Invest Like The Best
Episode 334 Be Generous & Unique
Invest Like The Best

Episode 334: Be Generous & Unique

Invest Like The Best

Episode 334

Be Generous & Unique

Kevin Kelly co-founded Wired magazine and is the author of the book Excellent Advice for Living. We cover his concept of the Technium, why rituals are an underappreciated part of society and family life, and the importance of developing your authentic self over a lifetime.

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(00:03:05) - (First question) - His new book, Excellent Advice for Living, speaks on a lifelong journey towards authenticity and purpose

(00:05:05) - Uncovering the essence of oneself is a lifelong journey of self-reflection

(00:06:47) - What he would have done differently at 30 had he internalized this concept earlier

(00:08:51) - The highest form of self-expression is being authentically unique and redefining success

(00:11:05) - Conforming to others' definition of success and societal biases hinders progress

(00:13:07) - Surrender and collaboration are both essential in becoming your authentic self

(00:14:38) - Prototype your life to embrace imperfections and make ideas tangible

(00:17:34) - Mastering cultural photography in Asia and developing a keen ability to spot trends

(00:19:59) - Energy signatures reveal depth, breadth, discovery, and momentum  in events

(00:22:02) - The reward for good work is more work: finding passion in productivity

(00:23:42) - Money is a tool for doing things, but beware its imprisoning burden

(00:28:35) - Imagination can be cultivated and improved, often by challenging expectations

(00:31:38) - Imaginative individuals include lateral thinkers who challenge norms

(00:34:41) - Rites of passage and rituals provide stability and identity for children

(00:38:15) - Mealtime without screens, family traditions, and cultivating a family identity.

(00:40:02) - Practicing active listening with “The rule of three”

(00:41:44) - An overview of “The three gates”

(00:43:02) - Humans are naturally kind

(00:44:53) - Practical pieces of advice from his book

(00:47:23) - The Technium: an evolving ecosystem of interdependent tech and their tendencies

(00:52:01) - AI spurs evolution, triggering an identity crisis and the pursuit of improvement

(00:55:55) - Overestimating the existential threat of AI and the importance of intelligence

(00:57:38) - Idiosyncratic expression of creators and the role of AI in content creation

(00:59:48) - Retain control and ownership, articulate purpose, simplify and amplify the message

(01:01:34) - Be the only, not the best. Aim for uniqueness and originality

(01:05:09) - The kindest thing anyone has ever done for him

Be Generous & Unique

Introduction

Patrick
My guest today is Kevin Kelly. Kevin co-founded WIRED magazine and has published a number of seminal books and essays on technology over the past three decades. I have devoured everything Kevin has put out into the world, and many of his ideas shaped the way I live today.

Our conversation explores media, family, money, his concept of The Technium, AI and more. But the central theme of this episode is that we should be as generous and as unique as possible. You will hear us refer to his latest book, Excellent Advice for Living, throughout, and I highly recommend reading it if you haven't already. Please enjoy this great conversation with Kevin Kelly.

A Lifelong Journey Towards Purpose and Finding Your Authentic Self

Patrick
Kevin, I joked before we hit record here that I've been preparing for this conversation for years, having read, I think, probably all your books and loved your thinking on technology. Maybe we'll talk about technology today as it relates to your new book, but I just have so enjoyed the pithy, simple, beautiful ideas in your latest book.

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