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Tyler Cowen — The #1 bottleneck to AI progress is humans

Tyler Cowen — The #1 bottleneck to AI progress is humans

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This is my fourth interview with the pre-eminent infovore Tyler Cowen – and yet I’m always hearing new stuff from him. We talked at the Progress Conference 2024 about why he thinks AI won't drive explosive economic growth, the real bottlenecks on progress, him now writing for AIs instead of humans, and the difficult relationship between being cultured and fostering growth – among many other things. Thanks to the Roots of Progress Institute (with special thanks to Jason Crawford and Heike Larson) for such a wonderful conference, and to @freethink for the videography. Roots of Progress Institute: https://rootsofprogress.org/ 𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐃𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐊𝐒 * Transcript: https://www.dwarkeshpatel.com/p/tyler-cowen-4 * Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/3RFuS7b * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/48EIEaESY0IGxf02pzIEIN?si=d2S1y6HUQuulAOGKVV7GhQ 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐒 * I’m grateful to Tyler for volunteering to say a few words about Jane Street. It's the first time that a guest has participated in the sponsorship. I hope you can see why Tyler and I think so highly of Jane Street. To learn more about their open roles, go to https://janestreet.com/dwarkesh 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐒 00:00:00 - Economic Growth and AI 00:15:45 - Founder Mode and increasing variance 00:30:19 - Effective Altruism and Progress Studies 00:33:53 - What AI changes for Tyler 00:45:45 - The slow diffusion of innovation 00:50:41 - Stalin's library 00:53:07 - DC vs SF vs EU

Segments Timeline

1
0:48 - 3:15
2:26 duration510 words

The Limits of AI-Driven Economic Growth

Tyler Cowen discusses why he believes AI will not lead to explosive economic growth rates. He explains the concept of 'cost disease' in sectors that cannot effectively utilize AI, emphasizing that while some areas may see rapid growth, the overall economy will not experience a uniform surge. Cowen argues that bottlenecks in productivity and the marginal returns of intelligence will limit growth, despite advancements in AI.

"Tyler, welcome. Dwarkesh, great to be chatting with you.  Why won't we have explosive economic  growth, 20% plus, because of AI?  It's very hard to get explosive  economic growth for any reason,   AI ..."

2
3:15 - 5:00
1:44 duration354 words

Bottlenecks in Economic Growth

In this segment, Cowen reflects on historical perspectives of economic growth and bottlenecks. He compares the expectations of a farmer from 2000 BC regarding growth rates to modern predictions, emphasizing that despite advancements, significant bottlenecks remain. He critiques simplistic models of growth that focus solely on population increases, arguing that the quality of institutions and individuals is crucial for sustainable economic progress.

"you could agree with that, right? I don't know what the word "could" means. So I   would say this: You look at market data, say real  interest rates, stock prices, right now everything   looks so norm..."

3
5:00 - 6:48
1:48 duration384 words

The Role of Intelligence in Economic Development

Cowen discusses the scarcity of high-IQ workers and its implications for economic growth. He highlights the importance of not just having intelligent individuals but also how they interact within organizations. Cowen argues that while increasing the number of high-IQ workers could theoretically boost productivity, systemic bottlenecks will still hinder overall growth.

"You're one of our best people, right?  You're frustrated by all kinds of things.  I think I'm gonna be making a  lot more podcasts after AGI.  Okay, good. I'll listen.  I'll be bottlenecked by time.  ..."

4
6:48 - 8:02
1:13 duration264 words

AI's Gradual Impact on Growth

In this segment, Cowen predicts that AI will gradually enhance economic growth rates over decades rather than causing immediate revolutionary changes. He explains that while AI can streamline processes and reduce the time for innovations to reach the market, the overall impact will be subtle and felt over the long term, rather than explosive.

"bundles interacting with the rest of the world. Like just try going to a mid-tier state university   and sit down with the committee designed  to develop a plan for using artificial   intelligence in ..."

