Bojan Tunguz — From Physicist to Grandmaster (EP.182)
Oct 5, 2023
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Bojan Tunguz, senior systems software engineer at NVIDIA and quadruple Kaggle grandmaster, discusses the limits of AI, AI's impact on various sectors, homeschooling his kids, winning on Twitter, and the potential of AI in enhancing human creativity in this entertaining podcast.
Adopting a probabilistic mindset helps navigate uncertainty and make informed decisions.
Understanding the practical considerations and limitations is crucial for effective decision-making.
Bojan recommends thought-provoking books that challenge conventional thinking and offer new perspectives.
Deep dives
The Power of Probabilistic Thinking
One of the ideas that Boyan would accept into the world is to think more probabilistically. By adopting a probabilistic mindset, one can better understand and appreciate the spectrum of possibilities and diffuse anxieties. Instead of thinking in black and white terms, considering the likelihood of different outcomes can help in making more informed decisions and navigating uncertainty.
The Gap Between Theory and Practice
Boyan would also encourage the acceptance of the gap between theory and practice. While theories and high-level thinking have their value, understanding the practical considerations, limitations, and realities is crucial. Acknowledging the difference between what is ideal in theory and what works in practice can lead to more effective decision-making and problem-solving.
Boyan's Book Recommendations
Boyan mentions some of his favorite books, including 'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov and works by Haruki Murakami and Milan Kundera. He also highlights books like 'Thinking Like a State' and 'The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature' by Steven Pinker as thought-provoking reads that challenge conventional thinking and offer new perspectives on various subjects.
Boyan's Work at NVIDIA
In addition to his role at NVIDIA, Boyan mentions his involvement in projects such as building a new gradient-boosted trees library and exploring the potential applications of AI in fields like elder care. He also expresses enthusiasm for NVIDIA products such as Jetson, which allows him to engage in fun projects involving small boards and gadgets.
Engaging on Twitter and LinkedIn
Boyan actively engages on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. While Twitter is his main platform for sharing thoughts, insights, and jokes, he also posts content related to his work on LinkedIn. He encourages interactions and discussions on these platforms and mentions his occasional blogging on Substack as well.
Bojan Tunguz is a senior systems software engineer at NVIDIA, quadruple Kaggle grandmaster, former top 10 Amazon reviewer, and former physicist. He joins the show to discuss the problems that LLMs can’t solve, the speed of AI progress, why he homeschools his kids, how to win Twitter, and more! Important Links: