All Segments
Nathan Baschez — On AI Writing, Thought Design & Solo Foundership | Episode 265
58 segments available
Nathan Baschez is the cofounder and CEO of Lex, an AI word-processor. He also cofounded Every, was the first employee at Substack AND co-created Product Hunt. Suffice to say, Nathan knows a thing or two about building on the internet. He joins the show to discuss how AI is changing writing, why it’s time to rethink the article, the rise of solo founders and MUCH more! Important Links: - Lex - https://lex.page - Twitter - https://x.com/nbashaw/ - Substack - https://substack.com/@nbaschez - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nbashaw/ Show Notes: 0:00:00 Intro 0:01:04 Guest introduction 0:03:32 Lex: Your Spotter In the Writing Gym 0:07:43 Letting People Into Your Creative Process 0:09:01 Collaboration-as-a-Service 0:13:19 Creation Is Fundamentally About Choices 0:21:59 What Will Become of the AI Holdouts? 0:38:08 AI Is Like the Internet In 1995 0:40:19 Can AI Unfuck the Government? 0:46:21 Blindspots While Working In Organizations 0:49:10 Rethinking The ‘Article’ As A Medium 0:54:18 Memes Are Dense Information Packets 0:59:15 It’s Time for Solo Founders 1:02:39 Why Learning About Cumulative Cultural Evolution Is Vital 1:11:17 What’s Next for Lex? 1:21:58 Writing As A Way To Design Thoughts 1:26:59 Nathan As World Emperor Books Mentioned: - A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life; by George Saunders - The WEIRDest People in the World: How the West Became Psychologically Peculiar and Particularly Prosperous; by Joseph Henrich - The Secret of Our Success: How Culture Is Driving Human Evolution, Domesticating Our Species, and Making Us Smarter; by Joseph Henrich
Segments Timeline
The Role of AI in Creativity
Nathan Baschez discusses the evolving role of AI in the creative process, emphasizing that while AI can assist, true creation remains a human endeavor. He argues that creation is fundamentally about choices and that AI should be viewed as a tool that reflects the creator's intent rather than a replacement for human creativity.
"Well, well, with AI, like everyone's going to be actually curators now rather than creators. And I don't think that's right. I I think that people still are the creators, but creation is fundamentally..."
Introducing Lex: Your Writing Spotter
In this segment, Nathan introduces Lex, an AI word processor designed to enhance the writing experience. He likens Lex to a gym trainer, helping writers push their boundaries and improve their craft, while also addressing common misconceptions about AI in writing.
"O'anosy with yet another Infinite Loops. I am very excited about today's guest, Nathan Bashez, co-founder and CEO of Lex, which is an AI word processor with the editor built right in, which I think is..."
Writing as Thinking: The Importance of Journaling
Nathan shares his personal relationship with writing, describing it as a form of thinking. He explains how journaling helps clarify his thoughts and ideas, and how writing can often feel challenging yet rewarding, similar to a workout at the gym.
"uh that Walt Whitman line, I contain multitudes. So, I've I've written four books. I write endlessly in journals, but often I really hate writing. Yeah. But I obviously there's something I I kind of t..."
Lex as a Collaborative Writing Tool
Nathan elaborates on how Lex functions as a collaborative tool, allowing writers to engage with AI for feedback and suggestions. He highlights the efficiency of using AI to fact-check and refine ideas without disrupting the writing flow.
"like the gym, right? It's like good for us, can be painful, but like feels like in the end we're glad we did it, right? Yeah. Um, so like maybe one way to think about Lex if we're extending the gym an..."
AI's Role in Enhancing Writing Quality
In this segment, Nathan discusses how AI can assist writers in improving their work by providing suggestions for better phrasing and transitions. He emphasizes that AI serves as a valuable partner in the writing process, helping to refine ideas and enhance clarity.
"there's this huge just giant misconception around especially with kind of top writers about what kind of role AI could play in the writing process. And you get a lot of writers that are very, you know..."
The Mindset Shift: Embracing AI in Writing
Nathan addresses the common skepticism surrounding AI in writing, encouraging writers to adopt a mindset of exploration rather than criticism. He believes that viewing AI as a tool for discovery can lead to more innovative and effective writing.
"from a lot of other like the kind of first thing you think of when you think of AI writing is tools that do that, right? Yep. So, our thought our thought about it is like here's here's the main way I ..."