5
8:02 - 9:54
1:52 duration383 words

Institutional Bottlenecks and Economic Potential

Cowen emphasizes the importance of institutional reform in unlocking economic growth potential. He discusses how existing regulations and institutional frameworks can stifle innovation and growth, suggesting that addressing these bottlenecks is crucial for harnessing the benefits of AI and other technological advancements.

"feel it as so revolutionary for a long time. The whole vibe of this progress studies thing is,   look, we've got all these low-hanging fruits  or medium-hanging fruits that if we fix our   institution..."

6
9:54 - 12:15
2:21 duration499 words

Human Resistance to Change

Cowen addresses the human element as a significant bottleneck in the adoption of AI technologies. He discusses the potential for societal resistance to changes brought about by AI, highlighting the challenges of shifting mindsets and the fear of losing traditional ways of life. This resistance could slow down the integration of AI into various sectors.

"The fact that there's like a billion of your  GPT whatevers, which I'm all in love with,   I promise you it's going to take a while. What would the experts say if you said,   look, we're going to have..."

7
12:15 - 14:32
2:17 duration472 words

Evolving Perspectives on AI

In this concluding segment, Cowen reflects on his evolving views regarding AI's potential. He acknowledges that while he has become more optimistic about AI's capabilities, he remains cautious about its immediate impact on economic growth. Cowen discusses the rapid advancements in AI and their implications for future economic reasoning and productivity.

"have to go from the farmers to industrial  revolution 10x. You can just look at actually   cases in history where we have had 10x rates,  sorry, 10% increase rates of economic growth.   You go to Chin..."

8
14:06 - 15:02
0:55 duration196 words

AI's Rapid Progress

In this segment, Cowen reflects on his evolving perspective on AI, noting that he now sees more potential in its capabilities than he did a year ago. He discusses the impressive advancements in AI models and speculates on the future of AI surpassing human experts in economic reasoning, highlighting the rapid pace of development in the field.

"I don't remember what I thought in what month,  but I would say on the whole, I see more potential   in AI than I did a year ago. I think it has made  progress more quickly than I had been expecting, ..."

9
15:02 - 15:45
0:43 duration156 words

The Kasparov and Deep Blue Analogy

Cowen draws a parallel between his experience with AI and Garry Kasparov's matches against Deep Blue, illustrating the human bottlenecks in decision-making. He reflects on the implications of AI's capabilities and the potential for AI to outperform humans in complex tasks, emphasizing the ongoing evolution of AI technology.

"shocked if somebody's AI model, in less than  three years, beat human experts on a regular   basis. Let's put it that way. Did that update you in any way,   that now you've resigned on these questions..."

10
15:45 - 16:34
0:48 duration170 words

The Importance of Founders

Cowen discusses the significance of founders in organizations, emphasizing their unique courage and vision. He compares the Beatles' success to the importance of having founders at the helm of institutions, arguing that founders can navigate significant changes and maintain a creative direction, which is crucial for long-term success.

"Yesterday, Patrick was talking about  how important it is for the founders   of different institutions to hang around and be  the ones in charge. I've heard you talk about,   you know, the Beatles wer..."

11
16:34 - 18:57
2:23 duration250 words

Creative Tension in the Beatles

In this segment, Cowen analyzes the dynamics within the Beatles, highlighting how their creative tension contributed to their success. He reflects on the instability of their group and the impact of individual contributions, suggesting that their unique collaboration is a valuable case study in productivity and creativity.

"for courage. Those would be two reasons. How does that explain the Beatles' success?  Well, the Beatles are an interesting example. I  mean, they broke up in 1970, right? The Rolling   Stones are stil..."

12
18:57 - 20:20
1:22 duration283 words

Increasing Variance in Talent

Cowen presents his view on the competency crisis, arguing that while the top performers are excelling, there is a concerning decline in the middle tier of talent. He discusses the implications of this increasing variance in performance across different fields, including chess and sports, and the potential societal impacts.

