Humans On The Loop

This week we come at technology sideways with help from hyperspace explorer Carl Hayden Smith, Associate Professor of Media at the University of East London (Talks & Papers), Founder of The Museum of Consciousness at New College, University of Oxford , co-founder of the Cyberdelic Nexus, Director at Noonautics and head of Context Engineering at Eleusis.✨ Carl is currently teaching a course on Apocalyptic Hyperhumanism with Layman Pascal at Cadell Last’s Philosophy Portal! More info and enrollment here.✨ Our next Humans On The Loop members hangout is this Sunday January 18th at 10:00 am Mountain Time! Calendar invite coming soon for subscribers.✨ All of the unedited, unreleased episodes are available to founding members here.✨ Show Links• Dig into nine years of mind-expanding conversations• Browse the books we discuss on the show at Bookshop.org• Learn more about the Humans On The Loop project and its goals• Explore the Google Notebook for How To Live In The Future, my five-week science and philosophy course at Weirdosphere• Contact me if you have burning questions✨ MentionsMax CooperHunter S. ThompsonDoug Rushkoff Friedrich NietzscheAndrew GallimoreJohn VervaekeK. Allado-McDowellDale PendellJoël de RosnayJoshua DiCaglioCharles EisensteinFred TurnerMark ZuckerbergMichael DouglasRichard BartlettGordon White This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaelgarfield.substack.com/subscribe

Rimma Boshernitsan, founder of DIALOGUE and advisor to Fortune 500 companies, explores the fascinating realm of co-intelligence. She discusses the transformative potential of integrating human, machine, and planetary intelligence. The conversation delves into how social media shapes identity and connection, and whether AI can democratize creativity. Rimma also reflects on communal living and the implications of sending civilians to space, all while emphasizing the importance of intuition in leadership. A thought-provoking journey into future possibilities!

In this engaging discussion, Sam Arbesman, a scientist-in-residence at Lux Capital, unpacks themes from his book, The Magic of Code. He explores the enchanting blend of code and human experience, likening code to both magic and a liberal art. Sam emphasizes the importance of open-source development and iterative experimentation, illuminating the interplay between simplicity and complexity. He also probes the relationship between technology and biology, and advocates for a conscious approach to our digital tools, embracing the ephemeral nature of software for greater present impact.

Larry Muhlstein, a former UC Berkeley research fellow in machine learning, discusses his Holistic Technology Project aimed at aligning technology with care and love. He dives into the concept of 'Technological Love,' exploring how technologies can foster understanding and mutual respect. Larry warns against societal 'disease' caused by economic incentives and urges a shift toward shared truths to combat deception. He also highlights ways to scale care from local to global governance through practices like meditation and gratitude.

Taryn Southern, a creative technologist and early YouTube star, dives into the wild world of exponential technology. She reflects on her tech journey from Wichita to the digital frontier, revealing how technology can expand human experiences and bridge conversations. Taryn discusses AI's potential in personal growth and facilitating difficult dialogues, while navigating the complexities of tech's impact on identity and belonging. She also emphasizes the importance of ethical dialogue in AI, suggesting diverse voices for shaping its future.

Chaim Gingold, a brilliant computer scientist and game designer known for co-creating Spore and authoring 'Building SimCity,' dives into the fascinating world of simulations. He discusses how SimCity transcends mere gaming to reshape societal concepts, highlighting the interplay of creativity and play in technological engagement. The conversation touches on the historical evolution from analog to digital, exploring the impact of simulation on political decision-making and the ethical responsibilities of tech companies. Gingold encourages us to reflect on how simulations can empower or mislead.

Rufus Pollock, a prominent entrepreneur and co-founder of Life Itself, delves into engaging conversations about the intersection of culture and technology. He emphasizes the importance of community in navigating modern challenges and the need for ecological consciousness. Pollock explores the concept of a Second Renaissance, highlighting personal and collective transformation as keys to societal progress. Their discussion also touches on the complex relationship between trust, ethics, and capitalism, advocating for reflection and innovative governance in times of crisis.

George Pór, a mentee of Doug Englebart and founder of multiple initiatives focused on collective intelligence, delves into the role of AI as a tool for enhancing human wisdom. He discusses his journey from sociologist to metamodern AI shaman, emphasizing collaboration between humans and machines. Pór explores reclaiming agency in the age of AI, advocating for community narratives to foster empathy. He also examines the dual nature of technology's values and its potential to address wealth disparity through enhanced human-AI cooperation.

Evan Miyazono, CEO of Atlas Computing and former Protocol Labs researcher, dives into the fascinating world of provable AI safety. He discusses the importance of transparency in AI decisions and outlines the challenges in regulating these systems. By advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration, he reveals how combining insights from humanities and sciences can enhance AI oversight. The conversation also touches on trust, ethics, and the need for clear frameworks to align AI with human values, ultimately championing a future where technology promotes human flourishing.

Rina Nicolae, a commentator and writer for Incognita Substack, dives into the chaotic blend of technology, spirituality, and identity. She discusses how modern culture, marked by rapid digital evolution, challenges our understanding of self. Rina explores the duality of cuteness and monstrosity in digital culture and the rise of networked spirituality among digital natives. She questions our identity in a commodified landscape shaped by influencers, urging authenticity in an age defined by noise and the merging of the natural and synthetic.