How to Use AI to Become a Learning Machine - Ep. 34 with Simon Eskildsen
Sep 11, 2024
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Simon Eskildsen, co-founder and CEO of AI startup turbopuffer, shares his journey from Shopify intern to learning machine. He discusses how his learning habits have evolved, integrating tools like ChatGPT and Notion AI to streamline tasks, from drafting legal documents to managing his cabin. Simon reveals his use of AI in creative cooking and unique word exploration, emphasizing the impact of language models on education and productivity. His insights highlight the transformative potential of AI in personal growth and skill acquisition.
AI tools have transformed personal learning methods, enabling users to optimize education and productivity despite increasing commitments.
The integration of advanced note-taking applications like Reflect exemplifies how technology streamlines information management for effective learning.
Language models are reshaping future education by creating dynamic, adaptive learning experiences that engage and motivate learners, particularly children.
Deep dives
Embracing Change Through AI
AI has significantly transformed personal learning approaches, enabling individuals to optimize their educational experiences. The speaker describes how running a startup, particularly in the fast-paced environment since 2020, has challenged them to become more efficient learners. They note the importance of continual skill development, and how the integration of AI tools has made this journey more manageable. The need for condensing reading habits and the adaptation of learning methods in light of increased commitments exemplify the profound impact of AI on personal productivity.
Revolutionizing Note-Taking with Reflect
The advancement of note-taking applications, specifically Reflect, highlights a new era of productivity. Reflect serves as an AI assistant that streamlines the process of capturing thoughts, organizing ideas, and managing information efficiently. Features like voice transcription and custom prompts facilitate quicker note-taking, empowering users to maintain focus on their tasks. The integration of technology into these repetitive tasks allows for a more effective way of processing information, reflecting the evolving landscape of learning in the digital age.
The Role of Flashcards in Knowledge Retention
Flashcards remain a crucial tool for effective memorization and mastery of information, with the speaker maintaining a commitment to this system despite a busy lifestyle. They humorously describe their goal of reaching 10,000 flashcards, which serves as a testament to their dedication to knowledge retention. This method also allows for novel information to be organized, categorized, and reviewed systematically, enhancing the speaker's ability to recall facts and insights. Notably, their lighthearted approach to flashcards demonstrates how personal rituals can cultivate a joy in learning while promoting cognitive engagement.
AI as a Conversational Partner
The integration of language models into daily decisions and problem-solving processes is enhancing the efficiency of communication and information gathering. The speaker emphasizes how tools like ChatGPT serve as conversational partners, enabling exploration of ideas and solutions without the typical barriers of traditional research methods. By leveraging AI for diverse tasks—from drafting legal documents to gaining insights on entrepreneurial challenges—users find significant value in streamlined workflows. This human-AI interaction symbolizes the promising future of enhanced productivity and the redefinition of expertise across various fields.
Future Learning Environments with AI
Looking ahead, the potential of AI extends into creating dynamic learning environments that adapt to individual needs. The speaker envisions using intelligent conversational agents like Wally the Walrus to facilitate bilingual education and foster curiosity in children. This adaptability is leading to a multi-lingual, interactive learning experience that could help children flourish linguistically and cognitively. Furthermore, the speaker believes the engaging nature of such AI tools will revolutionize childhood learning, enabling kids to explore languages, concepts, and answers to their questions seamlessly.
I first interviewed him in 2020 about how he leveled up from an intern at Shopify to the company’s director of production engineering by reading and applying insights from hundreds of books.
A lot has changed over the last four years. LLMs have made it possible to contextualize information like never before—and in this episode, I sat down with Simon to talk about how this changes the way he learns.
Simon is now the cofounder and CEO of AI startup turbopuffer, which is building a search engine that makes vector search easy and affordable to run at scale.
We get into:
How Simon’s learning rituals have evolved over time, as the cofounder of a growing startup and a new parent
The ways Simon has integrated ChatGPT, Claude, and Notion AI to do everything from writing legal documents to maintaining his rural cabin in Quebec
The custom AI commands in productivity tool Raycast that Simon uses to learn new words and cook creative dishes
Simon’s take on how language models will reshape the future of learning, especially skills like language acquisition, for the next generation
As we talk, we screenshare through his Anki setup, including the flashcard template he finds most useful, and try out his custom AI commands in Raycast to understand the meaning of two of my favorite obscure words, “lambent” and “eigengrau.”
This is a must-watch for note-taking aficionados and anyone who wants to supercharge their learning with AI.
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