In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom podcast, host Stewart Alsop welcomes guest Neal Davies, a former computer science professor and nuclear engineering PhD, currently working at the Urbit Foundation. Their conversation covers a range of intriguing topics including the Deseret Alphabet, a phonetic alphabet from the 19th century, Neal’s experiences balancing generalist and specialist roles, and the influence of AI in both his work and the world at large. Neal also shares his insights on syntax, symbols, and the cultural shifts that have shaped modern consciousness. You can connect with Neal on Twitter @Sigilante or find him on Urbit as @Lagravnokvap.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:19 Exploring the Deseret Alphabet04:02 Challenges and Rewards of Being a Generalist06:47 Impact of AI on Generalism and Specialization08:24 AI in Code and Image Generation13:43 Salvador Dali's Paranoiac Critical Method17:18 Symbolism in Art and Language20:49 The Spiritual Connection with Language30:05 Greek Influence on Language and Zero32:59 Exploring Number Systems35:10 Rational Numbers and Greek Innovations38:12 The Evolution of Linguistic Systems40:29 Cultural Shifts: 1870s to 1960s45:46 The Impact of the 1960s on Modern Thought49:58 The Role of Illegible Spaces in Innovation56:11 Concluding Thoughts and Future DirectionsKey Insights1-Deseret Alphabet as a Cultural and Linguistic Experiment: Neal Davies is deeply fascinated by the 19th-century Deseret Alphabet, a phonetic alphabet created to help immigrants in Utah become literate. Its unique structure and religious origins present a profound example of how language can be intentionally shaped to serve a community, although this project ultimately didn’t gain widespread adoption.2-Balancing Generalism and Specialization: Neal shares his personal journey of pursuing generalist roles while maintaining expertise in specific fields like computer science and nuclear engineering. He emphasizes the value of broad, diverse knowledge in a world that often rewards specialization. His approach allows for flexibility and creativity in problem-solving, despite the professional challenges generalists may face in a society focused on specialization.3-AI as a Tool for Productivity, Not Replacement: Neal highlights the utility of AI in his work, particularly in code generation and ideation. He discusses how tools like GitHub’s Copilot act as force multipliers for developers, offering a starting point that saves time without replacing the critical thinking required for final implementation. AI is seen as a support system for creativity, especially in programming and image generation.4-Syntax and Symbols as Catalysts for Thought: Neal discusses the profound relationship between syntax, symbols, and thought. By exploring different symbol systems, such as mathematical notation or alphabets like Deseret, he argues that they can unlock new ways of thinking. Symbol systems not only shape reasoning but allow people to build layers of understanding and explore more complex ideas.5-Cultural Experimentation and Enclaves: Reflecting on the importance of high variance in human endeavor, Neal supports creating enclaves of culture and thought outside the mainstream. He argues that monoculture, driven by surveillance and conformity, limits the ability to think freely and explore novel solutions. Platforms like Urbit, which emphasize privacy and decentralized communication, provide a space for communities to experiment and innovate without being surveilled or controlled.6-The Failure and Legacy of the 1960s Counterculture: Neal suggests that the cultural revolution of the 1960s was an ambitious attempt at societal transformation that ultimately failed. Co-opted by commercialism, politics, and other forces, the movement couldn’t fully realize its vision of reshaping consciousness. However, it planted seeds for future cultural shifts, much like the influence of the Romanticists in the 19th century.7-The Importance of Illegibility in Innovation: Neal explains that true freedom in innovation comes from creating spaces where ideas and communities can evolve without constant oversight. He draws a parallel to Hemingway’s theory that the unseen parts of a story are as important as the visible ones. Similarly, innovation flourishes when parts of a system or community remain illegible and unobserved, allowing for creativity and growth beyond the constraints of external control.