"observation of the competency crisis? I see it differently from Patrick,   and he and I have discussed this. I think there's  basically increasing variance in the distribution.  Young people at the to..."

13
20:20 - 21:04
0:43 duration162 words

The State of Education and Test Scores

In this segment, Cowen addresses concerns about declining test scores and educational performance. He argues that while there may be some decline, the overall narrative is overblown, and he believes that the top performers are improving, suggesting a complex picture of educational outcomes.

"pretty proven by numbers that that's the case. I  would say this increasing variance is a weird mix   of where the gains and declines are showing up. I've said this to Patrick, and I'm going to say   ..."

14
21:04 - 22:06
1:02 duration229 words

The Stanford Experience

Cowen responds to anecdotal claims about the quality of students from Stanford, asserting that the institution continues to produce impressive graduates. He emphasizes the importance of high standards and the overall success of Stanford students in various fields, countering negative perceptions.

"there's a very modest decline, I would say. If the top is getting better, what do you make of   the anecdotal data he was talking about yesterday  where the Stanford kids come up to him and say,   "Al..."

15
22:06 - 23:49
1:43 duration301 words

Historical Perspectives on Leadership

Cowen reflects on historical leaders like Winston Churchill, discussing their early careers and the perceptions of their effectiveness. He contrasts past leaders with contemporary figures, exploring the complexities of leadership and the challenges faced by historical figures in their time.

"high standards the Beatles had. How old are you, by the way? Okay, now go back however many years.  Was there a 24-year-old like you doing   the equivalent of podcasting? It's just  clearly better now..."

16
23:49 - 28:25
4:35 duration853 words

The Rise of Destructive Leaders

In this segment, Cowen examines the emergence of destructive leaders in the early 20th century, discussing the factors that contributed to their rise. He highlights the impact of new technologies and societal disorientation, suggesting that these elements played a role in the selection of poor leadership during tumultuous times.

"Okay, so even if you don't buy the Stanford  kids, if you don't buy the young kids,   the other trend he was talking about, where  if you look at the leaders in government,   whatever you think of Tru..."

17
28:25 - 29:17
0:52 duration184 words

Volatility in Times of Change

Cowen discusses the volatility that often accompanies periods of significant change, using 17th-century England as a historical example. He explores the interplay of new ideas, economic growth, and global power dynamics, suggesting that such transitions can lead to instability and uncertainty.

"but that would be like a partial start. You compared our current period to 17th-century   England, where you have a lot of new ideas and  things go topsy-turvy. What's your theory of why   things go t..."

18
29:55 - 30:20
0:25 duration90 words

Navigating the Good and Bad of Change

Cowen reflects on the challenge of ensuring that societal advancements yield positive outcomes without descending into chaos. He emphasizes the importance of guiding progress to maximize benefits while minimizing the risks of societal upheaval.

"It seems like a simple question, but how  do you make sure we get the good things   and not the crazy civil war as well? You try at the margin to nudge toward   the better set of things. But it's poss..."

19
30:20 - 31:01
0:41 duration125 words

The Rise and Fall of Effective Altruism

Cowen discusses the trajectory of the Effective Altruism movement, predicting its decline after a peak period. He shares insights from his experiences at an EA meeting, highlighting the fragility of movements and the common patterns of rise and fall he has observed throughout history.

"What's your most underrated cult? Most underrated cult? Progress studies.  I think you called peak EA right before SBF fell. That's right. I was at an EA meeting, and I said,   "Hey everyone, this is ..."

20
31:01 - 32:39
1:37 duration309 words

Signs of Decline in Movements

Cowen elaborates on the indicators of decline in social movements, including excessive enthusiasm and lack of institutional support. He draws parallels with past movements, suggesting that the absence of solid foundations can lead to fragility and eventual collapse.

"Well, I was surprised when SBF was insolvent.  I thought it was a high-risk venture that had   no regulatory defense and would end up being  worth zero, but I didn't think he was actually   playing fu..."