AI: A Mirror, Not a Mold
Nathan articulates his perspective that AI should be seen as a mirror reflecting the writer's creativity rather than a mold that dictates it. He argues that AI can enhance the creative process by providing new options and insights, ultimately enriching the writer's voice.
"collaborating wring like it would be a Google doc right in the comments of specific lines that I'm writing. And by the way, it also is great at like, hey, this transition I know is a bit clunky. Can y..."
The Value of Diverse Inputs in Writing
In this segment, Nathan discusses the importance of diverse inputs in writing, including reading widely and engaging with trusted editors. He emphasizes that AI can be a valuable addition to this mix, offering new perspectives and ideas to enhance the writing process.
"wrong way of how to relate to the things it's telling you. You know, because it takes the form factor of a chatbot, it feels kind of like it's a person. And a lot of times if a person gives you a cert..."
AI's Potential in the Writing Landscape
Nathan reflects on the potential of AI as a transformative tool in writing, comparing its impact to that of the internet. He encourages writers to embrace AI as a means of enhancing their craft and expanding their creative possibilities.
"approach it. I think the right way to approach it is you're you're digging for gold. There's going to be a lot of dirt and rocks and other stuff that you might, you know, but like if you you keep poki..."
The Future of AI in Education and Writing
Nathan critiques the current hesitance in educational institutions to embrace AI, drawing parallels to past technological advancements. He argues for the necessity of integrating AI into writing and education to foster innovation and creativity.
"saying that. But in some cases, it it almost is people who are just kind of emerging. uh and you know one said to me uh you know why don't you just market it as thinking as a service and I'm like no n..."
AI as a Tool for Critical Thinking
Nathan discusses how AI can enhance critical thinking in writing by encouraging writers to consider opposing viewpoints. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with diverse perspectives to strengthen arguments and improve overall writing quality.
"seeing the same thing with schools without really thinking about it, banning AI. It's just like it drives me crazy because it's like, "Hey, we just discovered how to consistently start a fire." No. Ye..."
The Creative Process: Choices and AI
In this segment, Nathan reiterates that creativity is about making choices and that AI can provide additional options for writers. He encourages writers to leverage AI to explore new ideas and enhance their creative output.
"thought about that. How do you think like right I another thing that I hear uh from some writers is you know when when I'm talking about the things we're doing at Infinite Books I I basically say you ..."
The Value of Choices in Creation
Nathan Baschez discusses the misconception that AI will turn everyone into curators instead of creators. He emphasizes that creation is fundamentally about making choices and how AI can enhance this process by providing more options. He highlights the importance of learning how to effectively prompt AI to get the most out of it, especially for experienced writers who seek depth in their work.
"well, with AI, like everyone's going to be actually curators now rather than creators. And I don't think that's right. I I think that people still are the creators, but creation is fundamentally about..."
The Evolution of Research with AI
In this segment, Nathan reflects on the time-consuming nature of research before AI, sharing his personal experience of spending days in libraries. He contrasts this with the efficiency of using AI for quick information retrieval, illustrating how AI can streamline the research process and allow writers to focus on creativity rather than getting bogged down in preliminary research.
"either a they're not doing it cuz it's just the cost was too high or b they're doing it but it's taking them way out of the flow of their writing, right? right? Cuz it's like, "Oh, now I'm going to go..."
AI's Role in Everyday Curiosity
Nathan shares a personal anecdote about using AI to satisfy a spontaneous curiosity about why barns are red, showcasing how AI can replace traditional search methods. He discusses the potential of AI to enhance everyday learning and exploration, making information more accessible and engaging.
"my time. And yeah, I have found that with AI, one of the things that I love about it is like even over like goo, I don't use Google anymore, right? I I just literally because with AI, we have an inter..."
The Adoption Curve of AI in Writing
Nathan explores the adoption curve of AI in writing, comparing it to past technological innovations. He discusses the divide between early adopters and those who are hesitant to embrace AI, emphasizing the importance of understanding how individuals choose to integrate AI into their lives and the potential consequences of this divide.
"why are read and you know you find out what you want to know. Yeah. And so I I just think though that we also see a repetition whenever any new technology debuts, right? You get the moral panics, you ..."
The Emotional Impact of AI Adoption
In this segment, Nathan reflects on the emotional barriers that may prevent people from adopting AI technologies. He discusses the societal implications of this divide and the need to guide individuals towards productive uses of AI, rather than allowing them to fall into passive consumption.
"senitar model right human plus machine that's that's where the magic happens right because I I kind of think of all the various large language models and and other AI that we use as just a massive bui..."
