Synthetic Minds | We Discover AI, Not Invent It

Synthetic minds is evolving. Short bi-weekly insights to get you thinking. If you enjoy it, please forward. If you need more insights, subscribe to Futurwise and get 25% off for the first three months!

𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗜, 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁. And that distinction matters more than most admit.

For 80 years, progress has been uneven. Breakthroughs. Hype. Then long winters where little moved forward. That pattern alone should remind us: we are not in full control. And if control is an illusion, shouldn’t caution be our compass?

The truth is unsettling. Much of AI operates as a black box. We can observe patterns, test boundaries, even peek inside. But the deeper logic, the 𝙬𝙝𝙮 behind decisions, remains hidden. We’re advancing at breakneck speed without understanding the core mechanics of what we’re building.

It seems like humanity is driving a supercar at 200 mph, blindfolded, with no clear idea where the finish line lies. We call it “innovation.” But in reality, it’s a race we don’t fully comprehend, one where the risks may outpace the rewards.

Maybe the real finish line isn’t about being first. Maybe it’s about ensuring that when we arrive, the technology we’ve built uplifts humanity, not just a handful of tech bros. 

That requires shifting from competition to collaboration, from secrecy to shared responsibility. Because discovery, unlike invention, is not ours alone to own.

So here’s my question: if AI is discovery rather than invention, how do we build the guardrails to ensure what we find doesn’t destroy what we value most?

'Synthetic Minds' continues to reflect the synthetic forces reshaping our world. Quick, curated insights to feed your quest for a better understanding of our evolving synthetic future, powered by Futurwise:

1. Sydney students fixed the James Webb Space Telescope's blurry images using Aussie software! Unlocking its full potential in detecting Earth-like planets. (Brisbane Times)

2. Don't let AI Slop kill creativity! Support human-made content and join the movement to preserve the integrity of human knowledge. (Kurzgesagt)

3. China's export controls could pop the AI bubble, affecting the global economy. What are the implications? (BIG by Matt Stoller)

4. Bhutan adopts Ethereum for decentralized identity, marking a significant step towards a more secure digital future. (Cryptoslate)

5. Solar 'tornadoes' could wreak havoc on Earth's magnetic field! Learn more about the impact of geomagnetic storms on our planet's infrastructure. (Science Alert)

If you are interested in more insights, grab my latest book Now What? How to Ride the Tsunami of Change and learn how to embrace a mindset that can deal with exponential change.

Thank you.
Mark