21
32:39 - 33:29
0:50 duration170 words

The Future of Progress Studies

Cowen shares his vision for the future of Progress Studies, emphasizing its decentralized nature and potential for lasting impact. He expresses optimism about the positive changes it could bring to science policy and societal progress.

"still. And from this day onwards, I don't give  up that belief at all. But just as a movement,   I thought it was going to collapse. When do we hit peak progress studies?  You know, when Patrick and I..."

22
33:29 - 34:30
1:00 duration226 words

AI's Role in Progress Studies

Cowen discusses how the advent of AI influences his approach to Progress Studies. He highlights the increased complexity of decision-making and the rising value of human input in a world where AI plays a significant role.

"That's not proven yet. You see some signs of that.  You wouldn't say it's really flipped, but a lot of   reforms. You're in an area like no one else has  any idea, much less a better idea or a good id..."

23
34:30 - 35:54
1:24 duration270 words

Writing for AIs: A New Paradigm

Cowen reveals his shift in writing focus towards AIs, explaining that he aims to create content that resonates with AI systems. He argues that this approach is essential as AIs become a significant audience, shaping how future generations perceive his work.

"I think of myself over time as less a producer  of content and more a connector, people person,   developing networks in a way where if there  somehow had been no transformers and LLMs, I would   have..."

24
35:54 - 37:24
1:29 duration314 words

The Intangibles of Human Interaction

In a discussion about the limitations of AI, Cowen emphasizes the importance of human interaction in assessing potential. He reflects on how non-verbal cues and personal vibes play a crucial role in decision-making processes that AI cannot replicate.

"As far as I can tell, no one else is doing  this. No one is writing or recording for   the AIs very much. But if you believe even a  modest version of this progress—and I'm modest   in what I believe ..."

25
37:24 - 39:04
1:39 duration355 words

Identifying Talent in Interviews

Cowen shares insights on recognizing talent during interviews, highlighting the significance of candidates' ability to articulate their ideas and priorities. He discusses the common pitfalls that applicants face and the signals that indicate their potential for success.

"Do you actually have a conscious theory of what's  going on when you get on a call with somebody,   and three minutes later you're like, "You're  not getting the grant"? What happens?  Well, often the..."

26
39:04 - 40:51
1:47 duration371 words

The Value of Talent Clusters

Cowen examines the dynamics of talent clusters in innovation and achievement. He argues that exceptional individuals often gravitate towards each other, creating environments that foster extraordinary outcomes, while also acknowledging the scarcity of such talent.

"And what's going on with the 75%? We don't know. But I think you can   become much better at figuring out the  other 75%, partly just with practice.  Yesterday Patrick was talking about these  concent..."

27
40:51 - 42:03
1:12 duration248 words

The Future of AI and Economic Growth

Cowen concludes with thoughts on the potential impact of AI on economic growth rates. He raises questions about the implications of AI advancements for future progress and the challenges that may arise as society adapts to these changes.

"to be seen how much it helps us with that. I'm guessing ever since you wrote the progress   studies article, you got a lot of applications  for Emergent Ventures from people who want to   do some prog..."

28
42:44 - 44:09
1:24 duration278 words

The Value of Time Over Money

Cowen emphasizes that time is the true scarce resource, rather than money. He shares his perspective on wealth accumulation and the pursuit of knowledge, aspiring to become an 'information trillionaire.' This segment highlights the philosophical approach to wealth and the importance of intellectual growth.

"Why aren't you more leveraged if you think the  growth rate's going to go up even slightly?  Well, I also have this view: maybe a lot of  the equity premium is in the past. People,   especially in thi..."

29
44:09 - 45:24
1:14 duration229 words

The Role of Specialization in Progress

Cowen discusses the implications of specialization on individuality and progress, referencing Adam Smith's views. He expresses concerns about potential demoralization in the workforce due to AI and specialization, while maintaining a cautious optimism about future employment. This segment explores the balance between efficiency and personal fulfillment in a rapidly changing economy.