In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, Stewart Alsop III interviews Kelvin Lwin, the founder and CEO of Alin.ai. Their conversation ranges from Kelvin's experiences at NVIDIA and his deep knowledge of hardware-software integration to broader philosophical discussions about the future of AI, spirituality, and wisdom. Kelvin touches on how AI and technological advancements are shaping not just industries, but society and consciousness itself. They also explore how AI could personalize experiences and learning, using examples from his own company, Alin.ai, which focuses on K-12 education through personalized math learning. For more details, check out Alin.ai.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:28 Kelvin Lewin's Journey: From NVIDIA to CEO01:10 The Intersection of AI, Spirituality, and Technology01:49 The Role of AI in Understanding Complex Systems02:44 The Impact of Social Media and Technology on Society03:48 Spirituality and the Quest for Wisdom07:47 The Evolution of Consciousness and Technology13:33 The Importance of Ancestral Wisdom18:22 The Role of AI in Education and Personal Growth33:00 Buddhism, AI, and the Nature of Reality42:20 The Salem Witch Trials and Spiritual Realities43:04 Western Intellectuals and Traditional Structures44:57 The Role of Tradition and Empirical Data47:20 Buddhism and the Concept of God49:50 AI and Hardware Fundamentals51:31 Parallelism in AI and Software58:37 Liberation and Code Analogies in Buddhism01:09:17 Personalization in AI and Education01:12:10 Conclusion and Future GoalsKey InsightsThe Relationship Between Hardware and Software: Kelvin Lwin explains the critical relationship between hardware and software, particularly how advancements in GPUs have enabled the AI revolution. He emphasizes that AI is inherently parallel, meaning its computations can be processed simultaneously, making GPUs essential to its progress. Understanding this dynamic is key to grasping the future of AI development.AI's Impact on Society and Consciousness: The discussion touches on how AI isn't just a technical tool but also influences society and even individual consciousness. Kelvin shares insights into how AI shapes our decision-making processes and could guide human development in a way that blends technology with personal growth, raising ethical questions about its long-term effects on humanity.The Importance of Personalization in Learning: One of the central ideas explored is personalization in education, a core focus of Kelvin’s company, Alin.ai. By using AI to tailor math learning to students’ individual needs and psychological states, the platform aims to help students overcome emotional blocks and anxiety associated with learning, especially in challenging subjects like math.Spirituality and Technology Intersect: A recurring theme is the intersection between spirituality and technology, where Kelvin talks about AI’s potential to assist in guiding individuals through personal development, akin to how spiritual teachers work. He sees AI as a tool that could simulate aspects of this guidance, while recognizing the inherent dangers of superficial understanding.The Role of Breath in Meditation and AI Training: Kelvin emphasizes the role of breath in meditation as a bridge between conscious and subconscious states. In his work with Alin.ai, breath exercises are integrated into learning to manage stress and improve focus. He also warns, however, that breath exercises are powerful and should be approached cautiously, especially for beginners.Cultural and Spiritual Layers in AI Development: Kelvin draws from Eastern traditions like Buddhism to frame the development of AI, highlighting the importance of understanding cultural and spiritual contexts when designing systems that interact with human psychology. He compares levels of consciousness to different layers in AI programming, noting how both require understanding and pattern recognition to guide progress.The Ethical Complexity of AI Companionship: The conversation briefly touches on AI’s role as a companion, especially in emotionally vulnerable populations. Kelvin expresses concern about using AI to simulate relationships, arguing that while it might serve a market demand, it could deepen isolation and emotional dependence, rather than fostering real human connection and growth.

