Kevin Kelly, tech optimist, founder of Wired magazine and author of "What Technology Wants," sees technology as a vibrant "seventh kingdom" intertwined with nature. He says Aliens are already among us and AI is creative.
In this very special Thinking on Paper episode, Kevin Kelly joins Mark and Jeremy to unpack the links between technology and nature, tackle the paradox of decentralized systems, and confront the real-world challenges facing DAOs.
In a far-reaching conversation, Kelly explains AI's surprising creativity, forecasts our inevitable emotional bonds with AI, and grapples with the nature of AI consciousness.
Then we get personal. Kelly champions writing as a vital tool for understanding, addresses the crucial balance between leveraging technology and retaining our human elements, and shares practical strategies for cultivating wonder.
Listen as Kelly reveals AI's "alien" nature and the emotional dependencies ahead. Explore the tension between bottom-up emergence and guiding hierarchy, and understand why DAOs often fail in practice.
Hear about Kelly's unique methods for staying curious, including adopting a "Martian" perspective and the power of noticing.
This conversation ultimately investigates how our tools shape us, extend our minds, and why grasping their true nature is key to navigating the future.
Listen to the full conversation with Kevin Kelly now and share these vital insights with a fellow curious mind.
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Chapters
(00:00) Kevin Kelly On Nature And Technology
(02:59) Why Decentralized Systems Still Need Some Hierarchy
(09:03) Why DAOs Failed: Immutability Was a Bug
(16:46) Is AI Creative? (Yes) & The Coming Emotional Bonds
(21:39) AI Consciousness: A Spectrum of Artificial Aliens
(29:16) "Write to Discover What You Think"
(32:48) Balancing AI Tools & Human Thinking
(33:50) AI as a Skill & Powerful Thinking Partner
(37:50) Hot Buttons: Future, Bitcoin, Jurassic Park, Aliens?
(41:10) How to Cultivate Wonder (Hint: Be a Martian)
(49:10) The Power of Saying "I Don't Know"
(53:54) Kevin Kelly's Question: What Do We Want Humans To Be?
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