#782: Legendary Inventor Danny Hillis (Plus Kevin Kelly) — Unorthodox Lessons from 400+ Patents, Solving the Impossible, Real Al vs. “AI”, Hiring Richard Feynman, Working with Steve Jobs, Creating Parallel Computing, and Much More

1582 snips

Dec 11, 2024

Guest

Danny Hillis

Guest

Kevin Kelly

Danny Hillis, a groundbreaking inventor and engineer with over 400 patents, joins Kevin Kelly, the founding editor of WIRED, for a riveting conversation. They explore the intricacies of parallel computing and its revolutionary impact on technology, like AI. Hillis shares his unorthodox hiring practices and innovative journeys in fields like cybersecurity and agriculture, emphasizing curiosity over credentials. They also discuss advancements in medical imaging and the fascinating narrative behind the 10,000-Year Clock in Texas, highlighting the importance of storytelling in innovation.

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Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Mogan Clamp Interview

Danny Hillis used a box of curiosities, including a Mogan clamp, during job interviews.
This helped assess candidates' curiosity and engagement, not just knowledge.

ANECDOTE

Robin Williams at Disney

Robin Williams once explored Danny Hillis' box of curiosities.
Hillis and Williams met while working together at the Walt Disney Company.

ANECDOTE

Disney Imagineering

Danny Hillis' only regular job was as Disney Fellow at Imagineering.
This experience taught him about storytelling and artistic perspectives, contrasting with his engineering background.

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The Pattern on the Stone

The Simple Ideas that Make Computers Work

W. Daniel (Danny) Hillis

In this book, Danny Hillis explains the fundamental principles of computer science in an easy-to-follow manner. Starting from basic logic and switches, he describes how these simple components combine to perform complex operations. The book covers programming languages, algorithms, memory, and advanced topics such as quantum computing, parallel computing, neural networks, and self-organizing systems. Hillis uses lucid explanations and colorful anecdotes to make the operations of a computer understandable to a broad audience.

The pattern on the stone

The Simple Ideas that Make Computers Work

W. Daniel Hillis

In this book, Danny Hillis provides an easy-to-follow explanation of how computers process data, starting from basic logic and simple electrical circuits to advanced concepts like programming languages, algorithms, memory, quantum computing, parallel computing, neural networks, and self-organizing systems. Hillis avoids technical jargon and uses colorful anecdotes and simple examples, such as the 'turtle' programs from the Logo computing language, to make the subject accessible to non-technical readers.

The Inevitable

Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future

Kevin Kelly

In 'The Inevitable,' Kevin Kelly outlines twelve technological forces that will significantly impact how we work, learn, and communicate over the next thirty years. These forces include becoming, cognifying, flowing, screening, accessing, sharing, filtering, remixing, interacting, tracking, questioning, and beginning. Kelly argues that understanding and embracing these forces will help individuals and businesses navigate the coming changes effectively. The book is praised for its optimistic and insightful view of the future, although some critics note that it lacks a detailed discussion of the potential downsides of these technological advancements.

Vanishing Asia

A Masterclass on the Past, Present, and Future of Asia

Kevin Kelly

Vanishing Asia is a comprehensive and visually stunning 3-volume set of oversized books that document the rapidly disappearing traditions, costumes, architecture, festivals, and lifestyles of Asia. Over 49 years, Kevin Kelly traveled to the most remote places in 35 Asian countries, capturing 9,000 images on 1,000 uniquely designed pages. The set covers West, Central, and East Asia, showcasing the diverse cultures from Turkey to Japan and from Siberia to Indonesia. This work is an ambitious passion project that highlights the beauty and complexity of Asian cultures as they face the challenges of modernization.

What technology wants

Kevin Kelly

In this book, Kevin Kelly presents a sweeping vision of technology as a living force that is an extension of biological evolution. He introduces the concept of the 'technium,' a global, massively interconnected system of technology that evolves based on its own inherent desires and instincts. Kelly argues that technology is not just a tool but a self-evolving entity that gives our lives greater meaning. He outlines a dozen trajectories for technology in the coming decades and emphasizes the importance of aligning ourselves with technology's agenda to capture its colossal potential. The book is both visionary and optimistic, exploring how technology can expand our individual potential and drive progress in society[1][3][4].

Excellent Advice for Living

Wisdom I Wish I'd Known Earlier

Kevin Kelly

Excellent Advice for Living is a compilation of Kevin Kelly's life wisdom, initially written for his young adult children on his 68th birthday. The book features 450 aphorisms that cover a wide range of topics, from setting ambitious goals and optimizing generosity to cultivating compassion and practical advice on career, relationships, parenting, and finances. Kelly's advice is designed to be accessible and applicable to all ages, emphasizing the importance of kindness, decency, and generosity of spirit. The book is praised for its straightforward and memorable guidance, making it an ideal companion for anyone seeking to navigate life with grace and creativity.