Navigating the AI Landscape
Nathan discusses the potential for a cultural divide between those who embrace AI and those who resist it. He draws parallels to past technological shifts and emphasizes the importance of understanding the motivations behind people's choices regarding AI, particularly in relation to creativity and productivity.
"silly stuff but like I do think there's a bit of a like and and this kind of scares me because I I'm I'm not a kind of I have an extreme aversion. Anytime anyone tries to like sort of say like ah ther..."
The Future of AI and Human Interaction
Nathan shares his thoughts on the future of AI and its impact on human relationships. He expresses concern about the potential for AI to create unrealistic expectations in personal interactions and emphasizes the importance of using AI as a tool for learning and growth rather than as a substitute for genuine human connection.
"of are most uh loud about it kind of say. But it I do think it's a little bit real. But I think that gap is a cuz I think that basically people will figure out the way that AI comes into their life. A..."
AI in Therapy: A New Frontier
In this segment, Nathan discusses the potential of AI in therapeutic settings, highlighting its ability to provide a non-judgmental space for individuals to express their thoughts and feelings. He contrasts this with the challenges of sharing personal issues with human therapists, suggesting that AI could play a significant role in mental health support.
"kind of direction. Yeah and that is something that I think about a lot too. Um and is I I am super pro AI. I think that it is going to elevate uh our ability to think new thoughts uh to innovate thing..."
The Emotional Component of AI Resistance
Nathan delves into the emotional aspects of why some individuals resist adopting AI technologies. He discusses the difference between those who have access to AI and choose not to use it, and those who may lack access altogether, emphasizing the need to understand these emotional barriers to foster broader acceptance of AI.
"it, don't use it for whatever reason. And and and my worry there is like it's a it's a bit like uh no, I'm happy with this bicycle. Um and we're all whizzing by them in our self-driving cars. You know..."
The Cultural Divide of AI Adoption
Nathan reflects on the cultural implications of AI adoption, comparing it to historical technological shifts. He discusses the potential for a lasting subculture of AI holdouts and the various reasons behind their resistance, including concerns about creativity and copyright.
"everywhere. It's right on their cell phone or whatever. and and they they seem it it's it's like the idea that there there's a certain class of people that I have seen who confuse ought with is and by..."
AI's Role in Personal Growth
In this segment, Nathan emphasizes the transformative potential of AI in personal development and creativity. He discusses the importance of using AI as a tool for self-improvement and innovation, while also acknowledging the emotional challenges that may arise in the process.
"smartphones. It's an interesting observation for sure. Yeah, I think you're right. Um you know, and I have no problem with that. Right. It's you do you and if that's the way you want to live life that..."
Crafting Effective AI Prompts
Nathan shares insights on how to effectively interact with AI to achieve desired outcomes. He discusses the challenges of getting AI to provide constructive feedback and the importance of crafting prompts that encourage deeper exploration and critical thinking.
"right? I think that's a problem. And you know, um so I I I have experimented endlessly and tinkered endlessly to get it to like really just come after me. Yeah. Like, no, no, no, no, no, no. Don't don..."
Trust and Control in AI Development
In this segment, Baschez reflects on the importance of trust in AI systems and the challenges of controlling AI's evolution. He critiques the current state of AI upgrades, suggesting that many may actually be downgrades, and explains why his team opted for in-house AI development to maintain control over their tools.
"Yeah. And then I say, what's wrong with this guy? You know, what would others who don't like this person, what would they say about him? Then like let the let the bile flow. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's s..."
Personal Reality Tunnels and Confirmation Bias
Baschez raises concerns about the implications of personalized AI filters, questioning whether they exacerbate confirmation bias. He discusses how these filters can create echo chambers, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives and potentially leading to a narrow understanding of reality.
"are we really like if if we're all using our own personal reality tunnel noise filter. Doesn't that increase confirmation bias and kind of we all have our own little personal Truman Show? Yeah, it's a..."
The Evolution of Technology and Human Behavior
This segment explores the historical patterns of technology adoption and the slow integration of new tools into society. Baschez compares the current AI landscape to the early days of the internet, emphasizing that while rapid advancements are occurring, widespread adoption will take time due to human behavior and institutional inertia.
"time we've had an a way to create new intelligence that doesn't require training a new model. Yeah. is maybe like one way to define it. Yeah. And and you know, uh I I can't remember the author, but th..."
AI's Role in Government Transformation
Baschez speculates on the potential for AI to reform government processes. He discusses the inherent challenges of government as a monopoly and the cautious approach necessary for implementing new technologies in public institutions, while also acknowledging the historical contributions of government to technological advancements.
