Truth, Technology, and Building the Future (Anthology of Balaji by Eric Jorgenson)
Nov 17, 2023
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The podcast explores topics such as the potential end of death, government regulation inhibiting innovation, the impact of technology on reducing inequality, the excitement around cryptocurrency, the printing of digital wealth, the distinction between scientific and political truth, the corruption of science, and the limitations of peer review in scientific research.
Reducing mortality through technology is crucial for overcoming scarcity and advancing human lifespans.
Cryptocurrency has the potential to revolutionize finance by eliminating intermediaries and democratizing access to financial tools.
Deep dives
The Value of Technology and Human Life
The book explores the idea that the ultimate purpose of technology is to reduce mortality and scarcity. Technology advancements allow us to do more with less, and since mortality is the main source of scarcity, reducing it becomes a crucial goal. The author discusses the potential for achieving some form of immortality or significantly expanding human lifespans through technological advancement. He also highlights the role of regulations and government in hindering life extension efforts and technological progress in general.
Cryptocurrency as Programmable Money
The podcast delves into the significance of cryptocurrency and its transformative potential in the financial system. Cryptocurrency, as programmable money, eliminates the need for bank intermediaries and allows direct peer-to-peer value transfer. The author distinguishes it from traditional asset classes, emphasizing that cryptocurrency has the power to revolutionize custody, trading, issuance, governance, and programmability of scarce resources. It is presented as a new financial system that will subsume traditional assets while democratizing and equalizing access to financial tools and experiences.
The Future of Technology: Youth Extension and Programmable World
The episode discusses the potential for extending human youth and lifespan through technological advancements. The author argues that the focus should be on youth extension rather than merely life extension, aiming to maintain individuals at a physiological state similar to their 20s. Additionally, the conversation explores the concept of a programmable world, envisioning a future where technology enables the instant creation of various physical objects simply by clicking a button. The prospects of 3D printing and its impact on manufacturing and accessibility are highlighted as promising areas of technological development.
Politics, Truth, and Knowledge: Peer Review, Media Consumption, and Personal Metrics
The podcast delves into the distinction between political and technical facts, emphasizing that political facts are subjective and depend on societal agreement, while technical facts are independent of human beliefs. The author criticizes the reliance on peer-reviewed papers as a measure of scientific validity, stressing that independent replication and verification are essential. Furthermore, the importance of selective media consumption is discussed, suggesting that individuals should focus on news and information directly relevant to their lives instead of being overwhelmed by random stories. The significance of personal metrics and building a personal dashboard for productivity and information consumption is also highlighted.
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Timestamps
[00:54] The End of Death [02:21] The Government Stops Innovation [06:00] Finding New Medicines [08:13] Technology Reduces Inequality [11:05] Why Crypto is Exciting [13:05] Could Bitcoin Replace Gold? [14:24] Printing Digital Wealth [16:13] Youth Extension, not Life Extension [18:17] Scientific Truth vs. Political Truth [20:09] How Science Got Corrupted [21:49] A Popular Idea is not Necessarily True [24:03] What to Focus On [27:38] Bonus Topics
If you enjoyed this show, please let me know on Twitter (@nateliason) or Instagram (@nat_eliason)
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