Faster, Please!

Faster, Please! explores the nexus of technological innovation, economic growth, and societal progress, focusing on the optimistic outlook towards future advancements. It examines the role of technology, policy, and culture in addressing challenges like AI development, energy sustainability, global fertility rates, and economic productivity to foster a pro-progress future.

Technological Innovation Economic Growth Societal Progress Artificial Intelligence Sustainability Global Fertility Rates Productivity and Automation Science Fiction and Future Forecasting Policy and Regulation Humanoid Robots Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals Energy Revolution

The hottest Substack posts of Faster, Please!

And their main takeaways

What if super AI happens during Trump's presidency?

91 implied HN points • 06 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Technology AI
  1. The idea of super AI becoming a reality during Trump's presidency is being discussed, but it wasn't a major issue in the 2024 election. People might start hearing more about it in the future.
  2. Experts believe we could see very capable AI systems soon, possibly during Trump's second term. This could change how we think about jobs and technology in our daily lives.
  3. As AI technology advances, it will be important for government leaders to plan for its impact. Understanding how AI will affect society should be a priority right now.

Why China might lead the Robot Revolution

731 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
🕹 Technology Robotics AI Manufacturing Innovation Automation
  1. China is likely to take the lead in humanoid robots because of its strong manufacturing skills. This makes it easier for them to produce these robots in large numbers.
  2. Humanoid robots could help fill job shortages in various industries like healthcare and logistics. As many people are retiring, robots might take on tasks that are hard to fill.
  3. While the US may not lead in making physical robots, it has a lot of smart technology for AI that powers these robots. The real competition will be between making the robots themselves and the technology that controls them.

Up Wing/Down Wing #35

731 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🕹 Technology AI Quantum Computing Space Exploration Manufacturing Healthcare
  1. OpenAI has released a new AI model called GPT-4.5 that is better at understanding prompts and generating content. This improvement makes AI more reliable for writing and coding tasks.
  2. Amazon has launched its first quantum computing chip named Ocelot, which could tackle complex problems much faster than regular computers. This is a big step in the competition for advanced technology.
  3. AI is now helping organizations to better target aid for people in need by analyzing various data sources. This technology can make sure help reaches the right communities, improving ways to fight poverty.

Progressive pronatalism: A Quick Q&A with … philosopher Victor Kumar

548 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Growth Immigration
  1. Population decline is a serious issue that affects everyone, including those on the left. It can worsen problems like inequality and burden vulnerable groups more, so it's vital for progressives to care about it too.
  2. Pronatalism, or encouraging higher birth rates, doesn't have to clash with climate goals. We can grow the population while also focusing on clean energy and reducing emissions.
  3. Learning what other countries have done to promote population growth can help. A mix of policies like financial support for families and affordable childcare can be more effective than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Lessons on birth rates: Japan and South Korea

456 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demographics Policy Economics Social Issues International relations
  1. South Korea's birth rate has slightly increased, from 0.72 to 0.75. This small rise gives some hope to policymakers about slowing the country's declining population.
  2. Japan faces a significant demographic challenge with low birth rates, which impacts its economy and society. This situation highlights the importance of addressing demographic decline.
  3. Both countries show that while it’s tough, there can be small improvements in birth rates. Understanding what works in one country may help others tackle similar issues.
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Talkin’ bout an AI Revolution: 3 scenarios

365 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Economics Forecasting Trends
  1. By 2030, we might still be at the start of a major AI development period. It's okay because this means we have a lot of exciting advancements ahead.
  2. More traditional institutions, like big banks, are now seriously talking about AI. This shows that AI is becoming a big deal in the mainstream world, not just in tech circles.
  3. Experts believe that as AI keeps getting better, the 2020s could see various new economic and technological changes. This could change how we live and work in many ways.

The Formula for the Future

1096 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Innovation Economy Technology Progress
  1. America's future depends on three key things: strong information processing, abundant energy, and economic freedom. These elements can help society grow and innovate.
  2. Regulatory barriers often slow down progress and innovation. To keep moving forward, it's important to take calculated risks instead of playing it safe.
  3. Embracing technology and overcoming bureaucracy can create a cycle of improvement. More energy and innovation can lead to a better future for everyone.

