The quintessential criticism of augmentation systems - as expressed by a Zen Monk:
The quintessential criticism of augmentation systems - as expressed by a Zen Monk:
Theory: In 90% of real world Machine Learning use-cases, the ML could be replaced with alternative techniques which are 90% simpler (to understand, deploy, maintain, etc.) and 90%+ as effective. The results of design driven by techno-fetishism, instead of real human needs.
The unbounded cult of measurability is suffocating humanity and nature. The very notion that we can only value and take serious that which we can "fully understand" (science & engineering culture) is delusional.
The growing outrage about rampant economic inequalities and rise of total surveillance police states run by mega-corps more powerful than nations, is largely wasted energy if no practical actions follow: It's time for a p2p take-over of infrastructure - the kleptocrats bank.
Thinking of this quote every time i see yet another project using ultra-complex machine learning/robotics to "optimise" mindless mass consumerism - so people can "buy things they don't need with money they don't have to impress people they don't like".
"The bicycle is the most efficient machine ever created. Converting calories into gas, a bicycle gets the equivalent of three thousand miles per gallon." —Bill Strickland
Using Machine Learning for RTM ("Reality Tunnel Management") is a great opportunity ("show me how cities look like without cars" etc) but even greater challenge ("I'm so deeply invested in virtual reality, i don't care about climate change etc). The sirens from Greek mythology.
"First attempt at removing cars off the roads with neural nets":
https://twitter.com/otduet/status/1125390364691640321
Water is source and destiny. The human (85% water flesh bag) relation with water sources is sacred & needs to be declared as such. It is the defining topic of ancient times and imminent futures.
Silicon Valley only works cause it leverages OpenSource Code (Linux etc), OpenAccess Science (Arxiv etc) & OpenPlatform Labour (Uber etc.). Yet, it then predominantly breaks the virtuous open cycle & siphons off the value generated by the commons to capitalist billionaires. Why?
Our current modus operandi of technology design is a key driver of catastrophic biodiversity loss. It's time to move from ego-centric design to eco-centric design.
image via https://twitter.com/IPBES/status/1125371939562971138
#Regenerative #Design #ClimateChange #Ideas
“There is absolutely no inevitability as long as there is a willingness to contemplate what is happening.” - Marshall McLuhan
For more than 25 years, i was occasionally upset about not haven gone through specific types of formal education to acquire specialised knowledge. Today, i acknowledge this perceived "lack of patterning of thought" as an advantage - as "not knowing" creates space for silence, intuition, care and play. A beginners mind is much harder to attain and maintain than any secret expertise, arcane knowledge. Living processes - not dead artefacts - line the path to equanimity.
Highly Accessible, Open-Source, Citizen-Owned, Low-Tech, Nature-Based Processes and Technologies that enable a resilient & regenerative urban infrastructure transformation - WAY more exciting & sane than all of the high-tech visions (AI, Bots, etc.) I've seen in recent years.
There should be a law (or incentive system) for all engineers to have to work in human-care (midwife, nurse, elderly-care, kindergartener etc.) for a minimum of 1 year during their education/career. Convinced it would have a tremendous positive impact on the discipline & society.
"banish the blank page" was one of my driving visions for years while working on generative/ creative ML systems. In recent times, I've changed my mind: the blank page is a wonderful thing - limitless freedom for human imagination, which I don't want machines to occupy.