5 Link Friday #002
Week of 18th December 2023
Oh, Hello!
Welcome to the #002 of 5-Link Friday.
Our goal with posts of this nature is to share five links- just 5 links- with you which we believe is at the intersection of science and technology, economics, progress, and individual autonomy.
Your 5LF
Books I loved Reading in 2023 - Vivek Kaul
Vivek Kaul loves reading crime fiction. Vivek Kaul also reads a lot of books. Here’s his best of 2023 list on the books he read through the year.
Link Here 👉 : https://www.livemint.com/mint-top-newsletter/easynomics20122023.html
Using LLMs to make Math and Computer Science Breakthroughs
The DeepMind blog discusses "FunSearch", a novel approach that utilizes Large Language Models (LLMs) to discover new solutions in mathematical and computer science fields. This method pairs an LLM with an automated evaluator to refine creative ideas into verifiable knowledge, achieving breakthroughs in problems like the cap set problem in mathematics and the bin packing problem in computing. FunSearch's innovation lies in generating concise, interpretable programs that reveal their solution construction process, enhancing scientific understanding and potential applications in various fields.
Link Here 👉 : https://deepmind.google/discover/blog/funsearch-making-new-discoveries-in-mathematical-sciences-using-large-language-models/
Kanika Agarrwal’s Thread on The Failure of Her Startup, Upside
Kanika outlines lessons and reflections on what went wrong at her startup, Upside. Her insights are deep, fair, objective, and extremely valuable for those of us building companies and aspiring to achieve massive scale.
Link Here 👉 : https://twitter.com/kanika_agarrwal/status/1737038948160225749
Sam Harris on: Vipassana vs. Dzogchen, Looking for the Looker, and Psychic Powers
The podcast episode from Ten Percent Happier features Sam Harris discussing various topics, including the psychological benefits of quitting Twitter, a comparison between Vipassana and Dzogchen meditation, the concept of "looking for the looker," and his views on the metaphysics of meditation and psychic powers. Sam Harris is a neuroscientist, philosopher, and author known for his work across various fields, including neuroscience, moral philosophy, and meditation practice.
Link Here 👉 : https://www.tenpercent.com/tph/podcast-episode/sam-harris-2023
Vitalik Buterin’s Definition and Perspectives on Techno-Optimism
In his article "My Techno-Optimism," Vitalik Buterin discusses his nuanced perspective on technological advancements. He argues for the immense potential of technology to create a brighter future but emphasizes the need for thoughtful selection of technological directions. Buterin reflects on both the positive impacts of technology, like improvements in life expectancy and accessibility, and the risks associated with unregulated technological growth, particularly in the context of AI and its potential for misuse in surveillance and warfare.
Link Here 👉 : https://vitalik.eth.limo/general/2023/11/27/techno_optimism.html
Thanks for reading this edition of the 5-Link Friday.
We’ll be back next week with the latest dose of progress, science, and prosperity for your consideration.
Have fun and stay safe.