There is so much to know in the world and trying to process it all is a Sisyphean task.
Your brain is a muscle that needs rest. Constant input does not necessarily lead to better output.
Being bored is a skill that must be practiced, not a state that must be avoided.
I recently came across this great introductory talk from the Center for Humane Technology, discussing the less catastrophic, but still significant risks of generative large language models (LLMs). This might be a valuable resource to share with those unfamiliar with the staggering pace of AI capabilities research.
A key insight for me: Generative LLMs have the capacity to interpret an astonishing variety of languages. Whether those languages are traditional (e.g. written or verbal English) or abstract (e.g. images, electrical signals in the brain, wifi traffic, etc) doesn't necessarily matter. What matters is the events in that language can be quantified and measured.
While this opens up the door to numerous fascinating applications (e.g. translating animal vocalizations to human language, enabling blind individuals to see), it also raises some serious concerns regarding privacy of thought, mass surveillance, and further erosion of truth, among others.
Creating a productivity system that works for your unique life situation can yield numerous of benefits.
Benefits such as:
However, it's too easy to view these systems purely as mechanisms to boost your productivity. That is, viewing them as valuable because they help you "get more stuff done".
To me, these systems aren't only valuable because they increase your individual capacity - they also play an integral role in preserving your cognitive health. Reducing the clutter your mind has to remember and keep track of is not just a strategy for staying organized; it's a way to care for your brain.
A brain drowning in information is not a healthy brain.
Consider your brain as a muscle. Over-exertion and continuous strain can lead to fatigue and damage, impairing its long-term functionality. So, as you exercise your body for physical health, remember to care for your mental muscle too - it's equally vital, if not more.