The Wrath of Reading & Writing: The Power of Knowledge and Language AI

The Wrath of Reading & Writing: The Power of Knowledge and Language AI

"I write because I don't know what I think until I read what I say." These words by Flannery O'Connor perfectly capture the essence of the profound connection between reading and writing. Reading is not just about consuming words on a page; it is a process that helps us build a prepared mind, enabling us to navigate conversations and articulate our thoughts effectively.

In Frederik Gieschen's piece, "The Reading Obsession," he challenges the common perception that reading alone is the key to success, exemplified by Warren Buffett. Gieschen argues that while reading is undoubtedly valuable, networking, building friendships, and traveling also played significant roles in Buffett's achievements. This insight reminds us that the act of "working" in knowledge encompasses various aspects of human experience.

Throughout history, the ways in which we consume information have evolved. The industrial revolution, among other factors, led to a surge in literacy rates worldwide. However, what has truly changed is the volume and mediums of information available to us. We are now inundated with an abundance of knowledge, accessible through various platforms and technologies.

Louis Pasteur once said, "In the fields of observation, chance favors only the prepared mind." This quote highlights the importance of being prepared to seize opportunities. Just as there were preconditions for the evolution of species, there are preconditions for groundbreaking innovations in the business world. For example, mobile phone penetration and the availability of GPS were preconditions for the success of Uber and Instagram. Reading helps us build the foundation of a prepared mind, allowing us to spot these preconditions and take advantage of emerging opportunities.

It is not just about the act of reading itself; it is about truly understanding the concepts presented. Without doing the work to comprehend the ideas and theories, we enter conversations ill-prepared. Agreeing with this perspective, Packy McCormick, a guest speaker, shared his writing journey. Initially feeling the pressure to write something each week, McCormick eventually realized that quality outweighs quantity. Writing something good, something that reflects our true thoughts and understanding, holds much more value than simply meeting a deadline.

One of the most rewarding experiences is discussing a topic we have pondered deeply but never articulated before. Engaging in conversation or writing about it forces us to bring those ideas to life, refining and solidifying our understanding. This process of externalizing our thoughts through communication is where the true power of reading and writing lies. It is through this exchange of ideas that we learn and grow.

As we delve into the future of language and artificial intelligence, we discover a wave of billion-dollar language AI startups on the horizon. With 80% of the internet's data consisting of video content, the need for effective search capabilities becomes evident. AI that can process and synthesize information from various modalities, such as images and audio, will play a central role in transforming how we interact with and extract knowledge from vast amounts of data.

Next-generation natural language processing (NLP) is set to revolutionize writing as we know it. Large language models like OpenAI's GPT-3 have the ability to generate coherent, insightful, and creative content based on a human's text prompt. These powerful models act as auto-complete on steroids. In the future, the skillset required for good writing may expand to include a deep understanding of how to harness and guide AI to produce the desired language.

Looking ahead, we can envision a world where AI becomes an integral part of the writing process. Ten years from now, writing from scratch may be considered an artisanal craft, with the majority of written content being either produced or augmented by AI. This shift opens up exciting possibilities, as humans and AI collaborate to create a synergy of creativity and efficiency.

Beyond the realm of writing, there are vast opportunities to transform industries through software and machine learning. The contact center market, estimated to reach $500 billion by 2027, remains largely underdigitized. By leveraging AI and innovative software solutions, we can revolutionize this unglamorous back-office function, improving customer experiences and driving efficiency.

In conclusion, the power of reading and writing lies not only in the acquisition and expression of knowledge but also in the connections we make and the insights we gain. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of information and technology, it is crucial to cultivate a prepared mind through reading and continuous learning. Additionally, embracing the potential of language AI opens up new frontiers in writing and communication. To make the most of these opportunities, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Cultivate a habit of reading and prioritize understanding over quantity.

• 2. Embrace the evolving role of AI in writing, learning how to effectively guide and harness its capabilities.

• 3. Explore untapped markets and industries where software and machine learning can drive transformative change.

By embracing these insights and taking proactive steps, we can harness the wrath of reading and writing to navigate the future with knowledge, creativity, and success.