From the New World

From the New World explores the interplay of political ideologies, technology, and society's moral perspectives. It critiques equalitarianism, effective altruism, and AI's impact, highlighting the tension between liberal and conservative viewpoints, and the rise of machine learning. It debates societal norms, policy implications, and the future of democracy.

Political Ideologies Technology and Society Machine Learning and AI Moral and Ethical Debates Societal Norms and Policies Democracy and Authoritarianism

The hottest Substack posts of From the New World

And their main takeaways

The World is a Morality Play

26 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Anime Philosophy Gender Studies Media Critique
  1. The anime Madoka Magica shows how personal desires can lead to tragic outcomes. If characters aren't careful about what they wish for, they can end up worse off.
  2. Kyubey, the magical cat, uses the emotions and struggles of magical girls as energy to keep the universe alive. This creates a cycle of suffering that drives the story.
  3. Homura is a character who learns to understand her true desires, challenging the idea of sacrificing for others. She ultimately transcends typical morality by getting the power she wants and fighting against the system.

Take JD Vance's AI Speech Literally

177 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics AI Policy Tech regulation Political Influence Market Competition
  1. JD Vance believes that AI technology should not be overly restricted because it has the potential to create jobs and improve many areas like healthcare and national security. He argues that being too cautious could harm innovation.
  2. Vance criticizes policies that seem to favor large, established companies over new startups. He warns that some regulations may be pushed by those who benefit from them rather than what's good for competition.
  3. He emphasizes that American companies should not be forced to follow foreign regulations that harm their competitiveness. Vance advocates for policies that prioritize American interests in AI development.

DeepSeek V3 and R1

188 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Computing Innovation Data science
  1. DeepSeek has released a new AI model called R1, which can answer tough scientific questions. This model has quickly gained attention, competing with major players like OpenAI and Google.
  2. There's ongoing debate about the authenticity of DeepSeek's claimed training costs and performance. Many believe that its reported costs and results might not be completely accurate.
  3. DeepSeek has implemented several innovations to enhance its AI models. These optimizations have helped them improve performance while dealing with hardware limits and developing new training techniques.

Dominic Cummings, An Underrated Precedent for DOGE

75 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Bureaucracy Political Reform Civil Service Political Science
  1. The UK government’s quick adaptations in tech and services during crises show a more centralized political system. This makes it easier to change things than in the US.
  2. Bureaucratic hiring processes in America often lead to unqualified candidates, which slows down progress. A more efficient system is needed for better talent acquisition.
  3. Fundamental reforms in government agencies are essential for improving efficiency and competence in services. It's not just about ideology; it's about making systems work better.

My Podcast With Jim Rutt

16 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🎙 Podcasts Interviews Society Technology Politics Culture
  1. The timing of reactions to a key December paper about AI was off because people didn't realize its importance until much later.
  2. A new executive order on AI aims to reduce government red tape, which could change how tech companies work with the government.
  3. Since 9/11, there’s been a shift in counterterrorism tactics that creates suspicion among everyday people, leading to distrust in society.
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Liberalism Versus Democracy 2

32 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Ethics Social theory Liberalism Democracy
  1. Liberalism hides the political aspect of society instead of getting rid of it. It uses a way of talking about politics that keeps its true nature hidden.
  2. Polarization, or disagreement, helps people understand their true values. It's not about making people hate each other; it's about revealing differing opinions.
  3. Social harmony can sometimes be enforced in a way that isn't natural. When that enforced order weakens, people's honest disagreements come to light.

The Case for Undoing Biden’s AI Diffusion Rule

53 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics AI Policy Export Controls International relations Economic strategy Cybersecurity
  1. The Biden administration's AI export controls limit American companies from easily sharing AI technology with many allied nations. This could hurt relationships with friendly countries while benefiting rivals like China.
  2. Restricting exports makes it hard for American companies to localize their AI solutions in developing regions, which affects their competitiveness. If American firms can't adapt to local needs, countries may turn to Chinese alternatives.
  3. Investing in AI infrastructure in the Global South helps build strong relationships and shared technology standards. The current export rules prevent American companies from deepening those ties, allowing China to gain influence instead.

OpenAI Deep Research Explains Itself

26 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Hardware Software Data science Machine Learning
  1. AI hardware has evolved significantly, from early specialized chips to powerful GPUs and TPUs. These advancements make training AI models much faster and more efficient.
  2. The design of algorithms, especially with transformers, has greatly improved AI's ability to understand and generate language. These models can now learn complex patterns that were hard to capture before.
  3. Building and maintaining large AI systems requires careful planning and practices. Companies need efficient workflows and monitoring systems to manage data, hardware, and software effectively.

