I always enjoy the double standard where women can be better than men in any number of fields but if men are better than women at something (say at chess) it’s because they are actually worse! Narcissistic self gratification . . .
I keep feeling I'm ignorantly missing something that must be obvious when confronted with opinions of people - including many AI researchers - who suggest LLMs are in any way conscious or even intelligent in remotely human way.
I'm not sure if it's the fact that those people exist largely in the semi autonomous world of text fragments and code themselves and thus believe that this is what world is made of -- but the chess example is an excellent demonstration of a wider fact: LLMs know, in the sense of understanding and being able to reliably manipulate and generate from, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about the world outside their training data and (if prompted) a quick search of generally available Internet sources. And even their "factual" knowledge -- not understanding which they have none of -- is unreliable, especially as you go down to anything even remotely detailed or niche or lower level.
And I'm saying it as someone who uses LLM to bounce ideas of, and tidy up/structure my own thinking all the time, and effectively. Especially for therapeutic/counselling adjacent purposes for which they have plenty of material to be useful at.
As to writing, it's not just substack. I've read a (good in ideas) piece in legacy media recently that abounded with "it's not X, it's Y" phrasing and dashes so beloved of ChatGPT. And yes, while the thought was there, and valuable, the execution was mediocre LLM slop.
Relieved to read your comment about AI generated text on Substack. It's easy to spot and incredibly disappointing. Maybe the person has asked AI a detailed question so that it is expressing their views; but the glibness (and the excessive length) mask any authentic feeling. Which is what I'm here for.
I agree but I think we may in a minority - increasingly see what to me seems obvious AI slop being extravagantly praised for its truth/insight/bravery etc
Interesting re devices/social media and declining birth rates. I wonder also if it explains the UK’s apparently mysterious productivity crisis. It’s generally tied to the financial crash, but the dip in productivity also starts around the same time as the mass adoption of phones and social media. We’re a largely service sector economy, so there’s so much opportunity for us to be distracted at work!?
That's a really good point. And feels intuitively true when you walk around an office and see how many people are on Instagram or Facebook or whatever. In fact now I think about it I find it hard to imagine in what way iPhones could actually have improved productivity. I even think constant access to email could easily have negative productivity effects...
You have inspired me to dig out my old copy of Renaissance Europe. We were told to read it before starting History A-level in 1976. I don’t suppose he’d say “a man” if writing today.
A teacher recommended to me it at school too. Couldn't get anywhere with it. Didn't care at all about social and cultural history when I was 16. Now for some reason its all I want to read about...
Hi James, re smartphones - you did an interesting podcast maybe 6 months ago about your sceptical attitude towards smartphones. I have since changed from an iPhone to a Cat one, which because of its tiny, almost illegibly small screen is MUCH less addictive while still retaining some smart functionality. I only made this change about 1 month ago, and am pleased. FWIW, I now use an iPad for necessary apps like online banking, tickets and passes, but because it is too big to be easily portable, I often don’t have it with me so do not have an urge to check it whenever there is a minute spare. I think that is good for creating space to think and also good for focus. I used to smoke cigarettes, and was definitely addicted. The Allen Carr method for quitting said don’t keep them in your house because in a weak moment you will cave in and smoke one. I see an analogy in that it is easier and better not to have an iPhone, rather than setting rules and engaging in willpower contests about one’s screen time.
That's really interesting. I mourn my CAT phone which for unexplained reasons simply stopped connecting to the mobile network one day. I think your cigarette analogy is completely correct. The one thing I wish I could make people understand is that phones are designed to be addictive - they're not just neutral tools. And most attempts to use willpower to avoid them will be unsuccessful.
Do you have WhatsApp/Google Maps on the CAT? Have you found anything about it inconvenient or difficult?
Yes, I have what’s app on the Cat and on my iPad. I haven’t yet installed maps on it, but will at some point. Those are the two essential apps, I think other media are better used on a device where one has to make a more active decision to use them rather than just “I’ve got 2 mins till my train comes, I’ll check my notifications.” Most of it is disposable crap anyway. I’m trying to read more physical books and to improve my memory, which I hope will flow from reducing my level of screen stimulus.
The smallness of Medieval England’s population makes me think how that would’ve changed ‘commoners’ relations to nobles and royals considering they were likely to be a small degree of separation from these key players.
Such an interesting point. Makes me wonder if the pomp and ceremony which medieval kings and nobles used to distinguish themselves was partly for that reason. In such a small society where everyone is so close you have to work very hard to emphasise your difference and superiority
If you get very interested in printing and books, few people know the field better than my old supervisor, Andrew Pettegree. His history of the library is outstanding but he’s written several other relevant books.
I always enjoy the double standard where women can be better than men in any number of fields but if men are better than women at something (say at chess) it’s because they are actually worse! Narcissistic self gratification . . .
Yes that's fair enough - though I do think he makes an interesting point (even if he phrases it a bit negatively)
I agree though I do wonder to what extent you might say the same about most realms of really high performance.
