

Tyler Cowen on AI (Rerun)
5 snips Aug 30, 2025
Tyler Cowen, an influential economist and co-author of the blog Marginal Revolution, joins Yascha Mounk to discuss the future of global economies. They explore the transformative effects of AI and the challenges posed by declining birth rates. Cowen shares insights on how young adults should navigate personal finances amid evolving job landscapes. The conversation also touches on the US-China competition and the vital role of education in adapting to technological changes. Expect intriguing perspectives on economics and societal evolution!
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AI Will Reshape Institutions Slowly
- AI will reshape institutions slowly because most institutions lack plug-and-play slots for extra intelligence.
- Some sectors like programming and graphic design already see immediate, large effects from AI.
AI Progress Has Multiple Dimensions
- Progress in AI is multidimensional: more compute, better training methods, and new capabilities like "time scaling."
- Cowen expects multiple future improvements beyond first iterations of new techniques.
Shift To Human-First Activities
- Change routines: spend more time mentoring, networking, and travelling to tasks AIs cannot replicate.
- Treat AI as a force multiplier and focus on human activities that remain uniquely valuable.