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The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma
Ep 343: We Are All Amits From Africa
Aug 21, 2023
Krish Ashok and Naren Shenoy join Amit Varma to discuss a wide range of fascinating topics in this podcast. They delve into traffic flow, computational thinking, systems thinking, and AI's impact on creativity. They explore cognitive fallacies, food divisions, and the origins of restaurant culture. The speakers also touch on the art of cooking, misconceptions and misinformation, and the tragic lives of Fritz Haber and Claire Emur War. They discuss social media influencers, the power of music and memories, overcoming challenges, and the importance of learning. A captivating and thought-provoking episode!
04:59:18
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Quick takeaways
- Computational thinking enhances creativity and allows individuals to focus on their strengths while utilizing AI tools.
- AI revolutionizes music and art creation, expanding accessibility and redefining the definition of art.
- Craft and AI complement each other, enabling greater experimentation and faster production in creative fields.
- Tomato juice tastes different on airplanes due to unique conditions like altitude and the presence of umami.
- Food choices in India reflect cultural, religious, and caste identities, creating divisions and maintaining social boundaries.
- Indian meat consumption has a lower impact on sustainability compared to Western countries, and cows are culturally and economically significant in India.
Deep dives
Computational Thinking as a Tool for Creativity
Computational thinking is a fundamental skill that can be applied to various fields, including music and cooking. It involves breaking down decisions and processes into smaller, computable parts. With computational thinking, individuals can strategically use tools, AI, and software to enhance their creative output. This skill enables them to focus on what they excel at while outsourcing other tasks. By applying computational thinking, individuals can generate more content, experiment with different variations, and utilize AI to improve their creative work.
The Impact of AI on Music and Art
AI has the potential to revolutionize music and art creation. With AI algorithms, it becomes easier to generate new melodies, harmonies, and even entire songs. AI can analyze patterns, test variations, and identify successful musical structures, leading to the production of high-quality music. Additionally, AI tools and software can aid in the creation of visual art by providing design templates, enhancing productivity, and automating certain processes. While AI may lead to an increase in content production, it also expands the definition of art and allows for greater accessibility and democratization of creative expression.
The Marriage of Craft and AI in Creative Fields
The relationship between craft and AI in creative fields is a dynamic one. Craft involves learning and honing specific skills, while AI enhances productivity, expands resources, and provides new possibilities. In fields like music, AI can assist musicians in generating ideas, creating variations, and even composing new melodies. The combination of craft and AI allows for greater experimentation, faster production, and improved creative outcomes. Ultimately, AI enables individuals to focus more on their creative ideas and intentions, relying on AI as a supportive tool to enhance their craft.
Unique Flavor of Tomato Juice in Airplanes
Tomato juice has a distinct flavor when consumed on airplanes due to the specific conditions of air travel, such as the altitude and the additive effect of alcohol muting taste buds. The sourness of tomato juice is brought down to a level that is tolerable, making it the most widely consumed cocktail in-flight. The combination of tomato's sourness and the presence of umami creates a savory taste, almost akin to drinking a meat gravy. This flavor profile is enhanced by the dominance of soft sounds and hard sounds in the real world, influencing our perception of taste. However, the flavor of tomato juice is not the same when consumed on the ground, as the absence of these unique conditions affects the taste.
The Divisive Nature of Food Choices in India
Food choices in India have the power to both unite and divide people. The cultural and regional diversity in India results in a plethora of food preferences and restrictions. Food choices are often intertwined with religious, caste, and cultural identities, leading to divisions and taboos. Indian society is divided into various communities that follow distinct food rules, including vegetarianism, abstaining from certain vegetables, and avoiding specific ingredients or food combinations. These food choices not only reflect personal beliefs and values but also contribute to maintaining social and caste boundaries among communities. The strong flavor memories associated with one's upbringing and the selective acceptance of what is considered 'acceptable' food further reinforce these divisions.
Misconceptions about Indian Meat Consumption and Sustainability
There are common misconceptions regarding Indian meat consumption and its impact on sustainability. Indian per capita meat consumption is significantly lower compared to the Western world. The data used to argue against Indian meat consumption often comes from Western countries and does not account for the unique factors in the Indian context. India's greenhouse gas emissions are primarily influenced by fossil fuels and energy production, not by meat consumption. Additionally, the agricultural sector contributes to a smaller percentage of India's emissions, with dairy cattle being the largest contributor. The economic and cultural significance of cows in India has led to a shift towards buffalo farming, causing a decline in the number of cows. These factors challenge the prevailing narrative that beef consumption in India significantly impacts sustainability.
The importance of understanding dietary preferences
One important insight from the podcast is the significance of understanding the dietary preferences and needs of others when cooking. The speaker reflects on how many times we take for granted the people who prepare our meals and fail to consider their efforts and considerations. The podcast emphasizes the importance of recognizing and accommodating individual tastes, dietary restrictions, and health concerns when cooking for others. It highlights the need to move beyond our own preferences and truly understand and empathize with those we cook for, creating meals that cater to their enjoyment and well-being.
