Being More Human
The Economy, Robot AI and Capturing Legacy Stories
It’s been a couple of weeks since the last newsletter, as I‘ve experienced the upheaval of moving apartment in Austin. I hope this short update gets you thinking and acting.
1. Be More Human
I’m beginning the newsletter with Maff Potts, as his story can not fail to inspire.
Aside from his fascinating personal story, Maff exemplifies an action-taker. With the vision and courage to defy the conventional wisdom of the Charity sector and unwilling to accept the status quo, he formed Camerados, an ever-expanding global social movement centered around one simple yet powerful concept: Public Living Rooms, spaces designed to foster a sense of togetherness within our communities, where people can discover friendship and purpose.
These spaces provide a welcoming environment where people can come together, share a cup of tea or coffee, engage in conversation, and experience the transformative power of human connection - all without any expectations or agenda.
Public Living Rooms alleviate the symptoms of numerous social issues and address their underlying causes. As a difference maker, Maff has successfully established over 170 Public Living Rooms across five countries… and growing. This is a wonderful interview, and I recommend you listen.
Suggested Action: Consider contacting Maff and his team and creating your own Public Living Room. I’m going to set one up in Austin. Watch this space.
2. How does the economy really work?
Are we on the brink of a recession? What will happen with inflation and interest rates? Is the petrodollar at risk? We all have big questions. No one can answer with certainty, but we can all hedge. Therefore who better to listen to than Ray Dalio, Founder of Bridgewater Capital? Ray created this 30-minute animated video to provide a clear and concise answer to the question, "How does the economy really work?" Based on his practical template for understanding the economy, which he developed throughout his career, the video presents economic concepts such as credit, deficits, and interest rates in a simplified manner. It will help you understand the bigger picture and fundamental driving forces behind the economy, how economic policies function, and why economic cycles occur. The video strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and depth, making it easy to follow and comprehend and helping you make informed decisions about the questions that keep you awake at night.
Suggested Action: Share with those you love. Prepare for some turbulent times ahead.
3. Just a Matter of Time
Did you see the recent video demo from Boston Dynamics of their humanoid robot, Atlas? It's pretty incredible. Atlas could already run and jump over rugged terrain with its feet, but now it has hands too! New grippers allow Atlas to pick up and drop off objects like humans.
However, it's only a matter of time before the robot gets enhanced with advanced AI capabilities.
With Generative AI, Atlas could learn how to handle objects more effectively and efficiently or make decisions based on its surroundings. Imagine a future where Atlas could autonomously navigate complex environments, identify objects and materials, and perform tasks without human intervention.
Utopian? Dystopian?
The development of humanoid robots like Atlas is inevitable. With falling birth rates occurring in many countries, we can expect to see the deployment of robotic workers pushing the boundaries of what's possible with robotics and AI. It's worrying and exciting to think about the future possibilities for these technologies.
Suggested Action: This is an issue that will affect us all. Start group discussions with your family, friends, and networks. We need widespread awareness of the opportunities, risks, and ethical considerations.
4. A New Service Offering
People who have heard my Podcast have asked me if I would interview clients, friends, parents, or grandparents. This got me thinking.
Everyone has a story. Given that we are blessed with remarkable technologies, surely we have a duty to record the stories of the people we care about and ensure they can be shared with future generations.
Therefore aside from my Pod and my web design work, I am launching Legacy Pod, a service to record the stories of the people you love.
Whether parents, grandparents, or even guardians, I am sure you have questions you would love answered, the desire to uncover memories rarely shared, or an urgency to capture the wisdom that can’t be lost to future generations.
This is a holding page while we build the service and the app.
Suggested Action: Please submit your email if interested or message me.
5. Excellent Advice For Living
This new book from Kevin Kelly, who launched and edited Wired, is on order for me and expected tomorrow.
From what I can see, this is packed with universal wisdom.
Two quotes to validate this:
One hundred years from now, when so much of the nonsense of our age is forgotten, people will still remember Kevin Kelly and his wisdom. —Seth Godin
I love aphorisms, proverbs, and Secrets of Adulthood . . . Excellent Advice for Living includes wise, practical advice for life.” —Gretchen Rubin, via Twitter
Suggested Action: Read and share if you like it.