Crazy Wisdom
Stewart Alsop
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Episode #400: From the Deseret Alphabet to AI: The Hidden Language of Progress
In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom podcast, host Stewart Alsop welcomes guest Neal Davies, a former computer science professor and nuclear engineering PhD, currently working at the Urbit Foundation. Their conversation covers a range of intriguing topics including the Deseret Alphabet, a phonetic alphabet from the 19th century, Neal’s experiences balancing generalist and specialist roles, and the influence of AI in both his work and the world at large. Neal also shares his insights on syntax, symbols, and the cultural shifts that have shaped modern consciousness. You can connect with Neal on Twitter @Sigilante or find him on Urbit as @Lagravnokvap. Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:19 Exploring the Deseret Alphabet04:02 Challenges and Rewards of Being a Generalist06:47 Impact of AI on Generalism and Specialization08:24 AI in Code and Image Generation13:43 Salvador Dali's Paranoiac Critical Method17:18 Symbolism in Art and Language20:49 The Spiritual Connection with Language30:05 Greek Influence on Language and Zero32:59 Exploring Number Systems35:10 Rational Numbers and Greek Innovations38:12 The Evolution of Linguistic Systems40:29 Cultural Shifts: 1870s to 1960s45:46 The Impact of the 1960s on Modern Thought49:58 The Role of Illegible Spaces in Innovation56:11 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions Key Insights 1-Deseret Alphabet as a Cultural and Linguistic Experiment: Neal Davies is deeply fascinated by the 19th-century Deseret Alphabet, a phonetic alphabet created to help immigrants in Utah become literate. Its unique structure and religious origins present a profound example of how language can be intentionally shaped to serve a community, although this project ultimately didn’t gain widespread adoption.2-Balancing Generalism and Specialization: Neal shares his personal journey of pursuing generalist roles while maintaining expertise in specific fields like computer science and nuclear engineering. He emphasizes the value of broad, diverse knowledge in a world that often rewards specialization. His approach allows for flexibility and creativity in problem-solving, despite the professional challenges generalists may face in a society focused on specialization.3-AI as a Tool for Productivity, Not Replacement: Neal highlights the utility of AI in his work, particularly in code generation and ideation. He discusses how tools like GitHub’s Copilot act as force multipliers for developers, offering a starting point that saves time without replacing the critical thinking required for final implementation. AI is seen as a support system for creativity, especially in programming and image generation.4-Syntax and Symbols as Catalysts for Thought: Neal discusses the profound relationship between syntax, symbols, and thought. By exploring different symbol systems, such as mathematical notation or alphabets like Deseret, he argues that they can unlock new ways of thinking. Symbol systems not only shape reasoning but allow people to build layers of understanding and explore more complex ideas.5-Cultural Experimentation and Enclaves: Reflecting on the importance of high variance in human endeavor, Neal supports creating enclaves of culture and thought outside the mainstream. He argues that monoculture, driven by surveillance and conformity, limits the ability to think freely and explore novel solutions. Platforms like Urbit, which emphasize privacy and decentralized communication, provide a space for communities to experiment and innovate without being surveilled or controlled.6-The Failure and Legacy of the 1960s Counterculture: Neal suggests that the cultural revolution of the 1960s was an ambitious attempt at societal transformation that ultimately failed. Co-opted by commercialism, politics, and other forces, the movement couldn’t fully realize its vision of reshaping consciousness. However, it planted seeds for future cultural shifts, much like
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