Masters of Scale

Possible: Stephen Colbert isn’t so sure about AI (with Reid Hoffman)

98 snips
Sep 13, 2025
In a lively conversation, Stephen Colbert, host of The Late Show, shares his thoughts on the complexities of AI and human interaction. He draws insightful parallels between J.R.R. Tolkien's work and technology's impact on creativity. Colbert delves into the nuances of storytelling in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of genuine human connection. The discussion also covers the dual nature of AI, its potential benefits in various fields, and frames a hopeful outlook on future technological advancements.
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INSIGHT

Live Performance As Emotional Community

  • Stephen Colbert views live performance as a shared emotional experience that combats loneliness.
  • He sees his role as curating the day's emotional reaction, not breaking news.
INSIGHT

Creativity Is Empathy In Action

  • Colbert links creativity to empathy through imagining the audience's reaction before delivering a joke.
  • He treats joke-telling like fishing: imagination guides when to 'set the hook.'
ANECDOTE

Early Interactive Improv Experiment

  • Colbert recounts Second City's 'Global Village' experiments with live online input from worldwide participants.
  • The idea failed then because technology couldn't support true interactive improvisation in 1998.
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