The Global Discussion Writing with Purpose in a World of AI and Innovation with Shel Israel Ep 213 - The Global Discussion
Host Simon Hodgkins is joined by Shel Israel, a seasoned writer, editor, and author with over 40 years of experience, in this episode of The Global Discussion. Shel is known for his insightful take on everything from technology to human connection. His work has been published in renowned outlets like Forbes and has helped shape conversations around key innovations, from the rise of computers to today's AI revolution.
A Love of Writing
Shel Israel's love for writing started in the second grade with a white lie about his summer vacation—one that earned him detention but also revealed his talent for storytelling. This spark led him to a successful career as a journalist, author, and ghostwriter. Over five decades, Shel has penned articles and books that have influenced tech startups and big-name companies, including his bestselling collaboration with Robert Scoble, The Age of Context.
Shel shared with The Global Discussion how his career has evolved from a passionate second grader with a knack for storytelling to a well-respected figure in both tech and writing circles. His journey is one of success and continuous learning and adapting, a hallmark of any long-standing career.
The Changing Landscape of Writing and Technology
One of the key themes of the discussion was the impact of technology on writing, particularly the role of AI in the industry. Shel, who has always been at the forefront of tech trends, acknowledged that AI is transforming the way we interact with technology and even how we distinguish between reality and illusion.
"AI fundamentally changes our relationships with technology," Shel explained. He described how the line between real and artificial will blur, with AI becoming sophisticated enough to deceive most of us, most of the time. This presents ethical challenges that society must grapple with, especially as AI-generated content becomes more prevalent in everything from writing to online conversations.
Despite these concerns, Shel remains optimistic, viewing AI as a tool that can enhance creativity when used wisely. He encourages writers to embrace AI to improve efficiency while maintaining their unique human touch.
Writing with Purpose
When asked what keeps him writing after all these years, Shel's response was simple: he loves telling stories that matter. Whether ghostwriting books for tech executives or collaborating on projects that aim to decarbonize the atmosphere, Shel is driven by the idea of making a difference through words.
"I love getting people to tell me their stories, including their nightmares and their dreams, and I do my very best to capture who they are," Shel said.
Shel's ability to simplify the complex is one of his key strengths. As he puts it, his job is to ensure that "the dumbest person who matters can understand it on the first try, while the smartest person doesn't feel like it's been dumbed down."
Looking to the Future: AI, Ethics, and Storytelling
As Shel looks ahead, he sees both challenges and opportunities in the intersection of technology and storytelling. He's particularly interested in how AI will evolve and how writers can adapt to stay relevant in a world where machines are becoming more capable of generating content.
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