On this episode of Crazy Wisdom, host Stewart Alsop interviews Yaron Brook, chairman of the Ayn Rand Institute and host of "The Yaron Brook Show" on YouTube. They explore a range of topics including the recent political developments in Argentina with the rise of libertarian figure Javier Milei, the intersection of libertarianism and religion, and critiques of anarcho-capitalism. Yaron Brook also shares his thoughts on how culture and politics shape freedom, the significance of reason, and the role of technology in shaping the future. You can find more about Yaron’s work on his YouTube channel and the Ayn Rand Institute's website aynrand.org.Time Stamps00:28 Discussing Libertarianism and Objectivism02:08 Analyzing Anarcho-Capitalism03:52 Millet's Political Actions and Challenges07:43 Comparing Libertarian Leaders16:59 Cultural and Philosophical Foundations of Liberty18:24 Historical Context of Liberty25:30 Current Political Landscape and Challenges30:02 Comfort and Radicalism in Modern Society30:43 Immigration and Cultural Discomfort31:42 European Immigration and Political Shifts33:14 The Right-Wing Political Landscape34:20 The Golden Age and Technological Progress35:31 The Influence of Greek Philosophy37:38 The Renaissance and Rediscovery of Greek Ideas39:55 The Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution41:09 Christianity and Individualism44:01 The Future of Technology and Freedom47:16 Living in Latin America: Freedom and Safety52:43 El Salvador's Approach to Crime and GovernanceLibertarianism’s Global Moment: Yaron Brook reflects on the significance of Javier Milei’s rise to power in Argentina, noting that Milei is the first self-identified libertarian elected to a major political position. This moment represents a test of libertarian principles in governance, but it also highlights the challenges libertarians face when trying to implement free-market policies in a culture that hasn’t fully embraced the underlying philosophical foundation of liberty.The Contradiction of Anarcho-Capitalism: Brook explains why he believes anarcho-capitalism is a contradiction in terms. He argues that capitalism requires a government to enforce laws, protect individual rights, and maintain a monopoly on the legitimate use of force. Without such an authority, he contends that society would descend into chaos, resembling a cartel-dominated environment like that of Mexico, where competing factions destroy markets rather than protect them.Libertarianism’s Philosophical Weakness: A recurring theme in the conversation is the critique of libertarianism’s philosophical inconsistency. Brook contrasts libertarianism with objectivism, which he sees as a more coherent and philosophically grounded worldview. He criticizes libertarians for embracing a "big tent" approach that allows for religious and anarchist factions, which dilutes the movement’s commitment to reason, individualism, and true freedom.Religion and Libertarianism: The conversation touches on the influence of religion within the libertarian movement, particularly in Milei’s case. Brook acknowledges that many libertarians are religious, but he argues that objectivism, as an atheistic philosophy, offers a more consistent framework for defending individual rights. He expresses concern that religious elements in Milei’s platform, such as his anti-abortion stance, could undermine the broader goal of achieving a society based on individual freedom.The Role of Culture in Political Change: Brook emphasizes that lasting political change requires a corresponding cultural shift. He argues that while Milei may implement free-market policies, the Argentine culture remains largely statist. Without a cultural embrace of individualism, personal responsibility, and reason, Brook is skeptical that Milei’s reforms can succeed in the long term. He warns that politics is downstream of culture, and real freedom must be rooted in a philosophical commitment to individual rights.Technology as a Double-Edged Sword: In discussing the future of freedom, Brook points to the potential of technology to both advance and suppress liberty. While technological innovation, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, offers hope for economic growth and efficiency, Brook cautions that these tools can also be used by authoritarian regimes to tighten their control over citizens. He uses China’s use of AI for surveillance and social credit systems as an example of how technology can be weaponized against freedom.The Misalignment of Libertarians with Authoritarian Leaders: Brook criticizes certain libertarians, especially in the U.S., for aligning themselves with authoritarian figures like Trump and Putin. He contrasts this with Milei’s foreign policy, which he admires for being pro-American and pro-Israel, and for rejecting alliances with authoritarian regimes like China and Russia. Brook warns that libertarians who associate with authoritarian leaders are damaging the movement’s credibility and principles.

