Why Good Advice is "Obvious" and How AI Will Save The World

Why Good Advice is "Obvious" and How AI Will Save The World

In a world filled with information and advice, it's easy to overlook the value of obvious advice. We often dismiss it, thinking that we already know what it entails. However, what we fail to realize is that good advice, even if it seems obvious, can still be incredibly useful. The key lies in recognizing that obviousness is not about the novelty of information, but rather about whether it challenges our intuitions.

Our intuitions are often fuzzy, making it difficult to discern between what is truly valuable and what isn't. We are prone to believe in scenarios that seem plausible, even if they are not necessarily accurate. This is where the importance of focusing on the basics comes into play. Instead of searching for secrets or groundbreaking ideas, knowledge is about identifying the mundane yet plausible explanations for how things work.

Take the example of promoting a book. It may seem obvious that appearing on podcasts and generating buzz in the first weeks of its release can help in its promotion. However, while this knowledge may be widely known, very few people actually put it into practice. The lesson here is that even if advice seems apparent, taking action on it can make a significant difference.

Now, let's shift gears and explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in saving the world. AI is essentially the application of mathematics and software code to teach computers how to understand, synthesize, and generate knowledge in ways similar to humans. It has the power to make everything we care about better.

Human intelligence has been the driving force behind countless advancements throughout history. It has enabled us to shape the world we live in today. AI offers us the opportunity to augment human intelligence and take it to unprecedented levels. Imagine a future where every child has an AI tutor by their side, guiding them through their development and maximizing their potential. This AI tutor would possess infinite patience, compassion, knowledge, and helpfulness.

But AI's potential goes beyond education. AI assistants could be present in every aspect of our lives, maximizing our outcomes and decision-making processes. Even in warfare, AI could play a role in reducing wartime death rates by assisting leaders in making better decisions under intense pressure and limited information.

Despite AI's immense potential, there is often a fear surrounding its development. This fear stems from a long history of moral panics associated with new technologies. However, it's crucial to understand that AI is not alive and does not possess goals or intentions. It is simply a tool, like any other machine. The automation-kills-jobs argument is also flawed, as history has shown that technological advancements lead to economic growth, job creation, and the fulfillment of endless human wants and needs.

Rather than fearing AI, we should focus on utilizing it to reduce inequality. AI has the potential to be a powerful tool in the hands of good people with good goals. Governments and the private sector should work together to use AI to maximize society's defensive capabilities and prevent bad things from happening.

In conclusion, good advice is often dismissed because it seems obvious. However, recognizing the value in obvious advice and taking action upon it can lead to significant results. Similarly, AI has the potential to reshape our world and improve various aspects of human life. By embracing AI and using it responsibly, we can create a better future for ourselves and future generations.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Don't underestimate the power of obvious advice. Even if it seems apparent, take action on it and see the impact it can have.

• 2. Embrace AI and explore its potential applications in your life or business. Don't let fear hinder progress.

• 3. Advocate for the responsible and ethical use of AI. Work towards utilizing AI to reduce inequality and maximize society's defensive capabilities.

Sources:

• "Good Advice is "Obvious" - Scott H Young"

• "Why AI Will Save The World"