Crazy Wisdom

In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, host Stewart Alsop talks with Rosario Parlanti, a longtime crypto investor and real estate attorney, about the shifting landscape of decentralization, AI, and finance. They explore the power struggles between centralized and decentralized systems, the role of AI agents in finance and infrastructure, and the legal gray areas emerging around autonomous technology. Rosario shares insights on trusted execution environments, token incentives, and how projects like Phala Network are building decentralized cloud computing. They also discuss the changing narrative around Bitcoin, the potential for AI-driven financial autonomy, and the future of censorship-resistant platforms. Follow Rosario on X @DeepinWhale and check out Phala Network to learn more.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:25 Understanding Decentralized Cloud Infrastructure04:40 Centralization vs. Decentralization: A Philosophical Debate06:56 Political Implications of Centralization17:19 Technical Aspects of Phala Network24:33 Crypto and AI: The Future Intersection25:11 The Convergence of Crypto and AI25:59 Challenges with Centralized Cloud Services27:36 Decentralized Cloud Solutions for AI30:32 Legal and Ethical Implications of AI Agents32:59 The Future of Decentralized Technologies41:56 Crypto's Role in Global Financial Freedom49:27 Closing Thoughts and Future ProspectsKey InsightsDecentralization is not absolute, but a spectrum. Rosario Parlanti explains that decentralization doesn’t mean eliminating central hubs entirely, but rather reducing choke points where power is overly concentrated. Whether in finance, cloud computing, or governance, every system faces forces pushing toward centralization for efficiency and control, while counterforces work to redistribute power and increase resilience.Trusted execution environments (TEE) are crucial for decentralized cloud computing. Rosario highlights how Phala Network uses TEEs, a hardware-based security measure that isolates sensitive data from external access. This ensures that decentralized cloud services can operate securely, preventing unauthorized access while allowing independent providers to host data and run applications outside the control of major corporations like Amazon and Google.AI agents will need decentralized infrastructure to function autonomously. The conversation touches on the growing power of AI-driven autonomous agents, which can execute financial trades, conduct research, and even generate content. However, running such agents on centralized cloud providers like AWS could create regulatory and operational risks. Decentralized cloud networks like Phala offer a way for these agents to operate freely, without interference from governments or corporations.Regulatory arbitrage will shape the future of AI and crypto. Rosario describes how businesses and individuals are already leveraging jurisdiction shopping—structuring AI entities or financial operations in countries with more favorable regulations. He speculates that AI agents could be housed within offshore LLCs or irrevocable trusts, creating legal distance between their creators and their actions, raising new ethical and legal challenges.Bitcoin’s narrative has shifted from currency to investment asset. Originally envisioned as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system, Bitcoin has increasingly been treated as digital gold, largely due to the influence of institutional investors and regulatory frameworks like Bitcoin ETFs. Rosario argues that this shift in perception has led to Bitcoin being co-opted by the very financial institutions it was meant to disrupt.The rise of AI-driven financial autonomy could bypass traditional banking and regulation. The combination of AI, smart contracts, and decentralized finance (DeFi) could enable AI agents to conduct financial transactions without human oversight. This could range from algorithmic trading to managing business operations, potentially reducing reliance on traditional banking systems and challenging the ability of governments to enforce financial regulations.The accelerating clash between technology and governance will redefine global power structures. As AI and decentralized systems gain momentum, traditional nation-state mechanisms for controlling information, currency, and infrastructure will face unprecedented challenges. Rosario and Stewart discuss how this shift mirrors previous disruptions—such as social media’s impact on information control—and speculate on whether governments will adapt, resist, or attempt to co-opt these emerging technologies.