In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, I'm Stewart Alsop, and my guest is Nathan Mintz, CEO and co-founder of CX2. We explore the fascinating world of defense technology, the evolution of electronic warfare, and how consumer tech is reshaping the battlefield. Nathan shares insights from his experiences, including his work with CX2, a company focused on building affordable, scalable electronic warfare systems for modern conflicts. We also touch on military tech's impact on broader societal trends and dive into the complexities of 21st-century warfare. You can find more about Nathan and CX2 at CX2.com. Nathan also writes on his Substack, Bow Theseus, which you can access via his LinkedIn.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:23 The Gundo vs. El Segundo Debate01:32 Tech Hubs in the US: San Francisco vs. LA02:41 Deep Tech and Hard Tech in Various Cities04:59 Military Tech: Software vs. Hardware09:54 The Rise of Consumer-Scale Warfare13:32 Nathan Mintz's Background and Career22:17 The Evolution of Military Strategies26:57 The Evolution of Air Combat Tactics28:29 Vietnam War's Impact on Military Strategy29:23 Asymmetric Warfare and Modern Conflicts31:43 Technological Advances in Warfare34:16 The Role of Drones in Modern Combat38:38 Future of Warfare: Man-Machine Teaming45:13 Electronic Warfare and CX2's Vision46:44 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsKey InsightsThe Rise of Consumer-Scale Warfare: Nathan Mintz discusses how warfare has reached a "consumer scale," with small, affordable, and widely available technologies like drones playing a massive role in modern conflicts. In Ukraine, for instance, inexpensive drones are regularly used to take out much larger, multi-million-dollar military assets. This shift shows how accessible tech is transforming the nature of warfare.The Importance of Spectrum Dominance: A central theme of the conversation is the increasing importance of controlling the electromagnetic spectrum in modern warfare. Mintz explains that the ability to maintain secure communications, disrupt enemy signals, and ensure the operation of autonomous systems is critical. As battlefields become more technologically complex, controlling the spectrum becomes as important as physical dominance.Hard Tech's Role in Military Innovation: Nathan highlights the growing importance of hard tech—physical hardware solutions like satellites, drones, and electronic warfare systems—in the defense industry, especially in regions like LA. While software has dominated in areas like San Francisco, LA has become a key hub for aerospace, space tech, and hard tech innovations, crucial for the future of defense technology.Dual-Use Technologies in Defense: A significant insight is the role of dual-use technologies, where products developed for consumer or commercial markets are adapted for military use. Technologies like drones, which have everyday applications, are being repurposed for the battlefield. This shift allows for more cost-effective, scalable solutions to military challenges, marking a departure from traditional defense industry practices.The Future of Manned-Unmanned Teaming: Nathan describes how the future of military operations will involve manned-unmanned teaming, where humans will act as "quarterbacks" managing a fleet of autonomous drones and systems. This strategy is designed to leverage the strengths of AI and automation while keeping humans in the loop to make critical decisions in contested or unpredictable environments.Electronic Warfare as a Key Battlefield Domain: One of Nathan’s key points is that electronic warfare is becoming a primary battlefield domain. Modern warfare increasingly involves not just physical attacks but also the disruption of enemy communications, navigation, and targeting systems. This form of warfare can neutralize advanced technologies by jamming signals or launching cyber-attacks, making it a vital aspect of future conflicts.Innovation in Warfare through Startups: Nathan discusses how small defense tech startups like CX2 are becoming crucial to military innovation. These companies are building nimble, affordable solutions for modern challenges, contrasting with the traditional defense contractors that build massive, expensive systems. This shift allows for quicker development and deployment of technologies tailored to the changing face of warfare.

Diego Fernandez, co-creator of QuarkID and Buenos Aires' Secretary of Innovation, dives into the transformative power of technology in government interactions. He shares insights on how decentralized technologies can reshape citizen identity management and bolster economic resilience amid Argentina's inflation crisis. The discussion highlights crypto's role as a financial lifeline and envisions Buenos Aires emerging as a global leader in Web3 innovation. With optimism, Fernandez paints a picture of a decentralized future where personal data privacy is paramount.