The power of empathy in creative expression
The podcast delves into the idea that empathy plays a vital role in creative expression. It discusses how truly understanding and feeling the pain of others allows artists, musicians, and individuals in various creative fields to produce impactful and meaningful work. By aligning with the experiences and emotions of others, artists tap into a deeper well of creativity and produce art that resonates with a wider audience. The podcast highlights the significance of looking beyond one's own experiences and expanding empathy towards others as a key element in fostering artistic growth and connection.
The comfort of shared beliefs and community
The episode explores the comfort and sense of belonging that comes from shared beliefs and community. It notes that many individuals hold onto religious or cultural beliefs not necessarily because they fully believe in them, but rather because these shared beliefs provide a sense of identity and connection with others. The podcast emphasizes that religion and shared beliefs can act as social instruments, facilitating human interaction and community-building. It points out that a shared belief system allows individuals to form communities with a sense of belonging and support, enabling them to navigate the complexities of life together.
The Influence of Social Media on Misinformation
One major myth surrounding food and diet is the idea that certain foods are either heroes or villains. People often believe in magic ingredients or remedies, disregarding the importance of balanced meals. This mindset leads to the misconception that eliminating one food or adding a single ingredient can solve health issues. In reality, the quantity of food consumed plays a larger role in overall health. Another misconception is the overemphasis on cooking techniques and appliances, which have minimal impact compared to the amount and composition of food consumed.
The Importance of Quantity and Context
Many people overestimate the impact of specific food choices, while underestimating the importance of the amount of food consumed. Portion control and balanced meals are key factors in maintaining a healthy diet. Rather than fixating on individual ingredients, it is essential to consider the overall meal composition. Context, such as the order in which different foods are consumed, can also affect digestion and glucose response. Additionally, intermittent fasting has shown positive effects for some individuals, but it must be approached with consideration for individual variations and professional advice.
Engaging Responsibly and Understanding Priorities
In today's influencer-driven culture, it is important to critically evaluate the information and endorsements presented by social media influencers. Many influencers peddle unscientific claims or endorse products without considering the potential risks. It is crucial to prioritize information provided by experts and validated health agencies rather than falling for sensationalized food myths. Brandolini's Law applies here, as spreading misinformation requires less effort than fact-checking. The algorithms promoting engagement on social media platforms often prioritize clickbait misinformation, driving engagement through polarization and negativity. Responsible engagement and reliance on reputable sources are vital in combating food-related misinformation.
The toxicity of social media interactions
The podcast episode delves into the toxic nature of social media interactions, particularly focusing on the act of screenshotting and mocking others behind their backs. The speaker emphasizes that such behavior is extremely harmful and perpetuates a negative and toxic environment. They highlight the importance of engaging in reasoned arguments instead of resorting to screenshotting or publicly mocking others. The podcast also discusses how social media platforms are designed to promote individual fights rather than productive engagement and recommends finding alternate ways to express opinions without directly attacking others.
The challenge of regulating social media companies
The episode explores the challenges of regulating social media companies and finding a balance between maximizing engagement and amplifying positive behavior. The speaker acknowledges that social media platforms have unintentionally amplified negative aspects such as tribalism and polarization due to their pursuit of engagement. While countering misinformation is essential, determining what content is harmful and what is beneficial can be subjective and complex. The podcast raises questions about the revenue models of these tech companies, suggesting that alternative revenue options that prioritize consumer payments rather than relying solely on advertising could potentially change the dynamics. Overall, the episode acknowledges the difficulties in navigating the impact of technology on our daily lives and the need for societal solutions to address these challenges.
The unpredictability of going viral
Going viral is often a matter of luck, being in the right place at the right time. Despite attempts to maximize chances, predicting virality is impossible. Examples were given of a video recorded in a hotel room going viral unexpectedly, and a video about potato in biryani getting millions of views due to the large audience it resonated with.
The importance of authenticity in art
Being authentic and true to oneself is more important than trying to cater to trends or algorithms. It is not necessary to be an expert or have a specific skill set to create art that resonates with others. Emotional journeys are relatable to many people, and the ability to connect intimately with the audience is highly valued. The significance of context and personal experience in creating meaningful art were emphasized.
