58:25 • 3min

In this episode Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard discuss AI fatigue, the philosophical implications of technology, and the storytelling behind technological progress as they ponder the quote from Oscar Wilde does 'life imitate art, or does art imitate life'? Their conversation covers the allure and nostalgia of new technologies, the way technology builds community, and the intricate relationship between consumerism, authenticity, and personal narratives. Rich with references to Oscar Wilde and personal anecdotes, they examine the influence of big corporations and AI, emphasizing the importance of intentionality, creative space, and reflective boredom in our fast-paced digital world. They also explore how science fiction and imaginative narratives shape our understanding of the future, humanity’s legacy, and our existential relationship with art and technology.

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Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura

Host Bios:

Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.

Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.

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