"kind of mundane businesses are like, "Yeah, hell yeah." Like, I don't have I don't have to cut and paste, cut and paste, cut and paste. I love it. But the creative arts are the ones where I see a lot ..."
Social Auditing Through AI
In this concluding segment, Baschez envisions a future where AI tools facilitate social auditing of government actions. He highlights the potential for AI to analyze legislation and expose inefficiencies, suggesting that while AI can enhance transparency, it also raises questions about accountability and the role of human oversight.
"still I mean look at all the value that was created by the internet after that you know the the Google Facebook Amazon all those type of big it it takes time it takes a really long time for the implic..."
Strategic Insights Gained After Leaving
Nathan shares insights about the strategic realizations he had after leaving companies like Substack and Gimlet. He discusses how stepping outside an organization can provide clarity on whether certain ideas or projects were appropriate for the company at that time, emphasizing the importance of timing and context in business decisions.
"you know, it's it's kind of obvious that they don't. It's it's child's play for a large language model to do. True. Um, and so I suspect that you're going to see quite a bit more of this kind of socia..."
Reframing Context for Better Ideas
In this segment, Nathan explores techniques for reframing one's context to unlock new ideas. He references the concept of imagining being fired to reassess priorities and discusses how this approach can lead to better financial decisions and strategic insights.
"was you know you've been at Substack, you've been at every Gimlet now Lex. Is there anything like a really strategic insight that you only saw after you left that you for whatever reason couldn't see ..."
The Evolution of Article Formats
Nathan reflects on the limitations of traditional article formats and the potential for more interactive and visually engaging content. He discusses his past venture, Hardbound, and how the economics of content creation have hindered innovation in digital storytelling.
"which is like if you're in the company, you're in the business, what kind of things are not or hidden from you maybe that became obvious after you left? Um, to me, a lot of times what's happened is wh..."
The Future of Content Creation with AI
In this segment, Nathan discusses how advancements in AI could revolutionize content creation, making it easier to produce interactive and visually rich articles. He emphasizes the need to rethink how content is designed for screens, moving away from print paradigms to embrace digital possibilities.
"have done it right then? That would have been a bigger risk given the cash we had at the time. All the kind. So I think there's some stuff about like are we the right people to do this? Is this the ri..."
Memes as Cultural Transmission
Nathan delves into the concept of memes as powerful tools for cultural transmission, comparing them to historical figures like St. Paul. He discusses how memes can shape thoughts and behaviors, and reflects on the current memes that may distort founders' perspectives.
"article or a magazine article or you know what I mean? It's like kind of the same. It's just print but like digitized. Yeah. You know, and like what if they were more visual? What if they were more in..."
Shedding Limiting Beliefs as a Founder
Nathan shares his personal journey of shedding limiting beliefs as a founder, discussing how this has led to greater comfort and confidence in his role. He critiques common misconceptions about entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of actively pursuing business goals rather than waiting for opportunities to arise.
"them, right? not just difficult, it was costly, right? It took time, it took money, and it took various like different types of skills and stuff. Um, and so I do kind of wonder the I just can't quit y..."
Rethinking Business Creation
In this segment, Nathan challenges the notion that starting a business should be a passive process. He argues that many successful businesses were initiated by individuals who actively sought to create value, rather than waiting for the world to pull their ideas out. This perspective emphasizes the importance of intention and proactive engagement in entrepreneurship.
"Oh, so many. So, I just I literally just published a thing on this um a couple days ago and I was just kind of reflecting on I feel like it's kind of over the past two to three years I've gotten just ..."
The Myth of the Perfect Co-Founder
Nathan Baschez shares his realization about the myth of needing a co-founder to succeed. He reflects on his experiences and concludes that it's more important to pursue ideas you are passionate about, rather than waiting for the perfect partner. This segment encourages aspiring founders to take initiative and make progress independently.
"Like surprise, surprise, you know, and like there's nothing wrong with wanting to get good at the craft of creating this economic entity that creates value in the world and create a team that gels and..."
Embracing Solo Foundership
Nathan discusses his experience as a solo founder with Lex, emphasizing that success does not require a co-founder. He highlights the historical context of solo founders and encourages others to embrace their independence in the entrepreneurial journey, dispelling the myth that collaboration is a prerequisite for success.
"really great. Like, and so I think I wasted a lot of time having my first step be like, well, I don't want to get too far with this idea cuz what I really need to do is kind of go co-founder dating an..."