Our statues must eat ice cream, our cities must be designed by cardiovascular surgeons, and we must all go to the fifth temple. Krish Ashok and Naren Shenoy join Amit Varma in episode 343 of The Seen and the Unseen to banter away a few perfectly good hours. What a waste of time, eh? NO! (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also check out: 1. Krish Ashok on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, his own website and Spotify/Apple Music/Soundcloud. 2. Naren Shenoy on Twitter, Instagram and Blogspot. 3. Narendra Shenoy and Mr Narendra Shenoy — Episode 250 of The Seen and the Unseen. 4. A Scientist in the Kitchen — Episode 204 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Krish Ashok). 5. Masala Lab: The Science of Indian Cooking -- Krish Ashok. 6. Simblified, co-hosted by Narendra Shenoy. 7. We want Narendra Shenoy to write a book. 8. Lohapurusha -- Krish Ashok's Sanskrit Heavy Metal album. 9. The Masala Lab Dal Recipe Generator -- Krish Ashok. 10. The Amaklamatic Salad Recipe Generator -- Krish Ashok. 11. The Amaklamatic Chutney Recipe Generator -- Krish Ashok. 12. Newton the Alchemist. Gandhi the Black Swan -- Episode 7 of Everything is Everything. 13. Krish Ashok hates computers and this is proof. 14. Roshan Abbas and the Creator Economy — Episode 239 of The Seen and the Unseen. 15. The Adda at the End of the Universe — Episode 309 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Vikram Sathaye and Roshan Abbas). 16. The Prem Panicker Files — Episode 217 of The Seen and the Unseen. 17. Caste, Gender, Karnatik Music — Episode 162 of The Seen and the Unseen (w TM Krishna). 18. 4′33″ -- John Cage. 19. Is the Singularity Near? -- Episode 2 of Everything is Everything. 20. The Formula Behind Every Perfect Pop Song — Seeker. 21. I, Pencil -- Leonard Read. 22. The Cadbury Dairy Milk Mystery -- Krish Ashok. 23. A Poetry Handbook — Mary Oliver. 24. Tvam -- Krish Ashok's version of Rammstein's Du Hast. 25. Du Hast -- Rammstein. 26. Early Indians — Episode 112 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Tony Joseph). 27. Caste, Capitalism and Chandra Bhan Prasad — Episode 296 of The Seen and the Unseen. 28. Alice Evans Studies the Great Gender Divergence — Episode 297 of The Seen and the Unseen. 29. The Incredible Curiosities of Mukulika Banerjee — Episode 276 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Mukulika Banerjee). 30. The Pathan Unarmed — Mukulika Banerjee. 31. The Country Foods channel. 32. Ulhas Kamathe -- The Chicken Leg Piece Guy. 33. Sell the Tiger to Save It — Barun Mitra. 34. The Poultry Map. 35. The Egg Map. 36. Team Pizza or Team Biryani? 37. Gordon tries to make Pad Thai -- The F Word. 38. The Panchatantra. 39. Varun Grover Is in the House — Episode 292 of The Seen and the Unseen. 40. Kimaham Abhavam -- Krish Ashok's version of Johnny Cash's version of Nine Inch Nails's Hurt. 41. Hurt -- Johnny Cash. 42. Hurt -- Nine Inch Nails. 43. Miss Excel on Instagram and TikTok. 44. How an Excel Tiktoker Manifested Her Way to Making Six Figures a Day — Nilay Patel. 45. The Menu -- Mark Mylod. 46. Cilappatikaram. 47. Dunbar's number. 48. Womaning in India With Mahima Vashisht — Episode 293 of The Seen and the Unseen. 49. Womaning in India — Mahima Vashisht’s newsletter. 50. Superforecasting -- Philip Tetlock and Dan Gardner. 51. Essays -- Paul Graham. 52. Nityananda making sense. 53. Uncle Roger. 54. Abby Philips Fights for Science and Medicine — Episode 310 of The Seen and the Unseen. 55. Never Talk About TURMERIC on Social Media — Abby Philips. 56. The Magic Pill -- Rob Tate. 57. Wanting — Luke Burgis. 58. Luke Burgis Sees the Deer at His Window -- Episode 337 of The Seen and the Unseen. 59. Brandolini's law. 60. Foodpharmer on Instagram. 61. 1000 True Fans — Kevin Kelly. 62. 1000 True Fans? Try 100 — Li Jin. 63. The Case Against Sugar — Gary Taubes. 64. The Big Fat Surprise — Nina Teicholz. 65. The Obesity Code — Jason Fung. 66. Addiction by Design: Machine Gambling in Las Vegas — Natasha Dow Schüll. 67. Your Undivided Attention -- Podcast by Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin. 68. Sara Rai Inhales Literature — Episode 255 of The Seen and the Unseen. 69. 3Blue1Brown on YouTube. 70. The Life and Times of Abhinandan Sekhri — Episode 254 of The Seen and the Unseen. 71. Jaya Varma and the Chandigarh Choir perform Dhano Dhanne. 72. In a Silent Way — Episode 316 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Gaurav Chintamani). 73. Sonnet 18 -- William Shakespeare. 74. Sonnet 18 -- Harriet Walter. 74. Sonnet 18 -- Akala. 75. Sonnet 18 -- David Gilmour. 76. Raga Ahir Bhairav -- Gangubai Hangal. 77. The Memoirs of Dr Haimabati Sen — Haimabati Sen (translated by Tapan Raychoudhuri). 78. Kavitha Rao and Our Lady Doctors — Episode 235 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Kavitha Rao). 79. Dark Was the Night -- Blind Willie Johnson. 80. Car Wheels on a Gravel Road -- Lucinda Williams. 81. Sweet Old World -- Lucinda Williams. 82. All That She Wants -- Ace of Base. Amit Varma and Ajay Shah have launched a new video podcast. Check out Everything is Everything on YouTube. Check out Amit’s online course, The Art of Clear Writing. And subscribe to The India Uncut Newsletter. It’s free! Episode art: ‘Amits’ by Simahina.
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