In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, Stewart Alsop chats with Ian Mason, who works on architecture and delivery of AI and ML solutions, including LLMs and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG). They explore topics like the evolution of knowledge graphs, how AI models like BERT and newer foundational models function, and the challenges of integrating deterministic systems with language models. Ian explains his process of creating solutions for clients, particularly using RAG and LLMs to support automated tasks, and discusses the future potential of AI, contrasting the hype with practical use cases. You can find more about Ian on his LinkedIn profile.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:32 Understanding Knowledge Graphs02:03 Hybrid Systems and AI Models03:39 Philosophical Insights on AI05:01 RAG and Knowledge Graph Integration07:11 Challenges in AI and Knowledge Graphs11:40 Multimodal AI and Future Prospects13:44 Artificial Intelligence vs. Artificial Linear Algebra17:50 Silicon Valley and AI Hype30:44 Defining AGI and Embodied Intelligence32:29 Potential Risks and Mistakes of AI Agents35:04 The Role of Human Oversight in AI38:00 Understanding Vector Databases43:28 Building Solutions with Modern Tools46:52 The Future of Solution Development47:43 Personal Journey into Coding57:25 The Importance of Practical Learning59:44 Conclusion and Contact InformationKey InsightsThe evolution of AI models: Ian Mason discusses how foundational models like BERT have been overtaken by newer, more capable language models, which can perform tasks that once required multiple models. He highlights that while earlier models like BERT still have their uses, foundational models have simplified and expanded AI’s capabilities.The role of knowledge graphs: Knowledge graphs provide structured, deterministic ways of handling data, which can complement language models. Ian explains that while LLMs are great for articulating responses based on large datasets, they lack the ability to handle logical and architectural connections between pieces of information, which knowledge graphs can provide.RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) systems: Ian delves into how RAG systems help refine AI output by feeding language models relevant data from a pre-searched database, reducing hallucinations. By narrowing down the possible answers and focusing the LLM on high-quality data, RAG ensures more accurate and contextually appropriate responses.Limitations of language models: While LLMs can generate plausible-sounding responses, they lack deep architectural understanding and can easily hallucinate or provide inaccurate results without carefully curated input. Ian points out the importance of combining LLMs with structured data systems like knowledge graphs or vector databases to ground the output.Vector databases and embeddings: Ian explains how vector databases, which use embeddings and cosine similarity, are crucial for narrowing down the most relevant data in a RAG system. This modern approach outperforms traditional keyword searches by considering semantic meaning rather than just text similarity.AI’s impact on business solutions: The conversation highlights how AI, particularly through tools like RAG and LLMs, can streamline business processes. For instance, Ian uses AI to automate customer service email drafting, breaking down complex customer queries and retrieving the most relevant answers, significantly improving operational efficiency.The future of AI in business: Ian believes AI’s real-world impact will come from its integration into larger systems rather than revolutionary standalone changes. While there is significant hype around AGI and other speculative technologies, the focus for the near future should be on practical applications like automating business workflows, where AI can create measurable value without over-promising its capabilities.

On this episode of Crazy Wisdom, I, Stewart Alsop, sit down with Ben Ford and Michael Greenberg for a dynamic conversation. Ben is the founder of Mission Control Dev, and Michael is the founder of Third Brain, a company focused on automating business operations. We explore a variety of topics, including the real meaning of "artificial intelligence," how AI is impacting various industries, and whether we truly have AI today. Michael introduces his concept of "Third Brain," a digital layer of operations, while Ben reflects on his military background and how it shapes his current work. Both offer unique perspectives on where technology is headed, especially around the future of knowledge work, digital transformation, and the human element in an increasingly automated world. Check out the links to learn more about Ben's Mission Control Dev and Michael's Third Brain.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:15 Meet the Guests: Ben Ford and Michael Greenberg01:04 Exploring Third Brain and Mission Control03:05 Debating Artificial Intelligence05:24 The Role of AI in Business Operations08:54 Challenges in Digital Transformation16:59 Implementing AI and Digital Operations29:12 Exploring Puzzle App: A New Tool for Documentation30:14 The Power of Graphs in Computer Science32:14 Infinite Dimensions and String Theory32:57 AI Systems and Social Media Content33:31 Wardley Mapping and Business Processes35:26 The Future of AI and Job Security35:49 AI Whisperers Meetup and Conference43:35 The Role of Subject Matter Experts in AI44:13 The Impact of AI on Learning and Careers55:09 Challenges in Implementing AI Chatbots57:10 Closing Thoughts and Contact InformationKey InsightsThe distinction between AI and true intelligence: Ben and Michael both agree that current AI, particularly large language models (LLMs), lacks true intelligence. While these systems are highly capable of pattern recognition and can execute specific workflows efficiently, they fall short of human-like intelligence due to their inability to form cognitive loops, embody real-world understanding, or have agency. AI today excels at capacity but not in truly autonomous thinking.Digital transformation is continuous, not a one-time event: The idea that digital transformation has failed was discussed, with Ben and Michael pointing out that the problem lies in the perception that digital transformation has a start and end point. In