On this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop welcomes Jessica Talisman, a senior information architect deeply immersed in the worlds of taxonomy, ontology, and knowledge management. The conversation spans the evolution of libraries, the shifting nature of public and private access to knowledge, and the role of institutions like the Internet Archive in preserving digital history. They also explore the fragility of information in the digital age, the ongoing battle over access to knowledge, and how AI is shaping—and being shaped by—structured data and knowledge graphs. To connect with Jessica Talisman, you can reach her via LinkedIn.  Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:05 – Libraries, Democracy, Public vs. Private Knowledge Jessica explains how libraries have historically shifted between public and private control, shaping access to knowledge and democracy.00:10 – Internet Archive, Cyberattacks, Digital Preservation Stewart describes visiting the Internet Archive post-cyberattack, sparking a discussion on threats to digital preservation and free information.00:15 – AI, Structured Data, Ontologies, NIH, PubMed Jessica breaks down how AI trains on structured data from sources like NIH and PubMed but often lacks alignment with authoritative knowledge.00:20 – Linked Data, Knowledge Graphs, Semantic Web, Tim Berners-Lee They explore how linked data enables machines to understand connections between knowledge, referencing the vision behind the semantic web.00:25 – Entity Management, Cataloging, Provenance, Authority Jessica explains how libraries are transitioning from cataloging books to managing entities, ensuring provenance and verifiable knowledge.00:30 – Digital Dark Ages, Knowledge Loss, Corporate Control Stewart compares today’s deletion of digital content to historical knowledge loss, warning about the fragility of digital memory.00:35 – War on Truth, Book Bans, Algorithmic Bias, Censorship They discuss how knowledge suppression—from book bans to algorithmic censorship—threatens free access to information.00:40 – AI, Search Engines, Metadata, Schema.org, RDF Jessica highlights how AI and search engines depend on structured metadata but often fail to prioritize authoritative sources.00:45 – Power Over Knowledge, Open vs. Closed Systems, AI Ethics They debate the battle between corporations, governments, and open-source efforts to control how knowledge is structured and accessed.00:50 – Librarians, AI Misinformation, Knowledge Organization Jessica emphasizes that librarians and structured knowledge systems are essential in combating misinformation in AI.00:55 – Future of Digital Memory, AI, Ethics, Information Access They reflect on whether AI and linked data will expand knowledge access or accelerate digital decay and misinformation.Key InsightsThe Evolution of Libraries Reflects Power Struggles Over Knowledge: Libraries have historically oscillated between being public and private institutions, reflecting broader societal shifts in who controls access to knowledge. Jessica Talisman highlights how figures like Andrew Carnegie helped establish the modern public library system, reinforcing libraries as democratic spaces where information is accessible to all. However, she also notes that as knowledge becomes digitized, new battles emerge over who owns and controls digital information​​.The Internet Archive Faces Systematic Attacks on Knowledge: Stewart Alsop shares his firsthand experience visiting the Internet Archive just after it had suffered a major cyberattack. This incident is part of a larger trend in which libraries and knowledge repositories worldwide, including those in Canada, have been targeted. The conversation raises concerns that these attacks are not random but part of a broader, well-funded effort to undermine access to information​​.AI and Knowledge Graphs Are Deeply Intertwined: AI systems, particularly large language models (LLMs), rely on structured data sources such as knowledge graphs, ontologies, and linked data. Talisman explains how institutions like the NIH and PubMed provide openly available, structured knowledge that AI systems train on. Yet, she points out a critical gap—AI often lacks alignment with real-world, authoritative sources, which leads to inaccuracies in machine-generated knowledge​​.Libraries Are Moving From Cataloging to Entity Management: Traditional library systems were built around cataloging books and documents, but modern libraries are transitioning toward entity management, which organizes knowledge in a way that allows for more dynamic connections. Linked data and knowledge graphs enable this shift, making it easier to navigate vast repositories of information while maintaining provenance and authority​​.The War on Truth and Information Is Accelerating: The episode touches on the increasing threats to truth and reliable information, from book bans to algorithmic suppression of knowledge. Talisman underscores the crucial role librarians play in preserving access to primary sources and maintaining records of historical truth. As AI becomes more prominent in knowledge dissemination, the need for robust, verifiable sources becomes even more urgent​​.Linked Data is the Foundation of Digital Knowledge: The conversation explores how linked data protocols, such as those championed by Tim Berners-Lee, allow machines and AI to interpret and connect information across the web. Talisman explains that institutions like NIH publish their taxonomies in RDF format, making them accessible as structured, authoritative sources. However, many organizations fail to leverage this interconnected data, leading to inefficiencies in knowledge management​​.Preserving Digital Memory is a Civilization-Defining Challenge: In the digital age, the loss of information is more severe than ever. Alsop compares the current state of digital impermanence to the Dark Ages, where crucial knowledge risks disappearing due to corporate decisions, cyberattacks, and lack of preservation infrastructure. Talisman agrees, emphasizing that digital archives like the Internet Archive, WorldCat, and Wikimedia are foundational to maintaining a collective human memory​​.