American Sovereignty is Back

70 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulatory Policy Free speech International relations Digital economy
  1. Mark Zuckerberg is planning to work with Trump to resist European laws that he feels limit American tech companies. This shows a shift in power dynamics between the US and Europe regarding tech regulations.
  2. American tech companies have relied heavily on European markets but are pushing back against strict regulations like the GDPR and Digital Markets Act. They believe it's time for the US to take back control over its tech landscape.
  3. The competition in technology, particularly around AI, is now seen as a matter of national security. American companies want to innovate freely without foreign interference, which aligns with the values of freedom of speech and democracy.

Important Editorial in Pirate Wires

32 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics AI Policy Economic Policy Political Influence Election Strategy International relations
  1. The new administration will focus on promoting American leadership in AI. They believe that America should take the lead in advancing technology instead of holding it back.
  2. Foreign partnerships in AI should align with American standards. The U.S. will not share access to its technology unless it benefits American interests.
  3. All collaborations must aim to enhance AI research and availability. The goal is to boost innovation rather than impose restrictions.

Tiktok Versus Econ 101

32 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Economics International relations Social media
  1. Bytedance has not sold TikTok despite pressure and a law requiring it to do so. This uncertainty could significantly drop the company's value.
  2. The Chinese government might see TikTok as valuable for its ability to gather data and influence opinions, which could outweigh financial gains from a sale.
  3. If TikTok is forced to sell, there may be concerns about hidden data management practices and potential risks of Chinese access to user information.

The Philosopher Made For TV

75 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Political theory Media Studies Cultural criticism Social justice
  1. John Rawls introduced the idea of the 'Veil of Ignorance', which suggests that true justice comes from understanding what it's like to be in someone else's shoes. This concept gained popularity with the rise of television, which allowed people to experience others' lives vicariously.
  2. Television's storytelling created a false sense of understanding between people, making them feel connected to different lives. However, these narratives were often crafted and not authentic representations of reality.
  3. The rise of social media changed the game by giving real, diverse opinions from actual people, breaking down the 'Veil of Ignorance'. Now, individuals can see the real differences among people's values and experiences, making it clear that everyone is unique.

Progressive “Groups”, AI, and Diminishing Returns

124 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Opinion Legislation
  1. Progressive groups can impact political outcomes by pushing unpopular ideas, but they keep existing because they operate without accountability.
  2. Recent public opinion has shifted on AI, revealing that previous beliefs about its unlimited potential might not be true. This could change how we approach AI research in the future.
  3. Past political movements often go unpunished when public opinion changes, which is a mistake. We should remember the lessons from these issues to prevent them from happening again.

Liberalism Versus Democracy 0

16 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Liberalism Populism Free speech Social media
  1. Many people believe that democracy and populism cannot work together. This creates a worry that democracy is failing.
  2. There is a lot of talk about free speech and how it might hurt democracy. People are questioning if this is true.
  3. Some argue that social media is damaging to democracy. Yet, it raises the question of whether those claims about democracy's end are valid.

In the Media

10 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Elections Government Public Opinion Political theory
  1. Launching a new YouTube channel to share podcasts and live streams is a goal for the new year. It's a chance to connect more with the audience through video content.
  2. Proposals for AI legislation are being pushed mainly by a group that is linked to Democrats, even in Republican-led states. This could change how many industries, like education and healthcare, operate.
  3. There's a growing conversation about how government systems can work more like successful businesses. This could help political groups find better ways to serve the public and regain support.

How a German Philosopher Predicted the War for D.O.G.E.

118 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Legitimacy Administrative state Executive Power
  1. Carl Schmitt's ideas focus on the importance of political legitimacy and how decisions can bypass normal rules during emergencies. This shows how power can shift unexpectedly during crises.
  2. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how government agencies can act without typical oversight, leading to questions about their legitimacy and effectiveness. It highlighted the tension between authority and accountability.
  3. Efforts to improve government efficiency often run into existing bureaucratic processes that hinder progress. New ideas, like the proposed Department of Government Efficiency, face challenges from established norms and resistance to change.

AI Writing is Morally Superior

75 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI writing Machine Learning Natural Language Content creation Media Ethics
  1. AI writing is changing the landscape of writing by making it more accessible. This means more people can share their ideas without needing the same level of skill as traditional writers.
  2. The criticism against AI writing often comes from writers who feel threatened. They think that AI takes away the uniqueness of human style, but many believe it actually helps get good ideas out to more people.
  3. AI can help present complex ideas in simpler ways. This could be beneficial, allowing more people to understand important truths that might be lost in fancy language.

The Human Nature Election

86 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democrats Political Philosophy Voter Behavior Social Issues
  1. Democrats need to connect with human nature to appeal to voters. Being authentic and relatable is important for politicians.
  2. The rise of 'wokeness' has made noticing and discussing human nature difficult for the Democratic Party. This has hurt their connection with working-class voters.
  3. To attract a new generation of politicians, Democrats must redefine terms like racism and sexism to align with original meanings, thus moving away from current extreme definitions.

