Kevin Kelly emphasizes the importance of following advice and shares his insights on how to get better at it.
Kevin Kelly highlights the potential impact of fostering long-term thinking on society, including investment in research and infrastructure.
Kevin Kelly discusses the influential role of visual storytelling in shaping our understanding of reality and possibilities.
Kevin Kelly reflects on effective handling of power in a changing world and admires figures like Jerry Brown and Jeff Bezos.
Deep dives
Kevin Kelly's book 'Excellent Advice for Living'
Kevin Kelly discusses his new book 'Excellent Advice for Living, Wisdom I Wish I'd Known Earlier'. He talks about the advice he was hesitant to give in the book, such as marriage counseling and having many children. He also reflects on the worst piece of advice he ever gave and the importance of minimizing deathbed regret. Kelly explores the value of the ex post perspective versus the ex ante perspective in making decisions. He shares his advice on how to get better at following advice and discusses how institutions can encourage and subsidize advice. Finally, Kelly reflects on the impact of technology, his journey as a photographer, and the changing world of tech.
Importance of Long-Term Thinking
Kevin Kelly highlights the importance of long-term thinking and its potential impact on society. He suggests that fostering long-term thinking could lead to more investment in long-term research, environmental conservation, and infrastructure projects. He also discusses the need for AI to help make sense of the vast amount of data generated by quantifying self-movement and the potential benefits of long-term thinking in managing societal challenges.
Exploring Different Realities through Film
Kevin Kelly shares how films like '2001: A Space Odyssey' and 'Star Wars' expanded his understanding of reality and what is possible. He discusses the impact of visual storytelling and futuristic visions in shaping our perception of the world.
Challenging Traditional Notions of Power
Kevin Kelly reflects on individuals who have handled power effectively, citing his admiration for figures like Jerry Brown and Jeff Bezos. He explores the evolving nature of power and the responsibilities that come with it in a rapidly changing world.
Reminiscing Westfield, New Jersey
Kevin Kelly discusses his upbringing in Westfield, New Jersey, and the parochial nature of the suburban environment at the time. He reflects on the transformation of Westfield over the years and how it contrasts with his cosmopolitan experiences later in life.
Future Plans: The Hundred Year Desirable Future
Kevin Kelly reveals his upcoming project called the Hundred Year Desirable Future, where he aims to visualize a positive and purposeful direction for technology and society. He emphasizes the importance of deliberate planning for the future rather than leaving it to chance.
Podcast Conclusion
Tyler Cowen and Kevin Kelly express appreciation for the thought-provoking conversation and insights shared throughout the podcast episode.
As the founding executive editor of Wired magazine and the author of several acclaimed books on technology and culture, Kevin Kelly has long been known for his visionary ideas and insights. But his latest work, Excellent Advice for Living takes a different approach, drawing on his own experience and wisdom to offer practical tips and advice for navigating life's challenges.
Naturally then, Kevin and Tyler start this conversation on advice: what kinds of advice Kevin was afraid to give, his worst advice, how to get better at following advice, and whether people who ask for advice really want it in the first place. Then they move on to the best places to see traditional cultures in Asia, the one thing in Kevin’s travel kit he can’t be without, his favorite part of India, why he’s so excited about brain-computer interfaces, how AI will change religion, what the Amish can teach us about tech adoption, the most underrated documentary, his initial entry point into tech, why he’s impressed by the way Jeff Bezos handles power, the last thing he's changed his mind about, how growing up in Westfield, New Jersey affected him, his next project called the Hundred Year Desirable Future, and more.