Byung-Chul Han's "Non-Things" delves into the pervasive influence of digital technologies on contemporary society. Han argues that the digital realm fosters a culture of distraction and superficiality, hindering genuine engagement and critical thinking. He explores the concept of "digital exhaustion" and the ways in which constant connectivity leads to a sense of emptiness and alienation. The book critiques the commodification of experience and the erosion of traditional forms of social interaction. Han's analysis offers a compelling critique of the digital age, prompting readers to consider the impact of technology on their lives and the broader social fabric.
Cixin Liu's 'The Three-Body Problem' is a critically acclaimed science fiction novel that blends hard science with compelling storytelling. The story follows a group of scientists who make contact with an alien civilization, leading to unforeseen consequences for humanity. Liu's intricate world-building and exploration of complex scientific and philosophical themes have earned him widespread recognition. The novel is known for its ambitious scope and its exploration of the potential challenges and dangers of encountering extraterrestrial life. It's a thought-provoking work that has captivated readers worldwide.
Tina He (Site, X, Newsletter) is a product designer, entrepreneur, writer, and amateur philosopher. She is a product lead at Coinbase, where she works on developer tools for its network Base. She joined Coinbase through the acquisition of her company, Station Labs.
Tina grew up in China before moving the U.S. at age 14. As an adult, Tina has been a dual-citizen of New York City and the internet. As she has put it, Tina is interested in the culture of technology and the technology of culture. While we share a love of technology and the internet as a "place," Tina is also my favorite person to get reading recommendations from. She studies philosophy, immerses herself in art, film, and fashion, and has been writing online since she was a teenager. I aimed to give listeners a glimpse of the types of wide-ranging conversations that I've enjoyed with Tina over the years.
We cover identity, locality, NYC, the internet, writing and sharing online, finding your people online, her career arc from comparative literature in college to venture capital and crypto, how labor markets and economies lay a foundation for culture in cities and online, what it means to be serious, patriotism and greatness, ambition, philosophy, ideas and action, Benjamin Labatut's When We Cease to Understand the World, her favorite philosophers from Kierkegaard to Wittgenstein to Byung-Chul Han, Beauty, taste, aesthetics, film, fashion, and how love and attention underpin her life.
Timestamps:
- (1:07): Identity & Place: What Does it Mean to be Local?
- (7:46): New York City
- (14:24): Urban Design and Evolution in Cities and Online
- (19:03): Being a Citizen of the Internet & Sharing Yourself Online
- (31:55): Tina's Unique Path: from Comparative Literature & CS to VC to Crypto
- (45:58): Station & Coinbase: Why Economic Systems & Labor Markets are Upstream of Cultural Outcomes
- (55:22): Being a Serious Person
- (58:53): When We Cease to Understand the World
- (1:02:47): Greatness, Patriotism, and Ambition
- (1:07:00): Reconciling with Obsession and Ambition: Can They Go Too Far?
- (1:10:13): What is Philosophy For? Refining Realities vs. Asserting Reality
- (1:20:57): The Patterns in Tina's Favorite Philosophers and Writers
- (1:26:04): Making Time for Philosophy and Study
- (1:32:09): Aesthetics, Taste, Beauty, Film, Fashion
- (01:39:58): Love & Attention
Links & Resources
Photo: Eugene Wei
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