Weekend Briefing No. 490

A Saturday morning briefing on innovation and society.

Welcome to the weekend.

As mentioned last week, I’m experimenting with a new section called Featured Comment, in which I feature my favorite comment from the previous week. You’ll see the first one below.

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Featured Comment

In response to last week’s story Techno-Polar Order:

It seems likely to me the path ahead will be bumpy; characterized by moments where governments, market pressures and the good intentions of technology leaders vie for a power they cannot fully grasp…let alone control. - Carter Crockett

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Prime Numbers

$7 trillion — A Goldman Sachs report found that artificial intelligence (AI) automation could impact 300 million jobs globally and boost global gross domestic product (GDP) by 7%, or $7 trillion per year.

29% — France consumes 29% of the global supply of rosé, or roughly 20 bottles per person per year.

1 — A bill regulating gas stations in Oregon ends the state’s practice of requiring an attendant to pump gasoline. That means that there’s only 1 state in the country that doesn’t let you pump your own gas: New Jersey.

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AI Leapfrogging

The same way mobile payments leapfrogged credit cards in some markets and mobile phones leapfrogged desktop computers in developing economies, AI will (at least initially) leapfrog traditional software solutions in some industries. Founders are eager to apply AI to digitized industries that seem “the most ready for it.” But that’s not where we’re going to make the biggest impact. Where will this happen? The majority of the productivity gains from the past decade of digitization were realized by a few major verticals (tech, media and finance). But there are still many verticals where protocols and software haven’t changed much in 20-plus years, and the SaaS revolution didn’t leave a mark. There are still industries that, quite literally, still use pen and paper. Sectors like agriculture, hospitality, education, legal, construction and manufacturing are primed for what we call “AI leapfrogging.” If executed correctly, AI has the potential to reach new demographics of users who were bypassed by the previous software revolutions. If packaged intuitively, AI can go where no software has gone before. NFX (14 minutes)

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In what sector (or specific problem) do you think that AI will leapfrog traditional software solutions and have a real impact?

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Demonstrating Leadership

Here are five ways to demonstrate leadership, whether you have a leadership role in your organization or not. 1) Take responsibility. Take initiative. Volunteer for projects that offer a real chance to either use or further develop your skills. Own your project even when projects go wrong. Great leaders take ownership of problems and work to find lessons and solutions. 2) Ask questions. Asking questions shows your dedication and enthusiasm to the team, and your ability to see things others may not see. Eventually, asking intelligent questions often leads to you being seen as a source for advice and aid — and maybe even being trusted with a new leadership role. 3) Deliver. Always deliver what you promise. Get your work done on time and to the standard that’s expected. TED (5 minutes)

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It’s Time to Change the Narrative

Stories shape our world. What we’re told and taught throughout history, ultimately, we too will think and believe. What if we were to peel back the layers of certain narratives? What would the truth reveal? More importantly, what would it reveal about our own limitations? Uzodinma Iweala, CEO of The Africa Center — a DRK Foundation portfolio organization — poses the question, “How does narrative shape the way that we think about a continent?” He says, “For generations, the narratives about Africa oftentimes use language that is fundamentally dehumanizing … categorizing the whole continent as a place of despair … a place without hope.” But Africa is one of the most resource-abundant continents, accounting for more than 30% of the world’s known mineral resources. It is one of the most fertile, rich lands for agriculture, and its people are leaders who contribute greatly to the global economy. Iweala wants us to re-think our dated narratives and re-shape new narratives about who the people of Africa are … the good, the complex, the interesting … to begin a new story of the continent that is real.  DRK Foundation (Sponsored)

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Meat From a Lab

The Agriculture Department granted approval to cultivated meat producers for the first time in the United States, representing a watershed moment for the alternative protein industry. Lab-grown meat begins with cells taken from an animal. Those cells are then fed water and salt and nutrients like amino acids, vitamins and minerals. The cells then multiply in large tanks called cultivators or bioreactors. When harvested, the product is essentially minced meat, which is then formed into patties, sausage or filets. The meat contains no bones, feathers, beaks or hooves, and does not need to be slaughtered. Supporters of cultivated meat say the product has better outcomes for the environment, food safety and animal welfare. But skeptics are wary of scientific and safety risks, and say the purported environmental benefits are unproven. Difficulties remain over how to increase the product for mass consumption. It will likely be years before shoppers can buy lab-produced meat in grocery stores. New York Times (6 minutes)

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The Burden of Knowledge

Investors, operators and founders should be cognizant of the pivotal role that AI  plays in knowledge accumulation and innovation, which is intrinsically linked to human progress. While humans have traditionally propelled innovation by building upon the knowledge of previous generations, the accumulation of knowledge over time has also resulted in what economist Benjamin Jones calls the “burden of knowledge,” where reaching the frontier of knowledge takes increasingly longer for successive generations. In contrast, AI systems do not suffer from this burden, as they continuously evolve and improve without degradation. This rapid progression of AI may eventually lead to a dichotomy where AI acquires knowledge at a pace and depth that outstrips human comprehension, akin to an invasive species outcompeting the native. This prospect prompts some visionaries to explore unconventional solutions, such as human enhancement through brain-computer interfaces or life extension technologies, to bridge the gap between human and AI capabilities. As AI advances, society might find itself in a landscape where human life is increasingly intertwined with complex systems that operate beyond human understanding, necessitating a new form of faith in the technologies we partially comprehend. The Generalist (9 minutes)

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The Buffet Is Back

Buffets, once considered a public health pariah amid the pandemic, are now witnessing a renaissance, as Americans, with their zeal for variety and value, are flocking back to the all-you-can-eat counters. In a staggering turnaround, visits to well-known buffet chains such as Golden Corral, Cicis and Pizza Ranch escalated by 125% in March compared to January 2021, while opulent establishments in Las Vegas like Caesars Palace and the Bellagio are also reveling in increased patronage. The confluence of inflation and rising food costs driving consumers to seek value, coupled with a nostalgia-laden affinity among Gen Xers and Millennials, has rejuvenated the buffet scene. Notably, the surviving buffet restaurants have integrated technology to meticulously monitor consumer patterns, optimize service and curtail waste, heralding an evolved and adaptable buffet experience for the post-pandemic diner. New York Times (8 minutes)

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Rick Rubin

Rick Rubin is one of the most successful music producers of all time. In this 60 Minutes interview, he takes us into his process, which is much more about finding a feeling and stripping away the rest. He’s able to produce hits precisely because that’s not his goal. His goal is to allow the artist to find and express an authentic feeling. When it happens, it makes the audience lean forward and say, “This is the best music I’ve ever heard” and not know why.  60 Minutes (14 minutes)

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Should We Work Together?

Hi! I’m Kyle. This newsletter is my passion project. When I’m not writing, I run a law firm that helps startups move fast without breaking things. Most founders want a trusted legal partner, but they hate surprise legal bills. At Westaway, we take care of your startup’s legal needs for a flat, monthly fee so you can control your costs and focus on scaling your business. If you’re interested, let’s jump on a call to see if you’re a good fit for the firm. Click here to schedule a one-on-one call with me.

Check out Founder Fridays — A Friday morning briefing helping founders scale smarter.

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Weekend Wisdom

For me, the Beatles are proof of the existence of God. -Rick Rubin