On this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop is joined by Jesse and Leo, co-founders of Maitri, a social infrastructure project focused on fostering interoperability between different social media applications. They explore the limitations of current social networks, the importance of community graphs in building trust and reputation, and how to create a digital environment that prioritizes meaningful human connection over algorithmic engagement. The conversation also touches on AI, reputation systems, decentralized governance, and the future of online coordination in an era of increasing technological acceleration. For more about their work, visit maitri.network.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:13 Founding My Tree: The Vision and Mission01:10 Challenges with Current Social Media02:50 Building Community Graphs04:13 Philosophical Insights on Social Relationships08:32 Interoperability and Technical Aspects13:44 AI and the Future of Social Media23:47 The Philosophy of Reputation28:44 Balancing Inclusivity and Exclusivity29:30 Building Reputation Systems31:16 Financializing Behaviors and Social Media32:24 Open Source and Competitive Benchmarking33:25 Privacy and Positive Attestations44:08 Future of Media and Group Identity53:11 Coordination and Governance Challenges56:15 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsKey InsightsInteroperability is the Key to Social Media’s Future – Jesse and Leo emphasize that current social media platforms operate as isolated silos, preventing users from seamlessly interacting across networks. Maitri is designed as a social infrastructure project that enables interoperability between platforms, allowing for greater connectivity, user control, and shared network effects. Instead of monopolies controlling engagement, they envision a future where smaller, more specialized communities can thrive while remaining interconnected.Community Graphs Offer a More Nuanced Approach to Social Identity – Unlike traditional social graphs that focus on one-to-one relationships, community graphs provide a richer representation of how people engage within groups. These graphs account for the “fuzziness” of social membership, acknowledging that participation in a community is often subjective and context-dependent. This system aims to better reflect how humans naturally form trust and reputations within various groups.Reputation Systems Should Be Positive, Subjective, and Competitive – One of the key challenges in designing digital reputation systems is avoiding the pitfalls of social credit scores. Maitri’s approach ensures that reputations are built through private, positive attestations rather than public negative ratings. This system mirrors real-world trust-building, where individuals accumulate credibility over time rather than being permanently defined by past mistakes. Additionally, by allowing multiple reputation frameworks to compete, users maintain agency over how they are evaluated.AI and Automation Will Radically Reshape Online Interaction – With AI-driven bots increasingly indistinguishable from humans, the internet is at risk of becoming an overwhelming space filled with automated engagement. Jesse and Leo highlight that while AI can be useful, there must be clear distinctions between human and non-human interactions. Maitri’s reputation infrastructure could help address this challenge by providing proof of unique personhood, allowing people to differentiate between trusted human connections and AI-driven entities.Decentralized Coordination is a Crucial Missing Layer of the Internet – One of the biggest problems facing humanity is the failure to coordinate effectively. Traditional institutions and digital platforms have struggled to balance inclusivity with exclusivity, leading to either centralization or fragmentation. By creating digital primitives that allow for more efficient coordination—whether through financial incentives, reputation mechanisms, or group dynamics—Maitri aims to provide tools that help people organize at scale without relying on monopolistic control.The Future of Media is Many-to-Many, Not One-to-Many – The era of mass culture driven by television and radio, where everyone consumed the same media at the same time, is fading. Instead, we are moving toward a more fragmented but dynamic landscape where smaller communities cultivate their own cultural moments. While this shift eliminates shared cultural touchpoints, it allows for greater diversity of thought and expression. Curation and trust-based networks will become increasingly important as content continues to proliferate.Balancing Privacy, Identity, and Accountability is the Next Digital Challenge – The conversation highlights the ongoing tension between privacy and accountability in online spaces. While anonymous or pseudonymous interactions can protect free speech, they can also enable bad actors. Maitri’s approach seeks to give users control over their identities by enabling flexible, context-dependent personas rather than enforcing a single, rigid identity. This allows for a balance between protecting privacy and maintaining trust in online interactions.

