The Michael Shermer Show Neal Stephenson on Predicting the Metaverse, Crypto, and AI Decades Ahead
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Oct 19, 2024 
Join bestselling author Neal Stephenson, known for his groundbreaking works in science fiction, as he explores a variety of fascinating topics. Delve into the ethics of atomic weaponry and the nuances of game theory in nuclear deterrence. Discover his predictions about cryptocurrency and the metaverse, particularly in light of recent controversies. Stephenson also discusses the concept of the singularity and its implications for identity and memory. Plus, he examines the evolving landscape of democracy and politics through a philosophical lens.
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Stephenson's Writing Process
- Neal Stephenson avoids "flying monkeys" – distracting stressors – when writing.
- He writes with a fountain pen on paper, switching pens daily to mark progress.
Benefits of Handwriting
- Writing by hand slows the process, allowing for more thoughtful sentence construction.
- Editing is faster on paper, and typing serves as another editing pass.
Research and Writing
- Research extensively, reading until ideas and references repeat.
- Avoid the "sunk cost fallacy" of forcing researched material into the narrative.
