AGI is coming. Reid Hoffman just wrote the book on how to prepare.
According to Reid, every major tech breakthrough (the written word, the printing press, the telephone) triggered mass fear. But, contrary to our worries, new technology tends to enhance human agency—even more so, if you know how to use it well.
Reid is the cofounder of LinkedIn, Inflection AI, and Manas AI; a partner at venture capital firm Greylock Partners; an early backer and board member of OpenAI; and an award-winning podcaster
We spent an hour talking about how to develop a compass for navigating AGI. Here are a few takeaways:
Our sense of human agency is not just about external control but an internal stance—how we approach uncertainty & new tech is crucial
In new technology waves, NO blueprint or plan will have the right answers. Instead, adapting to new technology requires broad access, an experimental mindset, and flexibility
In an AGI world most jobs will transform, not disappear—and how you can prepare with hands-on trial and error
How certain social norms and ethics should change as AGI changes the landscape—like individual access to personal data
Why now may be finally be the era where quantified self tools become valuable
…and more, including everything in his new book Superagency, out this week.
It was a pleasure to have him on the show for a second time. This is a must-watch for anyone who wants to help build a more human future with AI.
If you found this episode interesting, please like, subscribe, comment, and share!
Want even more?
Sign up for Every to unlock our ultimate guide to prompting ChatGPT here: https://every.ck.page/ultimate-guide-to-prompting-chatgpt. It’s usually only for paying subscribers, but you can get it here for free.
To hear more from Dan Shipper:
Subscribe to Every: https://every.to/subscribe
Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/danshipper
Timestamps:
Introduction: 00:01:29
Patterns in how we’ve historically adopted technology: 00:02:50
Why humans have typically been fearful of new technologies: 00:07:02
How Reid developed his own sense of agency: 00:13:25
The way Reid thinks about making investment decisions: 00:20:08
AI as a “techno-humanist” compass: 00:29:40
How to prepare yourself for the way AI will change knowledge work: 00:35:30
Why equitable access to AI is important: 00:41:39
Reid’s take on why private commons will be beneficial for society: 00:45:15
How AI is making Silicon Valley’s conception of the “quantified self” a reality: 00:47:23
The shift from symbolic to sub-symbolic AI mirrors how we understand intelligence: 00:52:14
Reid’s new book, Superagency: 01:03:29
Links to resources mentioned in the episode:
Reid Hoffman: @reidhoffman
Superagency, Reid’s newest book:
Popular Podcasts
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com