16: Anjan Katta - A Sunrise Over Computing

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May 5, 2025

Anjan Katta, Founder and CEO of Daylight, is on a mission to revolutionize technology with computers that amplify our humanity. He views computers as a 'magical medium' and discusses their evolution from simple tools to complex systems. Anjan critiques the tech industry's focus on optimization at the expense of human connection. He emphasizes the importance of interactivity in computing, reflects on the relationship between AI and our identity, and advocates for a more compassionate, intuitive approach to technology and leadership.

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INSIGHT

Computers as Relational Media

Computing is not just a tool but a new interactive medium with relational qualities.
It can animate and engage us in ways tools or appliances cannot.

ANECDOTE

Humans as Evolvable Media

Human infants start as general-purpose, unspecified beings unlike programmed animals.
Becoming human involves evolving through learning and culture, not preset wiring.

INSIGHT

Water Slide of Agency

Agency is an emergent property of being a supple, evolvable medium, not a fixed tool.
Computing can amplify human agency by matching our complexity and allowing expansion.

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Brave New World

Aldous Huxley

Written in 1931 and published in 1932, 'Brave New World' is a dystopian novel set in a futuristic World State where humans are bred in vitro and predestined into a rigid social hierarchy. The novel explores themes of technological advancement, social conditioning, and the loss of individuality and freedom. The story revolves around characters such as Bernard Marx, an Alpha who questions the society, Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, and John, a 'Savage' from a reservation who introduces elements of emotion and individuality into the highly controlled World State. The novel critiques the optimism of technological progress and its potential to create a society that values stability and happiness over humanity and freedom[2][4][5].

Amusing Ourselves to Death

Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business

Neil Postman

In this book, Neil Postman argues that the contemporary world is more akin to Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' than George Orwell's '1984'. Postman contends that television's emphasis on entertainment has led to a decline in rational discourse and the trivialization of politics, education, and religion. He contrasts the print-based culture of the 19th century with the televisual culture of the 20th century, highlighting how the medium of television inherently promotes incoherence and triviality, turning serious information into a form of entertainment.

The diamond age

Or, A Young Lady's Illustrated Primer

Neal Stephenson

The novel is set in a near-future world where nanotechnology has revolutionized society. It follows Nell, a young girl from a poor background, who receives an interactive educational book called the 'Young Lady's Illustrated Primer'. This book, designed by John Percival Hackworth, is intended to provide a personalized education and becomes a central element in Nell's life. The story explores themes of education, social class, ethnicity, and the impact of technology on human society. The novel is known for its complex narrative, intersecting storylines, and its depiction of a world deeply divided along political, ethnic, and cultural lines[2][3][4].

A Confession

An Introduction to a Criticism of Dogmatic Theology

Leo Tolstoy

In 'A Confession', Leo Tolstoy recounts his personal struggle with existential questions, grappling with the meaninglessness of life in the face of death. He explores various philosophical and religious perspectives, ultimately finding solace in a more mystical affirmation of God's presence. The book is a deeply personal account of Tolstoy's journey from despair to spiritual transformation.

The Death of Ivan Ilych

Leo Tolstoy

The Death of Ivan Ilych, published in 1886, is a novella by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the existential crisis of its protagonist. Ivan Ilych, a judge who has lived a life conforming to societal norms and expectations, is diagnosed with a terminal illness. As his health deteriorates, he is forced to confront the emptiness and superficiality of his life. The novella explores themes of mortality, the search for meaning, and the nature of authentic living. Through Ivan's journey, Tolstoy poses critical questions about the purpose of life and the inevitability of death, prompting readers to reflect on their own existence and the values they uphold. Despite the pain and fear associated with his illness, Ivan ultimately finds a sense of peace and understanding in his final moments[2][3][5].

Soft architecture machines

Nicholas Negroponte

Soft Architecture Machines explores the idea of removing the architect as a middleman between individual needs and the built environment. It suggests that individuals can design their own spaces with the help of technology, leading towards a future where buildings are intelligent and responsive to human needs.

The Architecture Machine

Toward a More Human Environment

Nicholas Negroponte

In 'The Architecture Machine: Toward a More Human Environment', Nicholas Negroponte discusses the potential of computers in enhancing architectural design. He envisions a collaborative process where machines and humans interact to improve the design process, fostering a more human-centric approach to architecture. Published in 1970, the book reflects Negroponte's early interest in computer-aided design and its implications for architectural innovation.

Anjan Katta (X) is Founder and CEO of Daylight, a new type of computer company.

Having a conversation with Anjan is a bit like trying reign in a wild animal: his horsepower, wide-ranging philosophical interests, and unbelievable depth in the areas he cares about make him one of a kind. Fortunately, all of that energy is being channeled into his life's work, Daylight Computer Company. Daylight's mission is to build a computer that amplifies our humanity. That starts with Daylight's first product: The DC1, a tablet that combines the power and functionality of an iPad with the screen of a kindle. Anjan has been building Daylight for seven years across extensive research on screens and hardware, many near deaths, and mission-driven motivation.

Anjan sees computers as a "magical medium" that we're in relationship with, unlike other tools. Unfortunately, "optimization of the means, yet confusion of goals" has led the technology industry to building hardware and software that sits in what he calls a "messy medium." With devices that can do anything and everything, they often fail to empower us toward the vision Steve Jobs called the bicycle for the mind.

Throughout, Anjan and I discuss a philosophy toward life, career, design, and creating meaning that I hope will inspire you, whether you work on technology or not. May we all aim to get closer to ourselves and our humanity.

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Timestamps:

(0:04): Hampton

(1:57): Anjan Intro
(3:54): A Bicycle for the Mind and The Computer: Tool or Medium?
(13:15): The Core of the Computer as a Magical Medium: Relationship
(16:39): The Waterslide/fall of Agency and Humanity as Nature's Generalists
(27:35): What drove Anjan to Computers
(33:00): Building the Non-Inevitable and Confronting Silicon Valley's "Optimization of Means, Yet Confusion of Goals"
(39:25): Wandering Toward Daylight: a Computer that Doesn't Feel Like Other Computers
(51:02): Is Daylight paternalistic? The messy middle and the Case Against "sporks" or Sh*tting Where You Eat
(59:51): The Ultimate Messy Medium: The Phone as Our Main Relationship to the World and Starting Over with a More Simple Tool
(1:08:04): A Magical Companion: The Primer, Dynabook, or "Hobbes"
(1:13:31): Starting with Light
(1:17:32): Daylight as "basically Just a Screen" & Applying "Lateral Thinking with Withered Technology"
(1:28:18): High Resolution Decision Making: Designing with Intuition and Developing the Right Kind of "Feel"
(1:40:24): The Four Dimensions of Daylight's Vision
(1:58:08): Growing as a Person and a Leader
(2:07:08): Growing Daylight the Company/Organism: Three Principles
(2:12:42): Competition, Scaling Daylight, Why Someone Should Work There
(2:17:45): Lighting Round: Paravel – Interactive Fiction App Developed for Daylight
(2:19:54): The Evolution of Books
(2:21:20): Most Influential Books on Anjan
(2:23:43): Is AI making Us More Human or Less Human?
(2:29:38): Boredom, Authenticity, and Integrity
(2:32:06): Faith and Spirituality
(2:33:04): What Anjan Has Learned from His Parents and What He's Forgiven Them For
(2:34:38): Lilo and Stitch
(2:35:50): The Most Important Thing

All links and references and full transcript available at dialectic.fm/anjan-katta.

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