The Age of Feature Engineering is Here

37 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Engineering Economics Innovation
  1. Specialization in technology makes things easier and more efficient. Just like we have different appliances for different tasks at home, specialized AI works better for specific jobs.
  2. Feature engineering is about creating AI that focuses on one thing really well, and it's actually really important for success in the tech world. It helps make machines smarter for real-life uses.
  3. The idea that one all-purpose AI model is best is a myth. In reality, there’s a growing trend toward making AI more specialized and tailored to different needs.

What Losing in Open Source AI Means

43 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Open Source Innovation Regulation Competition
  1. China is advancing rapidly in open source AI, creating models that are even competing with top American ones. This shows that the US might be falling behind in this area.
  2. The difference in policy is significant, with China actively supporting its open-source community while America is being cautious and restrictive. This could lead to a lost edge in technology for the US.
  3. Open source is essential for spreading AI technology worldwide. Many countries can adapt open source models to fit their needs, which means more innovation and collaboration beyond just big tech companies.

The War for the Free Internet

59 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Censorship Elections Technology Narratives
  1. The internet faces ongoing censorship challenges, and these can lead to the shaping of narratives that affect elections and public opinion. People have different views on what information should be shared or censored.
  2. The tension between media influences and political outcomes is complex. Different groups have tried to control the narrative around elections, often leading to disputes over media's role in shaping results.
  3. Emerging technologies like AI and social media are becoming new battlegrounds for censorship. As efforts to regulate these platforms continue, key figures like politicians and entrepreneurs are preparing for ongoing conflicts over information sharing.

America's Growth Addiction

26 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Bureaucracy Regulation Political culture Economics
  1. America is divided between two cultures: the Paper Belt, focused on bureaucracy and regulation, and the Silicon Road, driven by innovation and growth.
  2. Both these cultures have a strong desire for growth, but they express it differently. The Paper Belt seeks to expand influence through politics, while the Silicon Road strives for commercial expansion and innovation.
  3. Normal people's lives are caught in the middle of these two powerful systems, affecting their everyday experiences and opportunities.

The Trad Marxism of George Grant, Part 2

10 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Marxism Conservatism Theology Cultural critique
  1. George Grant blended traditionalism with Marxism, believing that while capitalism had improved life in some ways, it left a void in meaning and connection for many people.
  2. He thought that Marx's ideas offered a moral vision that could help explain social and economic issues, but felt that Marxism failed to embrace the spiritual aspect of life.
  3. Grant warned that society was becoming increasingly homogenized, with cultures and individual identities being overshadowed by impersonal economic systems.

House AI Task Force Signals Bright Future for Open Source, Little Tech

16 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics AI Policy Regulation Bipartisanship Technology Small business
  1. Open source AI is important for fair innovation. It allows people to work together and helps prevent big companies from taking over the market.
  2. Regulations can be tough on small businesses. The report shows a need for rules that don't unfairly favor larger companies over smaller ones.
  3. Congress is moving away from fear-driven laws about AI. Instead, they are focusing on real problems and want to create clear national policies to guide AI innovation.

Google Gemini’s Woke Catechism

301 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Ethics Government Policy Bias
  1. Google's Gemini AI model displays intentional ideological bias towards far-left viewpoints.
  2. The Gemini paper showcases methods used by Google to create ideological biases in the AI, also connecting to Biden's Executive Order on AI.
  3. Companies, like OpenAI with GPT-4, may adjust their AI models based on public feedback and external pressures.

The Epic, the Novel, and Rawls

5 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Epistemology Political theory Aesthetics Metaphysics
  1. Rawls' ideas about justice might be influenced by how people are portrayed in media, especially television. This could change how we see human nature and its differences.
  2. The concept of living through fiction, whether in novels or other narratives, has been around for a long time. It suggests that people have always had the ability to empathize with others, even without modern technology.
  3. Though television might make humanity seem more similar, earlier thinkers like Hobbes and Locke also explored human nature in unique ways, showing that this question is not new.

Locke, I've Come to Bargain

16 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Enlightenment AI Ethics Rhetoric
  1. Peter Thiel thinks that the old ways of thinking about politics are not coming back. He believes many Enlightenment ideas are now misleading or wrong.
  2. The connection between new technologies and control is becoming clearer with AI. The Paper Belt uses dramatic language to justify its control over society, even if that control isn't backed by evidence.
  3. As AI technology develops, there are narratives being created to control it. These stories aim to give power to certain authorities over all software, labeling it in a negative way.

The Trad Marxism of George Grant

10 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Identity Populism Globalism Political theory Cultural criticism
  1. George Grant believed that Canada was heavily influenced by America, almost like a smaller country serving a larger one. He thought this relationship made Canada lose some of its national identity.
  2. He criticized the wealthy elites in Canada who were more focused on American business than the needs of their own citizens. This created a divide between the rich and the rural areas.
  3. Grant warned that without a strong central authority, countries could lose their national character. His ideas seem even more relevant today with the rise of global influences like the internet.