"that's great. I don't begrudge them that at all.  I think it's socially valuable. Let's have more   of it. Bring it on. But it's just not me. When I started my career, it was really   unknown that an ..."

30
45:24 - 46:57
1:32 duration311 words

Diminishing Returns and AI's Impact

In this segment, Cowen critiques the overvaluation of intelligence in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, arguing that it leads to misconceptions about the speed of technological diffusion. He discusses the historical context of diminishing returns and how it applies to AI, urging a more grounded understanding of progress. This segment provides insights into the economic principles that govern innovation.

"Was there a second field that you were  considering going to other than economics?  It was either economics or philosophy. And I saw,  back then--this would be the late 1970s--it was   much harder to ..."

31
46:57 - 48:18
1:20 duration285 words

Cultural Influences on Autocracy

Cowen examines the cultural factors that contribute to the rise of autocratic leaders, using Stalin as a case study. He contrasts this with modern examples of governance, such as the UAE, to illustrate that not all autocracies are led by the worst individuals. This segment delves into the complexities of leadership and governance in different cultural contexts.

"And that's not going to change. No one's built  a real model to show why it should change,   other than sort of hyperventilating blog posts  about everything's going to change right away.  The model i..."

32
48:18 - 54:55
6:37 duration1241 words

Contrasting Perspectives on Progress

Cowen contrasts the perspectives of audiences in Silicon Valley and Washington D.C. regarding progress studies. He highlights the differences in thinking between these two outlier regions, emphasizing the need for a balance between ambition and wisdom in fostering growth. This segment encapsulates the diverse attitudes towards innovation and cultural values in different parts of the world.

"One concern you could have about progress in  general is, if you look at the famous Adam   Smith example, you've got that pin maker,  and the specialization obviously has all   these efficiencies. But..."

33
54:30 - 55:39
1:08 duration231 words

The American Cultural Dichotomy

Cowen reflects on his identity as an American and how it shapes his understanding of culture compared to Europeans. He humorously describes himself as a 'barbarian' with a veneer of culture, emphasizing the differences in cultural appreciation and intellectual engagement between himself and cultured Europeans. This segment explores the complexities of cultural identity and the perception of sophistication.

"So there's some way in which all these things have  to balance. I think the US has done a marvelous   job at that, and we need to preserve that. What I see happening—the UK used to do a   great job at..."

34
55:39 - 56:39
1:00 duration191 words

Redefining Autism

In this thought-provoking segment, Cowen challenges conventional definitions of autism, suggesting that many people may fall under a broader, yet unrecognized, definition. He critiques the negative connotations associated with the term and calls for a reevaluation of how we understand autism, hinting at the potential for a more inclusive perspective on neurodiversity.

"feel the French person is very foreign from me. And there's something about America they might   find strange or repellent. And I'm just so used  to it. I see intellectually how many areas we   fall f..."

35
56:39 - 58:02
1:22 duration271 words

Tech's Influence in Washington

Cowen addresses the perceived lack of influence that the tech industry has in Washington D.C. He argues that, contrary to popular belief, tech is gaining influence through national security concerns. Cowen compares the tech industry's political clout to that of community bankers, highlighting the unique challenges tech faces in navigating political landscapes and the importance of understanding these dynamics.

"One frustration that tech people have is that  they have very little influence, it seems,   in Washington compared to how big that industry  is. Industries that are much smaller will have   much great..."

36
58:02 - 59:54
1:52 duration374 words

The Interplay of Progress and War

In this concluding segment, Cowen expresses his concerns about the relationship between technological progress and the potential for war. He reflects on historical patterns where advancements have led to conflict and warns of the destructive potential of future technologies. Despite these concerns, he ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing human agency and the importance of leveraging our heritage for positive outcomes.

"You all here are so far from that, in part  because you're dynamic and you're clustered.  Final question. Based on yesterday's session,  it seems like Patrick's main misgiving with   progress is that ..."