On this episode of Crazy Wisdom, I, Stewart Alsop, sit down with Gabe Dominocielo, co-founder of Umbra, a space tech company revolutionizing satellite imagery. We discuss the rapid advancements in space-based observation, the economics driving the industry, and how AI intersects with satellite data. Gabe shares insights on government contracting, defense applications, and the shift toward cost-minus procurement models. We also explore the broader implications of satellite technology—from hedge funds analyzing parking lots to wildfire response efforts. Check out more about Gabe and Umbra at umbraspace.com (https://umbraspace.com), and don’t miss their open data archive for high-resolution satellite imagery.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:05 Gabe's Background and Umbra's Mission00:34 The Story Behind 'Come and Take It'01:32 Space Technology and Cost Plus Contracts03:28 The Impact of Elon Musk and SpaceX05:16 Umbra's Business Model and Profitability07:28 Challenges in the Satellite Business11:45 Investors and Funding Journey19:31 Space Business Landscape and Future Prospects23:09 Defense and Regulatory Challenges in Space31:06 Practical Applications of Satellite Data33:16 Unexpected Wealth and Autistic Curiosity33:49 Beet Farming and Data Insights35:09 Philosophy in Business Strategy38:56 Empathy and Investor Relations43:00 Raising Capital: Strategies and Challenges44:56 The Sovereignty Game vs. Venture Game51:12 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information52:57 The Treasure Hunt and AI DependenciesKey InsightsThe Shift from Cost-Plus to Cost-Minus in Government Contracting – Historically, aerospace and defense contracts operated under a cost-plus model, where companies were reimbursed for expenses with a guaranteed profit. Gabe explains how the shift toward cost-minus (firm-fixed pricing) is driving efficiency and competition in the industry, much like how SpaceX drastically reduced launch costs by offering services instead of relying on bloated government contracts.Satellite Imagery Has Become a Crucial Tool for Businesses – Beyond traditional defense and intelligence applications, high-resolution satellite imagery is now a critical asset for hedge funds, investors, and commercial enterprises. Gabe describes how firms use satellite data to analyze parking lots, monitor supply chains, and even track cryptocurrency mining activity based on power line sagging and cooling fan usage on data centers.Space Technology is More Business-Driven Than Space-Driven – While many assume space startups are driven by a passion for exploration, Umbra’s success is rooted in strong business fundamentals. Gabe emphasizes that their focus is on unit economics, supply-demand balance, and creating a profitable company rather than simply innovating for the sake of technology.China’s Growing Presence in Space and Regulatory Challenges – Gabe raises concerns about China’s aggressive approach to space, noting that they often ignore international agreements and regulations. Meanwhile, American companies face significant bureaucratic hurdles, sometimes spending millions just to navigate licensing and compliance. He argues that unleashing American innovation by reducing regulatory friction is essential to maintaining leadership in the space industry.Profitability is the Ultimate Measure of Success – Unlike many venture-backed space startups that focus on hype, Umbra has prioritized profitability, making it one of the few successful Earth observation companies. Gabe contrasts this with competitors who raised massive sums, spent excessively, and ultimately failed because they weren’t built on sustainable business models.Satellite Technology is Revolutionizing Disaster Response – One of the most impactful uses of Umbra’s satellite imagery has been in wildfire response. By capturing images through smoke and clouds, their data was instrumental in mapping wildfires in Los Angeles. They even made this data freely available, helping emergency responders and news organizations better understand the crisis.Philosophy and Business Strategy Go Hand in Hand – Gabe highlights how strategic thinking and philosophical principles guide decision-making in business. Whether it’s understanding investor motivations, handling conflicts with empathy, or ensuring a company can sustain itself for decades rather than chasing short-term wins, having a strong philosophical foundation is key to long-term success.