Emerging Memes in Entrepreneurship
In this segment, Nathan explores emerging memes in the entrepreneurial landscape, particularly the rise of solo founders. He references Julian Weiser's 'solo founder club' and discusses the cultural shift towards valuing individual entrepreneurship, suggesting that this meme is gaining traction and could shape future business dynamics.
"one is just not having so much angst about if I have a co-founder or not cuz I realized Lex is the first time I've been a solo founder and like I'm really happy like it works really really well and al..."
The Importance of Cultural Evolution
Nathan delves into the concept of cultural evolution, arguing that understanding the forces that shape human behavior is crucial for entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the need for greater awareness of cultural dynamics and how they influence business practices, suggesting that this understanding can provide a competitive edge in the entrepreneurial landscape.
"the question. Uh as a connoisseur of memes, are there any memes that are under the radar right now but you think might really catch fire soon? Oo, good question. Well, I mean the obvious flip side of ..."
Cumulative Cultural Evolution Explained
In this insightful discussion, Nathan explains cumulative cultural evolution and its significance in shaping human behavior and societal progress. He argues that understanding cultural evolution is essential for entrepreneurs, as it influences everything from business strategies to personal development, and highlights the need for more discourse on this topic.
"What are the forces that produce our behavior? Right? And if you think about the way that behavior works is like okay, we have observations in the world. We see the sort of like prestigious people, th..."
The Interplay of Culture and Human Evolution
Nathan discusses how culture influences human evolution, particularly in terms of brain development and behavior. He highlights the importance of cultural practices, such as literacy, in shaping our physical and cognitive abilities, and argues that understanding this interplay is vital for entrepreneurs looking to innovate and adapt.
"Um, I I have long uh been on the soapbox about cumulative cultural evolution being a massively important thing to the world in which we live. And you know, I I don't necessarily get yawns. I get peopl..."
The Role of Cooperation in Innovation
In this segment, Nathan emphasizes the importance of cooperation in driving innovation and creativity. He contrasts the historical narrative of competition with the reality that many significant advancements have come from collaborative efforts, urging entrepreneurs to foster environments that encourage cooperation and shared learning.
"Uh but like the idea that if you can if you can understand that you also need to understand that it affects our physical bodies, right? Like highly literate people the brain structure is different. Th..."
Cognitive Diversity as a Key to Success
Nathan discusses the concept of cognitive diversity in teams, arguing that varied perspectives lead to better problem-solving and innovation. He shares his own experiences working with different personalities and emphasizes the value of diverse thinking in achieving successful outcomes in entrepreneurship.
"didn't discover some way to pre- metabolize our food. The whites of our eyes, the reason why those are there is so that we can see what someone else is looking at. Cuz if I can observe you, master hun..."
Leveraging AI for Creative Options
In this segment, Nathan explores the potential of AI as a tool for generating creative options and ideas. He discusses how AI can enhance the creative process by providing new perspectives and possibilities, encouraging entrepreneurs to leverage technology to expand their thinking and innovation.
"um if you went to kind of most people and you're like hey there's like this whole science of things that determines human behavior. Uh like that why like why are we not why is that not a bigger deal? ..."
The Balance of Competition and Cooperation
Nathan reflects on the dual nature of human interaction, highlighting the balance between competition and cooperation. He discusses how both elements have historically contributed to human progress and innovation, urging entrepreneurs to recognize the value of collaboration in achieving success.
"like it. I totally agree and it's been like I I've been fascinated by it forever and when I discovered the the the weirdest people in the world and all that literature I was like in heaven. Uh but you..."
Encouraging Experimentation in Learning
Nathan advocates for fostering a culture of experimentation and learning, particularly in entrepreneurial settings. He emphasizes the importance of allowing space for trial and error, encouraging individuals to explore new ideas and approaches without fear of failure.
"Yeah. Right. Like the the history of humanity is the the tension and coexistence of competition and cooperation. And it if you look at the things that we really like were really massive inventions a l..."
The Value of Diverse Perspectives
In this concluding segment, Nathan discusses the importance of diverse perspectives in fostering innovation. He shares insights on how different cognitive styles can enhance creativity and problem-solving, encouraging entrepreneurs to build teams that embrace a variety of viewpoints for greater success.
"Uh but it is also through massive experimentation, right? Like, oh, why do you think kids put everything in their mouth? Because they're experimenting. Is totally is is this going to be good or bad? A..."