reality, businesses are constantly transforming, and the process is more about ongoing adaptation than achieving a static, “transformed” state. Success in this realm requires persistent updates and improvements, especially in operational structure.AI as an enabler, not a replacement: Both guests emphasized that AI should be seen as a tool that augments human capability rather than replaces it. AI can significantly enhance the capacity of knowledge workers, enabling them to focus on more creative or strategic tasks by automating routine processes. However, human oversight and strategic input are still essential, especially when it comes to structuring data and providing context for AI systems to function effectively.The future of work involves "AI whisperers": Stewart introduces the idea of "AI whisperers" — people skilled in communicating with and directing AI systems to achieve specific outcomes. This requires a high level of linguistic and operational understanding, suggesting that those who can finesse AI’s capabilities with precision will be in high demand in the future workforce. This shift may see creative, word-focused individuals becoming increasingly critical players in business operations.Structured data is crucial for effective AI deployment: A major challenge in deploying AI for businesses is the lack of well-structured data. Many organizations lack the documentation or system integration needed to effectively implement AI, meaning much of the initial work revolves around organizing data. Without this foundational step, attempts at AI deployment—such as customer service chatbots—are prone to failure, as the AI systems are only as good as the data they're fed.Graphs as the framework for business processes: Ben and Michael both highlight the importance of graphs in modern operations. Graphs, as a way to map out relationships between different elements of a system, are key to understanding and implementing digital operations. This concept allows for the visualization and optimization of workflows, helping businesses better navigate the complexities of modern digital ecosystems.AI is accelerating, and businesses need to keep up: One of the key takeaways from the episode is the rapid pace of AI advancement and its effect on businesses. Companies that fail to incorporate AI tools into their operations risk being left behind. Ben points out that the train has already left the station, and businesses need to quickly adapt by leveraging AI to streamline their processes and maintain competitiveness in an increasingly automated world.

In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, host Stewart Alsop talks with Phil Filippak, a software arcanist and knowledgemancer from Ideaflow. The conversation covers a range of topics, including knowledge management, the discipline behind organizing knowledge, personal systems for note-taking, and the impact of AI on programming and game development. Phil shares his experiences with tools like Obsidian and discusses the balance between creative exploration and over-systematization in managing information. You can follow Phil on Twitter at @Blisstweeting (https://twitter.com/Blisstweeting) for more insights.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:49 Phil's Journey and Knowledge Management02:17 The Discipline of Knowledge Management05:49 Personal Struggles and Systematization09:43 AI's Role in Knowledge Management16:16 The Future of AI and Programming21:03 Monasteries and the Future of Coding28:03 Navigating Quests Without Markers28:46 Evolution of Game Engines32:02 Creating Games as a Solo Developer34:42 The Balance Between Art and Commerce in Gaming45:00 Knowledge Management in Large Companies52:03 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationKey InsightsThe Role of Discipline in Knowledge Management: Phil Filippak emphasizes that knowledge management is more than just gathering information—it's about organizing it with discipline. This process involves creating orderly structures, either mentally or through notes, to track progress across different areas of interest. Discipline is crucial for maintaining an interconnected understanding of multiple fields.Over-Systematization Can Be a Trap: While using tools like Obsidian to systematize knowledge can be helpful, Phil warns that too much structure can become burdensome. Over-systematizing can make it harder to add new information and can stifle creativity, leading to a reluctance to engage with the system at all.AI’s Transformative Role in Programming: Phil discusses how AI is changing the landscape of software development, particularly by assisting with tedious tasks like debugging. However, he points out that AI hasn't yet reached a point where it can handle more creative or complex problem-solving without human intervention, leaving room for the enjoyment and intellectual satisfaction that come from manual coding.Creativity in Game Development is Often Stifled by Commercial Pressures: Large gaming companies, driven by shareholder value, tend to avoid risks and stick to formulas that are proven to sell. Phil notes that this limits experimentation, whereas indie game developers and smaller studios—especially in places like Serbia—have more freedom to innovate and take creative risks.Periodic “Resets” in Personal Knowledge Systems: Phil recommends performing occasional resets on personal knowledge systems when they become too complex. This involves stripping away unnecessary rules and simplifying processes to keep the system flexible and sustainable, helping to avoid burnout from excessive structure.The Idea of a Code Monastery: Drawing on the historical role of monasteries as centers of knowledge preservation, Phil introduces the idea of a "code monastery" where programmers could dedicate themselves to maintaining and refining software. This concept highlights the aesthetic and spiritual satisfaction of combining technical expertise with a disciplined, purpose-driven lifestyle.The Future of Programming and AI: Looking ahead, Phil acknowledges that while AI will likely continue to take over more routine programming tasks, there will always be people passionate about coding for its intellectual rewards. He believes that even in an AI-dominated future, the human element of creativity and problem-solving in programming will remain essential.