On this episode of Crazy Wisdom, Stewart Alsop welcomes Andrew Burlinson, an artist and creative thinker, for a deep conversation about technology, creativity, and the human spirit. They explore the importance of solitude in the creative process, the addictive nature of digital engagement, and how AI might both challenge and enhance human expression. Andrew shares insights on the shifting value of art in an AI-driven world, the enduring importance of poetry, and the unexpected resurgence of in-person experiences. For more on Andrew, check out his LinkedIn and Instagram.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:27 Meeting in LA and Local Insights01:34 The Creative Process and Technology03:47 Balancing Solitude and Connectivity07:21 AI's Role in Creativity and Productivity11:00 Future of AI in Creative Industries14:39 Challenges and Opportunities with AI16:59 AI in Hollywood and Ethical Considerations18:54 Silicon Valley and AI's Impact on Jobs19:31 Navigating the Future with AI20:06 Adapting to Rapid Technological Change20:49 The Value of Art in a Fast-Paced World21:36 Shifting Aesthetics and Cultural Perception22:54 The Human Connection in the Age of AI24:37 Resurgence of Traditional Art Forms27:30 The Importance of Early Artistic Education31:07 The Role of Poetry and Language35:56 Balancing Technology and Intention37:00 Conclusion and Contact InformationKey InsightsThe Importance of Solitude in Creativity – Andrew Burlinson emphasizes that creativity thrives in moments of boredom and solitude, which have become increasingly rare in the digital age. He reflects on his childhood, where a lack of constant stimulation led him to develop his artistic skills. Today, with infinite digital distractions, people must intentionally carve out space to be alone with their thoughts to create work that carries deep personal intention rather than just remixing external influences.The Struggle to Defend Attention – Stewart and Andrew discuss how modern digital platforms, particularly social media, are designed to hijack human attention through powerful AI-driven engagement loops. These mechanisms prioritize negative emotions and instant gratification, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to focus on deep, meaningful work. They suggest that future AI advancements could paradoxically help free people from screens, allowing them to engage with technology in a more intentional and productive way.AI as a Creative Partner—But Not Yet a True Challenger – While AI is already being used in creative fields, such as Hollywood’s subtle use of AI for film corrections, it currently lacks the ability to provide meaningful pushback or true creative debate. Andrew argues that the best creative partners challenge ideas rather than just assist with execution, and AI’s tendency to be agreeable and non-confrontational makes it a less valuable collaborator for artists who need critical feedback to refine their work.The Pendulum Swing of Human and Technological Aesthetics – Throughout history, every major technological advancement in the arts has been met with a counter-movement embracing raw, organic expression. Just as the rise of synthesizers in music led to a renewed interest in acoustic and folk styles, the rapid expansion of AI-generated art may inspire a resurgence of appreciation for handcrafted, deeply personal artistic works. The human yearning for tactile, real-world experiences will likely grow in response to AI’s increasing role in creative production.The Enduring Value of Art Beyond Economic Utility – In a world increasingly shaped by economic efficiency and optimization, Andrew stresses the need to reaffirm the intrinsic value of art. While capitalism dominates, the real significance of artistic expression lies in its ability to move people, create connection, and offer meaning beyond financial metrics. This perspective is especially crucial in an era where AI-generated content is flooding the creative landscape, potentially diluting the sense of personal expression that defines human art.The Need for Intentionality in Using AI – AI’s potential to streamline work processes and enhance creative output depends on how humans choose to engage with it. Stewart notes that while AI can be a powerful tool for structuring time and filtering distractions, it can also easily pull people into mindless consumption. The challenge lies in using AI with clear intention—leveraging it to automate mundane tasks while preserving the uniquely human aspects of ideation, storytelling, and artistic vision.The Role of Poetry and Language in Reclaiming Humanity – In a technology-driven world where efficiency is prioritized over depth, poetry serves as a reminder of the human experience. Andrew highlights the power of poets and clowns—figures often dismissed as impractical—as essential in preserving creativity, playfulness, and emotional depth. He suggests that valuing poetry and artistic language can help counterbalance the growing mechanization of culture, keeping human expression at the forefront of civilization’s evolution.

In this engaging discussion, Nick Ludwig, creator of Kibitz and lead developer at Hyperware, shares insights on the evolution of AI in coding. He explores how AI-powered agents are revolutionizing software development by managing workflows autonomously. The conversation delves into security challenges, particularly with file systems and prompt vulnerabilities. Nick emphasizes the importance of containerization for safeguarding AI agents, especially in financial transactions, while highlighting the transformative potential of natural language coding in the future.

In this engaging conversation, Andrew Altschuler, a researcher and educator from Tana, Inc., delves into the complexities of knowledge systems and AI's role in reshaping how we manage information. He discusses the implications of network effects in social media and the rise of digital warlords, exploring resilience against information warfare. Altschuler further distinguishes between secular knowledge and deeper existential understanding, while emphasizing the need for personalized approaches in knowledge management. Tune in for insights on cognition, creativity, and the future of AI in knowledge systems!