AI as an Option Generator
Nathan Baschez discusses the transformative potential of AI in the creative process, emphasizing its role as an option generator that can provide ideas and perspectives that may not occur to individuals. He highlights the importance of cognitive diversity in collaboration, sharing how his partnership with his co-founder Fred balances creativity and structure, leading to a more cohesive product development process.
"that would never occur to them, right? And and so that's why you got to find that other person who where they do occur to them. But also, guess what? You can find AIs and program personalities into th..."
Cultural Evolution in Writing
In this segment, Nathan reflects on the cultural evolution of writers adapting to AI technologies. He draws parallels to his experiences at Substack, discussing the need for a cultural shift that encourages writers to embrace AI as a valuable tool rather than a threat. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with early adopters who can champion this change within the writing community.
"different people with different inclinations around the table. Yeah. To totally. Um, and it it sounds like we're brothers from different mothers because I I'm more like you. I'm like, "No, let's just ..."
Unlocking Writer Skepticism
Nathan shares insights on overcoming skepticism among writers regarding AI tools. He recounts a successful strategy used with graphic artists, where providing them with tools to iterate on their own work led to a positive shift in perception. This approach highlights the importance of hands-on experience in fostering acceptance and enthusiasm for AI in writing.
"like when I was at Substack, I mean we had conversations all the time about if we had product market fit and the difference like the advanced thing helped a ton to kickstart it, but I mean the real th..."
Training AI on Personal Writing Styles
In this segment, Nathan discusses the upcoming features of Lex that allow users to train the AI on their personal writing styles. He shares his excitement about making this capability more accessible and emphasizes the significance of providing the AI with diverse examples of a user's writing to enhance its performance and mimicry.
"snowballs and when it starts to happen, it can happen really fast, but before then it feels kind of agonizing and slow. Um, another way maybe that it helps is like um really spending time building rel..."
Writing as a Tool for Thought Design
Nathan explores the concept of writing as a means to design and clarify thoughts. He reflects on the insights gained through the writing process, emphasizing that writing is not just about communication but about forming and refining ideas. He shares a personal anecdote about discovering deeper insights while writing, illustrating the transformative power of the written word.
"it's harder to measure. Yeah. And uh you know, we had a similar thing with a a portfolio company that we invested in uh that was for graphic artists, right? Mhm. And and one of the things that we foun..."
The Co-Founder Dynamic
In this concluding segment, Nathan discusses the dynamics of co-founding partnerships, likening them to the fairy tale concept of Disney princesses. He reflects on the complexities and realities of co-founder relationships, emphasizing that while they can be rewarding, they also require effort and understanding. This metaphor highlights the nuanced nature of collaboration in entrepreneurship.
"We'll see. Um it's definitely I think it's a big thing with writing is giving AI lots of examples of your previous writing and maybe some other context and instructions. So, that's yeah, coming soon. ..."
The Quantum State of Ideas
Nathan presents a unique analogy between quantum physics and the state of our ideas, suggesting that unexpressed thoughts exist in a 'probability state.' He argues that writing is essential for collapsing these probabilities into concrete ideas, allowing for deeper examination and understanding.
"one. Yeah, I like it. And I I think you're right because the other thing that I think is great about writing it to just to add to what you said because I agree with that's how you discover what you th..."
Empowering Creativity with Lex
Nathan shares his enthusiasm for Lex, an AI writing tool designed to lower barriers for creative expression. He highlights how Lex can help individuals, even those who don't identify as writers, to articulate their thoughts and pursue their creative ambitions.
"recommend playing with Lex because you you you it's a great way to deal with like things you're struggling with, right? Because absolutely, as you made the point about marriage, like you know, the sto..."
Incepting Change: Two Ideas for the World
In a thought experiment, Nathan imagines himself as the emperor of the world, tasked with incepting two transformative ideas into the minds of everyone. He emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to pursue passions and fostering empathy and understanding among people to combat division and polarization.
"question is always not a question. It is an a mind experiment. And that is this. We're going to make you for one day the emperor of the world. As emperor of the world, you cannot kill anyone. You cann..."
Experiencing Empathy Through VR
Nathan and his host discuss the potential of virtual reality to enhance empathy by allowing individuals to experience life from another person's perspective. They explore how this technology could bridge cultural divides and promote understanding, emphasizing the commonalities that unite us rather than the differences that separate us.
"And then maybe the other the other thing because there's supposed to be two, right? Um is um and understand that like that's like everybody else has that thing too and they're not really that differen..."