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom podcast, host Stewart Alsop welcomes guest Neal Davies, a former computer science professor and nuclear engineering PhD, currently working at the Urbit Foundation. Their conversation covers a range of intriguing topics including the Deseret Alphabet, a phonetic alphabet from the 19th century, Neal’s experiences balancing generalist and specialist roles, and the influence of AI in both his work and the world at large. Neal also shares his insights on syntax, symbols, and the cultural shifts that have shaped modern consciousness. You can connect with Neal on Twitter @Sigilante or find him on Urbit as @Lagravnokvap.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:19 Exploring the Deseret Alphabet04:02 Challenges and Rewards of Being a Generalist06:47 Impact of AI on Generalism and Specialization08:24 AI in Code and Image Generation13:43 Salvador Dali's Paranoiac Critical Method17:18 Symbolism in Art and Language20:49 The Spiritual Connection with Language30:05 Greek Influence on Language and Zero32:59 Exploring Number Systems35:10 Rational Numbers and Greek Innovations38:12 The Evolution of Linguistic Systems40:29 Cultural Shifts: 1870s to 1960s45:46 The Impact of the 1960s on Modern Thought49:58 The Role of Illegible Spaces in Innovation56:11 Concluding Thoughts and Future DirectionsKey InsightsDeseret Alphabet as a Cultural and Linguistic Experiment: Neal Davies is deeply fascinated by the 19th-century Deseret Alphabet, a phonetic alphabet created to help immigrants in Utah become literate. Its unique structure and religious origins present a profound example of how language can be intentionally shaped to serve a community, although this project ultimately didn’t gain widespread adoption.Balancing Generalism and Specialization: Neal shares his personal journey of pursuing generalist roles while maintaining expertise in specific fields like computer science and nuclear engineering. He emphasizes the value of broad, diverse knowledge in a world that often rewards specialization. His approach allows for flexibility and creativity in problem-solving, despite the professional challenges generalists may face in a society focused on specialization.AI as a Tool for Productivity, Not Replacement: Neal highlights the utility of AI in his work, particularly in code generation and ideation. He discusses how tools like GitHub’s Copilot act as force multipliers for developers, offering a starting point that saves time without replacing the critical thinking required for final implementation. AI is seen as a support system for creativity, especially in programming and image generation.Syntax and Symbols as Catalysts for Thought: Neal discusses the profound relationship between syntax, symbols, and thought. By exploring different symbol systems, such as mathematical notation or alphabets like Deseret, he argues that they can unlock new ways of thinking. Symbol systems not only shape reasoning but allow people to build layers of understanding and explore more complex ideas.Cultural Experimentation and Enclaves: Reflecting on the importance of high variance in human endeavor, Neal supports creating enclaves of culture and thought outside the mainstream. He argues that monoculture, driven by surveillance and conformity, limits the ability to think freely and explore novel solutions. Platforms like Urbit, which emphasize privacy and decentralized communication, provide a space for communities to experiment and innovate without being surveilled or controlled.The Failure and Legacy of the 1960s Counterculture: Neal suggests that the cultural revolution of the 1960s was an ambitious attempt at societal transformation that ultimately failed. Co-opted by commercialism, politics, and other forces, the movement couldn’t fully realize its vision of reshaping consciousness. However, it planted seeds for future cultural shifts, much like the influence of the Romanticists in the 19th century.The Importance of Illegibility in Innovation: Neal explains that true freedom in innovation comes from creating spaces where ideas and communities can evolve without constant oversight. He draws a parallel to Hemingway’s theory that the unseen parts of a story are as important as the visible ones. Similarly, innovation flourishes when parts of a system or community remain illegible and unobserved, allowing for creativity and growth beyond the constraints of external control.