On this episode of Crazy Wisdom, host Stewart Alsop speaks with Ivan Vendrov for a deep and thought-provoking conversation covering AI, intelligence, societal shifts, and the future of human-machine interaction. They explore the "bitter lesson" of AI—that scale and compute ultimately win—while discussing whether progress is stalling and what bottlenecks remain. The conversation expands into technology's impact on democracy, the centralization of power, the shifting role of the state, and even the mythology needed to make sense of our accelerating world. You can find more of Ivan’s work at nothinghuman.substack.com or follow him on Twitter at @IvanVendrov.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Setting00:21 The Bitter Lesson in AI02:03 Challenges in AI Data and Infrastructure04:03 The Role of User Experience in AI Adoption08:47 Evaluating Intelligence and Divergent Thinking10:09 The Future of AI and Society18:01 The Role of Big Tech in AI Development24:59 Humanism and the Future of Intelligence29:27 Exploring Kafka and Tolkien's Relevance29:50 Tolkien's Insights on Machine Intelligence30:06 Samuel Butler and Machine Sovereignty31:03 Historical Fascism and Machine Intelligence31:44 The Future of AI and Biotech32:56 Voice as the Ultimate Human-Computer Interface36:39 Social Interfaces and Language Models39:53 Javier Malay and Political Shifts in Argentina50:16 The State of Society in the U.S.52:10 Concluding Thoughts on Future ProspectsKey InsightsThe Bitter Lesson Still Holds, but AI Faces Bottlenecks – Ivan Vendrov reinforces Rich Sutton’s "bitter lesson" that AI progress is primarily driven by scaling compute and data rather than human-designed structures. While this principle still applies, AI progress has slowed due to bottlenecks in high-quality language data and GPU availability. This suggests that while AI remains on an exponential trajectory, the next major leaps may come from new forms of data, such as video and images, or advancements in hardware infrastructure.The Future of AI Is Centralization and Fragmentation at the Same Time – The conversation highlights how AI development is pulling in two opposing directions. On one hand, large-scale AI models require immense computational resources and vast amounts of data, leading to greater centralization in the hands of Big Tech and governments. On the other hand, open-source AI, encryption, and decentralized computing are creating new opportunities for individuals and small communities to harness AI for their own purposes. The long-term outcome is likely to be a complex blend of both centralized and decentralized AI ecosystems.User Interfaces Are a Major Limiting Factor for AI Adoption – Despite the power of AI models like GPT-4, their real-world impact is constrained by poor user experience and integration. Vendrov suggests that AI has created a "UX overhang," where the intelligence exists but is not yet effectively integrated into daily workflows. Historically, technological revolutions take time to diffuse, as seen with the dot-com boom, and the current AI moment may be similar—where the intelligence exists but society has yet to adapt to using it effectively.Machine Intelligence Will Radically Reshape Cities and Social Structures – Vendrov speculates that the future will see the rise of highly concentrated AI-powered hubs—akin to "mile by mile by mile" cubes of data centers—where the majority of economic activity and decision-making takes place. This could create a stark divide between AI-driven cities and rural or off-grid communities that choose to opt out. He draws a parallel to Robin Hanson’s Age of Em and suggests that those who best serve AI systems will hold power, while others may be marginalized or reduced to mere spectators in an AI-driven world.The Enlightenment’s Individualism Is Being Challenged by AI and Collective Intelligence – The discussion touches on how Western civilization’s emphasis on the individual may no longer align with the realities of intelligence and decision-making in an AI-driven era. Vendrov argues that intelligence is inherently collective—what matters is not individual brilliance but the ability to recognize and leverage diverse perspectives. This contradicts the traditional idea of intelligence as a singular, personal trait and suggests a need for new frameworks that incorporate AI into human networks in more effective ways.Javier Milei’s Libertarian Populism Reflects a Global Trend Toward Radical Experimentation – The rise of Argentina’s President Javier Milei exemplifies how economic desperation can drive societies toward bold, unconventional leaders. Vendrov and Alsop discuss how Milei’s appeal comes not just from his radical libertarianism but also from his blunt honesty and willingness to challenge entrenched power structures. His movement, however, raises deeper questions about whether libertarianism alone can provide a stable social foundation, or if voluntary cooperation and civil society must be explicitly cultivated to prevent libertarian ideals from collapsing into chaos.AI, Mythology, and the Need for New Narratives – The conversation closes with a reflection on the power of mythology in shaping human understanding of technological change. Vendrov suggests that as AI reshapes the world, new myths will be needed to make sense of it—perhaps similar to Tolkien’s elves fading as the age of men begins. He sees AI as part of an inevitable progression, where human intelligence gives way to something greater, but argues that this transition must be handled with care. The stories we tell about AI will shape whether we resist, collaborate, or simply fade into irrelevance in the face of machine intelligence.

