Happy Holidays (and an update)
Every ending is a new beginning, they say.
As we wind down 2023, I wanted to say a quick thank you to my old (and new) subscribers. A few weeks ago, I shared that I’d be returning to this space (more or less regularly) in the coming months. And I’m hoping we can start a few important conversations together.
I’ll put my cards on the table: despite a history of public writing, I’ve spent much of the last decade(!) writing in private. First, in service of a doctoral program. Second, because my current work tends to be inward looking — translating the world at large into guidance of a kind. In lockstep, though, I’ve had more than few projects start and stop on my desk — their ache to live and breathe in the world still felt. It feels restorative to be here. Back. And with you.
So, as we approach year’s end, I’ll consider this my writer’s resolution: a commitment to showing up on these pages (more or less predictably) in the days, weeks, and months to come.
What will you receive by following along? Consider this a moveable feast. But a few pre-highlights to share:
The first review essay. This one will unpack David Runciman’s new book, The Handover: How We Gave Control of Our Lives to Corporations, States, and AIs. This essay will coincide with the public release (early January) of the accompanying podcast (recorded for Intelligence Squared) — a conversation I highly recommend given David’s thoughtful engagement. If you are an Intelligence Squared member, you’ll be able to access the video podcast in the coming days.
An outline of my book project — and a series of related debates and discussions we ought to be having in our “AI moment.” What you won’t read here: existential risk chatter and anxious concern about the “singularity” — that moment of AI takeoff that leaves us little more than dust (or transmogrified into billions of paper clips). The point of this newsletter/space is to contextualize our panicked present, and explore how technology influences (or has already begun to fundamentally reshape) our lived experiences in ways that should give us pause.
A podcast(!) Inspired by my discussion with David for Intelligence Squared, I’ll be launching a companion podcast where I’ll connect with authors directly to discuss their work in the context of our present. More on this in the weeks to come, but recommendations or requests for books/authors are always welcome.
Notes and chats: From time to time — and particularly if my missives are short — I may share through the note/chat function here on Substack. For readers, these are best (most effectively) accessed through the Substack App. I’ll be honest: no one needs another app. However, if you’ve got a compatible device, and you’re keen to keep the conversation going, you can add it to your digital life by clicking here.
In short, I want to ensure this is a space of honest engagement — both with you and the material. For that reason, I’ll avoid spam-posting or waxing poetic re: current events (unless it has real resonance for the themes/ideas explored here). I also know that your time is precious and it’s one of the only resources we can’t replenish along the way, so — from the depths — thank you for being here. I hope you’ll stick around.