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom podcast, Stewart Alsop speaks with Anand Dwivedi, a Senior Data Scientist at ICE, returning for his second appearance. The conversation covers a range of topics including the evolution of machine learning models, the integration of AI into operating systems, and how innovations like Neuralink may reshape our understanding of human-machine interaction. Anand also touches on the role of cultural feedback in shaping human learning, the implications of distributed systems in cybersecurity, and his current project—training a language model on the teachings of his spiritual guru. For more information, listeners can connect with Anand on LinkedIn.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:25 Exploring GPT-4 and Machine Learning Innovations03:34 Apple's Integration of AI and Privacy Concerns06:07 Digital Footprints and the Evolution of Memory09:42 Neuralink and the Future of Human Augmentation14:20 Cybersecurity and Financial Crimes in the Digital Age20:53 The Role of LLMs and Human Feedback in AI Training29:50 Freezing Upper Layers and Formative Feedback30:32 Neuroplasticity in Sports and Growth32:00 Challenges of Learning New Skills as Adults32:44 Cultural Immersion and Cooking School34:21 Exploring Genetic Engineering and Neuroplasticity38:53 Neuralink and the Future of AI39:58 Physical vs. Digital World41:20 Existential Threats and Climate Risk45:15 Attention Mechanisms in LLMs48:22 Optimizing Positive Social Impact54:54 Training LLMs on Spiritual LecturesKey InsightsEvolution of Machine Learning Models: Anand Dwivedi highlights the advancement in machine learning, especially with GPT-4's ability to process multimodal inputs like text, images, and voice simultaneously. This contrasts with earlier models that handled each modality separately, signifying a shift towards more holistic AI systems that mirror human sensory processing.AI Integration in Operating Systems: The conversation delves into how AI, like Apple Intelligence, is being integrated directly into operating systems, enabling more intuitive interactions such as device management and on-device tasks. This advancement brings AI closer to daily use, ensuring privacy by processing data locally rather than relying on cloud-based systems.Neuralink and Transhumanism: Anand and Stewart discuss Neuralink’s potential to bridge the gap between human and artificial intelligence. Neuralink’s brain-computer interface could allow humans to enhance cognitive abilities and better compete in a future dominated by intelligent machines, raising questions about the ethics and risks of such direct brain-AI integration.Cultural Feedback and Learning: Anand emphasizes the role of cultural feedback in shaping human learning, likening it to how AI models are fine-tuned through feedback loops. He explains that different cultural environments provide varied feedback to individuals, influencing the way they process and adapt to information throughout their lives.Cybersecurity and Distributed Systems: The discussion highlights the dual-edged nature of distributed systems in cybersecurity. While these systems offer increased freedom and decentralization, they can also serve as breeding grounds for financial crimes and other malicious activities, pointing to the need for balanced approaches to internet freedom and security.Generative Biology and AI: A key insight from the episode is the potential of AI models, like those used for language processing, to revolutionize fields such as biology and chemistry. Anand mentions the idea of generative biology, where AI could eventually design new proteins or chemical compounds, leading to breakthroughs in drug discovery and personalized medicine.Positive Social Impact Through Technology: Anand introduces a thought-provoking idea about using AI and data analytics for social good. He suggests that technology can help bridge disparities in education and resources globally, with models being designed to measure and optimize for positive social impacts, rather than just profits or efficiency.