it’s basically an appeal to art as a tool for transformation, not just an “ornament”, to the duty of an artist to give voice to people. it’s a bit bitter, but very moving, and a testimony to its place and time (Franquist Spain)
Language is the most powerful tool humanity has ever created. I’m not sure if I would go as far as to call it a technology.
The word technology was coined in the seventeenth century, if I’m not mistaken, and before that people used the word “mechanical arts”, referencing crafts like architecture, weaponry, agriculture, commerce and theatre.
This is brilliant! Great work, Jason. Your students are fortunate to have you at the front of the classroom. The learnings go both ways, no doubt. I'll be sharing this with the educators in my circle of friends.
Love this. Words have power, and poetry is a technology, an innovation of mind and voice. The tech bro obsession with speed and efficiency is how we get silly things like Soylent: because apparently even consuming food for sustenance is now not worth our time. Ludicrous.
I feel like Altman and crew would look at me crazy if I waxed poetic about the importance of doing things slowly and resisting the urge to boil things down.
What are we supposedly saving all of this time for (if AI even ends up saving us time, in the end) if we give up the ability to slow down and enjoy the poetry of life in the bargain?
Those final sentences are just right!
I make the case (only slightly tongue in cheek) that poetry is the most important thing we can study. https://www.juliangirdham.com/blog/on-the-importance-of-studying-poetry
Right!!
there’s a very famous spanish poem called “poetry is a gun loaded with future”
I like it!!
not sure it’s the best translation, but I found https://hjpolyglot.wordpress.com/2015/03/22/poetry-is-a-weapon-loaded-with-the-future/
it’s basically an appeal to art as a tool for transformation, not just an “ornament”, to the duty of an artist to give voice to people. it’s a bit bitter, but very moving, and a testimony to its place and time (Franquist Spain)
Language is the most powerful tool humanity has ever created. I’m not sure if I would go as far as to call it a technology.
The word technology was coined in the seventeenth century, if I’m not mistaken, and before that people used the word “mechanical arts”, referencing crafts like architecture, weaponry, agriculture, commerce and theatre.
Interesting point! What about writing itself?
That probably be more accurate, yes!
I’ve got to get back to my AI poetry.
Just like language, AI can be used to homogenize or it can be used to “heterogize.”
Right!
Great writing, Jason, enjoyed the point on slowing down.
Thank you, Qi!
One word: Šklovskij.
This is brilliant! Great work, Jason. Your students are fortunate to have you at the front of the classroom. The learnings go both ways, no doubt. I'll be sharing this with the educators in my circle of friends.
Thank you so much for that, Eric! I learned so much from them today!
Love this. Words have power, and poetry is a technology, an innovation of mind and voice. The tech bro obsession with speed and efficiency is how we get silly things like Soylent: because apparently even consuming food for sustenance is now not worth our time. Ludicrous.
I feel like Altman and crew would look at me crazy if I waxed poetic about the importance of doing things slowly and resisting the urge to boil things down.
What are we supposedly saving all of this time for (if AI even ends up saving us time, in the end) if we give up the ability to slow down and enjoy the poetry of life in the bargain?