Virtue in Two Acts

32 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory Ethics Social Science
  1. Modern society may be more ignorant than previous ones, as we have created layers of belief and technology that distance us from true understanding. This is like being in a cave beneath another cave, where we lose sight of the bigger picture.
  2. Political philosophy, once a comprehensive study of human affairs, has become fragmented and superficial. This change means we often miss deeper truths and only focus on narrow aspects of social science.
  3. To truly understand political issues, we need to combine technical knowledge with an appreciation of human values. This balance helps us see what is good and guides our actions effectively.

The Divine Right of Founders

21 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory Ethics Social Philosophy Historical context
  1. Silicon Valley founders are seen as having a special power over their companies, similar to how kings ruled in the past. Their personal insight gives them a unique control that others can't match.
  2. Many believe that companies struggle when they lose their founders, as those leaders provide a sense of legitimacy and direction. This belief reflects a deep connection between leadership and success in startups.
  3. The idea that modern concepts of state and power come from religious ideas shows how intertwined our views of governance and business are. This connection could change how we see both companies and countries today.

The New Hereditarian Man

237 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Social theory Egalitarianism Human nature Eugenics Rule of Law
  1. The New Soviet Man concept was imaginary, as evident from the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
  2. Egalitarian sentiment persists despite evidence of biological differences, leading to challenges in discussing individual disparities.
  3. Institutions like rule of law and free markets can serve as solutions to counteract egalitarian pathologies and promote rational behavior.

The Alliance for the Future Manifesto

199 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Regulation Open Source Work National Security
  1. The Alliance for the Future opposes blind panic and over-regulation around artificial intelligence, aiming to educate and advocate for the benefits of AI in society and politics.
  2. AI is a process, not an object, and regulating it is complex and infeasible. History shows that negative actions should be condemned, not the technology itself.
  3. Encouraging open source development in AI can lead to a diverse range of models, efficient training, and easier detection and prevention of issues, benefitting all involved.

The Trad Marxism of George Grant, Part 3

5 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Ethics Secularism Religion Humanism
  1. George Grant believes that the idea of limits is tied to the idea of God, meaning there are moral boundaries we should not cross. This suggests that some things are simply wrong, regardless of our opinions.
  2. The political legitimacy in society has shifted since divine authority was lost, making people look for new sources of legitimacy. This includes reliance on science and the founders of nations.
  3. It's unclear if Grant's view of God is unique to Christianity or if he could see value in other religions like Islam or Hinduism. He seems to focus more on the concept of a higher limit than on specific religious practices.

House AI Task Force Faces Escalating Defense and Energy Challenges

10 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics National Security Energy Policy AI Policy Bipartisan Issues Government oversight
  1. The House AI Task Force report highlights a strong focus on using AI for national security and defense. This means that technology will play a big role in keeping the country safe.
  2. The report also discusses the increasing demand for electricity due to AI and other technologies. As this demand grows, we need to find better ways to supply energy.
  3. Additionally, it recommends supporting new energy projects and easing regulations. This will help us handle the rising need for electricity more effectively.

Why Policy?

172 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Media Technology History
  1. The evolution of human behavior involves self-deception as an adaptive strategy, which influences decision-making.
  2. Understanding the impact of legislation on industries is crucial, as many tech companies may lack awareness of its effects.
  3. The defense of basic freedoms and the need for effective policy-making is essential to navigate changing social and technological landscapes.

The Dictatorship of Dysfunction

16 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Sovereignty Bureaucracy Political theory Legitimacy
  1. Bureaucracies can become dysfunctional over time, leading to questions about a state's ability to function effectively. It's important for leaders at all levels to make decisions and act decisively.
  2. To improve government processes, we should move away from outdated methods like the waterfall hierarchy. Instead, adopting agile approaches that focus on user feedback can make a big difference.
  3. The relationship between state power and individual freedom is complicated. Understanding this tension can help us see why some political structures struggle to adapt and remain effective.

The AI Trident

21 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Free speech Philosophy Religion Sociology
  1. AI is becoming clearer for everyone, especially as real-world events show its impact, like AI-related discoveries winning the Nobel Prize. It's important for normal people to engage in discussions about AI, as their voices can shape understanding.
  2. Mill's Trident helps clarify opinions about free speech and can also apply to how we think about AI. It's crucial to consider differing perspectives, whether people see AI as significant spiritually or want to focus purely on the evidence.
  3. The debate on AI's importance varies widely, from those who see it as having no spiritual significance to those who view it as world-changing. It's essential to have open discussions and gradually create informed policies based on evidence while respecting different viewpoints.