#10 Insights from a technologist: Purpose, Values & Decision-making – with Eric Bowman

In this episode, we meet Eric Bowman, a technology leader with a rich background in software engineering and architecture. Eric is a seasoned technologist with a fascinating background spanning from his early days as a mountaineer in Montana to his groundbreaking work on The Sims game and now exploring the potential of generative AI. Join us as we dive into Eric’s journey, his insights on the importance of purpose and values, and how he utilizes AI to enhance his decision-making and productivity. In this conversation, we’ll also discuss the concept of the adjacent possible, the importance of listening and learning, and the potential of AI to revolutionize education and help us realize our full potential. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with this exceptional technology leader and creative thinker who thrives on challenging the status quo!

Thank you to our sponsor: Nomono: https://nomono.co/

Timestamps: 01:18:42

[00:00:00] Intro of the episode

[00:01:29] Sponsor: Nomono Podcasting Kit

[00:02:30] Mountaineering, early academic and work experiences

[00:11:04] Interview with Maxis, The Sims & Bay Area in the 90’s

[00:15:04] Openness to opportunities & the adjacent possible

[00:21:34] Intellectual relationships and the reinvention of education with AI

[00:29:54] ChatGPT, free will and decision-making

[00:39:21] Human potential, values, work ethics, credentials, listening and learning

[00:47:47] Confirmation biases and strategies to deal with it using AI

[00:57:15] Attention span and learning

[00:58:39] Maximizing your return on luck, the power of actions for cause and effect

[01:06:52] Purpose and maintaining a constancy of purpose over time

[01:13:21] Changes in inspirations over time

[01:17:02] Outro and summary

Recommended reading:

1. Kauffman, S, (1996). At Home in the Universe.https://www.amazon.com/At-Home-Universe-Self-Organization-Complexity/dp/0195111303

2. Johnson, S. (2010). Where Good Ideas come from: The Natural History of Innovation.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Where-Good-Ideas-Come-Innovation/dp/1594487715/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1694872158&sr=1-1

3. Zuboff, S. (2019). The Age of Surveillance Capitalism.https://www.amazon.com/Age-Surveillance-Capitalism-Future-Frontier/dp/1610395697

4. Collins, J. (2001). Good to great.https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996

5. Hickel, J. (1997). Less is More. How Degrowth will Save the World. https://www.amazon.com/Less-More-Degrowth-Will-World-ebook/dp/B085L9XSM1

6. Skinner, B.F. (1968). Walden Two.

https://www.amazon.com/Walden-Two-B-F-Skinner/dp/B005NXKUZ4