I keep feeling I'm ignorantly missing something that must be obvious when confronted with opinions of people - including many AI researchers - who suggest LLMs are in any way conscious or even intelligent in remotely human way.
I'm not sure if it's the fact that those people exist largely in the semi autonomous world of text fragments and code themselves and thus believe that this is what world is made of -- but the chess example is an excellent demonstration of a wider fact: LLMs know, in the sense of understanding and being able to reliably manipulate and generate from, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about the world outside their training data and (if prompted) a quick search of generally available Internet sources. And even their "factual" knowledge -- not understanding which they have none of -- is unreliable, especially as you go down to anything even remotely detailed or niche or lower level.
And I'm saying it as someone who uses LLM to bounce ideas of, and tidy up/structure my own thinking all the time, and effectively. Especially for therapeutic/counselling adjacent purposes for which they have plenty of material to be useful at.
As to writing, it's not just substack. I've read a (good in ideas) piece in legacy media recently that abounded with "it's not X, it's Y" phrasing and dashes so beloved of ChatGPT. And yes, while the thought was there, and valuable, the execution was mediocre LLM slop.
Relieved to read your comment about AI generated text on Substack. It's easy to spot and incredibly disappointing. Maybe the person has asked AI a detailed question so that it is expressing their views; but the glibness (and the excessive length) mask any authentic feeling. Which is what I'm here for.
I agree but I think we may in a minority - increasingly see what to me seems obvious AI slop being extravagantly praised for its truth/insight/bravery etc
Interesting re devices/social media and declining birth rates. I wonder also if it explains the UK’s apparently mysterious productivity crisis. It’s generally tied to the financial crash, but the dip in productivity also starts around the same time as the mass adoption of phones and social media. We’re a largely service sector economy, so there’s so much opportunity for us to be distracted at work!?
That's a really good point. And feels intuitively true when you walk around an office and see how many people are on Instagram or Facebook or whatever. In fact now I think about it I find it hard to imagine in what way iPhones could actually have improved productivity. I even think constant access to email could easily have negative productivity effects...
But why would it be country specific? They have phones in the US too....no such productivity crisis there.
another good point
You have inspired me to dig out my old copy of Renaissance Europe. We were told to read it before starting History A-level in 1976. I don’t suppose he’d say “a man” if writing today.
A teacher recommended to me it at school too. Couldn't get anywhere with it. Didn't care at all about social and cultural history when I was 16. Now for some reason its all I want to read about...
Hi James, re smartphones - you did an interesting podcast maybe 6 months ago about your sceptical attitude towards smartphones. I have since changed from an iPhone to a Cat one, which because of its tiny, almost illegibly small screen is MUCH less addictive while still retaining some smart functionality. I only made this change about 1 month ago, and am pleased. FWIW, I now use an iPad for necessary apps like online banking, tickets and passes, but because it is too big to be easily portable, I often don’t have it with me so do not have an urge to check it whenever there is a minute spare. I think that is good for creating space to think and also good for focus. I used to smoke cigarettes, and was definitely addicted. The Allen Carr method for quitting said don’t keep them in your house because in a weak moment you will cave in and smoke one. I see an analogy in that it is easier and better not to have an iPhone, rather than setting rules and engaging in willpower contests about one’s screen time.
That's really interesting. I mourn my CAT phone which for unexplained reasons simply stopped connecting to the mobile network one day. I think your cigarette analogy is completely correct. The one thing I wish I could make people understand is that phones are designed to be addictive - they're not just neutral tools. And most attempts to use willpower to avoid them will be unsuccessful.
Do you have WhatsApp/Google Maps on the CAT? Have you found anything about it inconvenient or difficult?
Yes, I have what’s app on the Cat and on my iPad. I haven’t yet installed maps on it, but will at some point. Those are the two essential apps, I think other media are better used on a device where one has to make a more active decision to use them rather than just “I’ve got 2 mins till my train comes, I’ll check my notifications.” Most of it is disposable crap anyway. I’m trying to read more physical books and to improve my memory, which I hope will flow from reducing my level of screen stimulus.
The smallness of Medieval England’s population makes me think how that would’ve changed ‘commoners’ relations to nobles and royals considering they were likely to be a small degree of separation from these key players.
Such an interesting point. Makes me wonder if the pomp and ceremony which medieval kings and nobles used to distinguish themselves was partly for that reason. In such a small society where everyone is so close you have to work very hard to emphasise your difference and superiority
Cultural Capital is my favourite hyper-addictive entertainment technology, but only because it's tempered with strong garret energy.
garret energy is an underrated energy
If you get very interested in printing and books, few people know the field better than my old supervisor, Andrew Pettegree. His history of the library is outstanding but he’s written several other relevant books.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Library-Fragile-History-Arthur-Weduwen/dp/1788163435
good shout - thank you!
I love the picture you’ve illustrated your column with this week! It’s exquisite and really up my street!!
Isn't it great - from the gallery of maps in the vatican
Nice piece as ever James :) I would really recommend reading the Sam kimbriel piece on AI in Wisdom of Crowds! :)
thank you - i will check it out