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop speaks with Jason Nadaf, CEO and founder of SureDone, about the evolving landscape of e-commerce, automation, and the role of AI in shaping the future of online sales. They explore how multi-channel selling has transformed over the years, the inefficiencies of big tech in commerce, and the philosophical implications of accelerationism and capitalism's efficiency. Jason shares his personal journey in building SureDone, lessons from scaling businesses, and insights into the intersection of technology and human behavior. For more on Jason’s work, visit his site at SureDone.com or connect with him on Linkedin.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:13 Jason Nadaf's Vision for Sure Done01:31 The Evolution of E-commerce03:06 Building Multi-Channel Solutions07:00 Challenges in E-commerce Automation11:05 The Role of AI in E-commerce13:51 Accelerationism and Capitalism18:36 The Myth of 'Build It and They Will Come'19:01 Learning from Failed Playbooks19:58 The Role of Bureaucracy and Incentives20:57 Humanistic Energy and Potential25:14 Exploring Neurodivergence and Normies28:53 The Future of Simulation and Modeling31:12 Balancing Stress and Happiness33:42 Final Thoughts on E-commerce and Human DesireKey InsightsThe Future of E-Commerce Lies in Automation and AI – Jason Nadaf discusses how automation has already transformed e-commerce by reducing manual work, streamlining listings, and optimizing multi-channel selling. AI is the next frontier, enabling sellers to create more compelling product descriptions, analyze customer behavior, and predict trends. However, AI still struggles with generating accurate product data from raw materials, requiring human oversight.Big Tech Often Miscalculates Market Adoption – Large corporations tend to assume that building a new platform or marketplace automatically attracts users. Jason shares how two of the world’s biggest tech companies underestimated the effort required to onboard sellers and drive traction, leading to delays in adoption. Success in e-commerce requires a deep understanding of seller needs, rather than relying solely on brand recognition or market dominance.Capitalism is Not as Efficient as It Could Be – While capitalism drives innovation, Jason argues that it often misallocates resources. Talent and potential don’t always correlate with opportunity, meaning that some of the most innovative minds never get the funding or support they need. Bureaucracy within large corporations further slows down decision-making and stifles innovation.Diversification is Essential for Long-Term Success – Many sellers rely too heavily on a single platform, such as Amazon, without realizing how vulnerable they are to policy changes or algorithm updates. Jason emphasizes the importance of spreading risk across multiple marketplaces, search engines, and social platforms to ensure resilience against sudden disruptions.The Acceleration of Technology Will Reshape Commerce – The concept of accelerationism, which suggests that technological progress is rapidly compounding, is particularly relevant to e-commerce. AI, automation, and digital tools are evolving faster than ever, potentially leading to a future where single-person companies can rival large enterprises in efficiency and revenue.Human Intent in Commerce is Complex and Non-Uniform – A major takeaway from Jason’s experience in e-commerce is that consumer intent varies widely across cultures, platforms, and product categories. A successful sales strategy on Amazon might not work on Instagram or TikTok. Understanding these nuances is key to crafting effective product listings, advertisements, and pricing models.Stress and Uncertainty Are Inevitable, But Perspective Matters – As the digital landscape evolves unpredictably, many entrepreneurs and professionals experience stress about the future. Jason suggests that while predicting the future is nearly impossible, adaptability and maintaining a clear perspective can help individuals and businesses thrive. Rather than being paralyzed by uncertainty, focusing on actionable strategies and innovation is the best way forward.

Roko Mijic, an AI ethics and alignment researcher, joins the conversation to discuss how artificial intelligence will reshape society and governance. He highlights the risks of centralized power and proposes decentralized AI as an alternative. Roko critiques space colonization and suggests that oceans might offer a better frontier for humanity. The discussion also touches on AI's role in network states, the resurgence of industrialization, and the potential of nuclear energy in a new world order, urging proactive engagement with these transformative changes.