13 Comments
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Sydney's avatar

Reading your piece makes me wonder how well We are set up to engage in leisure sustainably. Because leisure is enjoyable in solitude yes, and also with others. What forms of leisure do you wish you had access to?

Antonio Æstero's avatar

anything you want. leisure to become an actual person; to read, to continuously learn, to discover science, space, technology, whatever, to spend time with people.

Sydney's avatar

I’ve been on sabbatical from corporate tech and this piece feels like a beautiful affirmation of all my reasons to get out of bed in the morning. Also interested in reading some Seneca now :)

Rick's avatar

Very nice! And very timely as I consider leaving the corporate world for good.

I’ve got a massive list of things to read already, but you’ve made me curious about what’s on yours. And what’s essential reading?

Antonio Æstero's avatar

Jesus mate, there’s so many. Currently all in on heavy and philosophical sci-fi (with some exceptions). I’ll just refer you to my Goodreads page:

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/52005089

Mollye Miller Shehadeh's avatar

Gorgeous. Thank you.

Antonio Æstero's avatar

thank you so much for reading!

Ex-People-Pleaser Mind Soup's avatar

I always enjoy your perspective on things. This article actually allowed some hope to awaken within me which isn't typical when I consider the changes that the future has in store so thanks for that.

Antonio Æstero's avatar

thank you! that is entirely the purpose of this new direction. we are drowning in negativity and doomerism — it’s time to imagine something else and then work for it.

Patrick R's avatar

Good advice for the wrong reasons. Loving your new optimism, Tony, but I think you're a bit energy blind. The future is indeed changing, but we aren't going to get to some AI singularity. Look to the past to predict the future, back before our one-time energy bonanza.

LOVE LEARNED LATER's avatar

Prophetic...mandatory reading!! Thanks for your insights.

Jullie's avatar

It is an old and true wisdom. However I can't shake off the feeling that the article is crafted to grab my heart and sell me optimism.

Do you folks really think that this is the most likely future of powerful AI? Or is it just balsam for the soul. The merciful, nourishing but empty in calories belief in place of traditional religion.

The coming of christ... I mean singularity.

Jullie's avatar

I got a better idea. Instead of waiting for singularity, try to find yourself right now. Even if you have an 8 hour job. Do not wait until paradise because that could be... tragic.

I will be happy if positive singularity happens but it would be a shame to wait for that as another procrastinator's "This is when I start to live" moment.

Not to mention it robs you from your own agency. Only you can act to change things for the better for yourself. Usually no-one else will.