America: 2076

639 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government History Culture Celebrations Leadership
  1. The excitement for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is building, with plans for a national celebration involving various historical figures. It's a chance for all Americans to reflect on the country's achievements.
  2. Thoughts about the future are growing, especially regarding the 300th anniversary in 2076, and how the past influenced people's expectations of the future.
  3. There's a hope that the national mood will allow everyone, regardless of political views, to come together and celebrate America's past while looking forward to the future.

Birth-rate worriers should care about housing deregulation

731 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Economic Growth Regulatory issues Public Policy
  1. Housing regulations make it hard to build new homes, which can affect birth rates. If it's easier to build, families may feel more comfortable having more children.
  2. Economic growth is slowed down by strict housing rules. Reforming these rules in certain cities could boost the economy and increase workers' earnings.
  3. Different groups see housing issues in various ways. It's important to find common ground to make big changes in housing policy.

🌳 🌈 Time for a hard reset for environmental policy: A Quick Q&A with … Emily Domenech

456 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Infrastructure Bipartisan Issues Activism
  1. Bipartisan environmental reform is hard to achieve because Republicans and Democrats have different ideas on what needs changing. One side wants to make building easier, while the other focuses on renewable energy.
  2. Many lawsuits against projects can cause delays and make them financially unfeasible. Even if most of these lawsuits fail, they still create uncertainty that can halt progress.
  3. Current environmental policies and lawsuits can block innovation instead of helping the environment. A reset might be needed to improve infrastructure and address climate change effectively.

The great AI forecasting divide

548 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Forecasting Economics Innovation Society
  1. There is a debate about whether AI will change society in a big way or just a small one. Some experts think it could be revolutionary, while others see it as an evolution of technology.
  2. Economists base their predictions about AI on how past technologies have changed society. They might not expect the rapid advances that could happen sooner than anticipated.
  3. The discussion about AI's impact raises questions about our future and how quickly we might see changes in our lives and jobs because of intelligent machines.

🚀 Beyond 'The Jetsons': A new vision of a fantastic future that never was

1096 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Film Design Futurism Architecture Literature
  1. Stories about the future are really important. They can inspire people to be more creative and push for new technologies.
  2. Dystopian tales have been popular for a long time, which makes the need for positive and hopeful stories about the future even greater.
  3. With technology changing fast, like AI and space travel, we need more stories that remind us to dream big and embrace progress.

🌅 A (new) American Golden Age

2193 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy decisions Economic Growth Technological Innovation Energy Policy
  1. The United States is experiencing a surge in technology investments, especially in artificial intelligence, which could greatly boost the economy and productivity.
  2. America has unique advantages, like strong financial markets and innovative companies, positioning it well to lead a new technological era that can tackle big challenges.
  3. Achieving a successful future relies on making smart policy choices around energy, regulation, and immigration to harness the potential of new technologies.

✨ DeepSeek, China's new AI challenge

1827 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Startups Competition Global Affairs
  1. DeepSeek is a new Chinese AI startup that has created an AI system competing with giants like OpenAI and Google using fewer resources. They used only 2,000 Nvidia chips and spent about $6 million on computing.
  2. The efficiency of DeepSeek's technology raises questions about the American innovation system and its current position in the global AI race. There's a concern that American companies need to adapt and speed up their advancements.
  3. If China leads in AI development, it could shift global power dynamics, similar to the reaction during the Space Race. This underscores the importance of not underestimating the growing competition in AI.

☀ The Doomsday Clock needs a pro-progress switch to the Genesis Clock

1370 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Innovation Automation Research
  1. The Doomsday Clock is getting closer to midnight, signaling the world's increasing dangers like nuclear threats and climate change. We need a new way to measure progress, like the Genesis Clock, which focuses on humanity's advancements.
  2. The Genesis Clock would celebrate achievements in technology and health, such as extending human lifespans or solving major diseases. It encourages us to look forward to positive developments instead of just fearing potential disasters.
  3. AI can be our collaborative partner, helping us work better together rather than taking jobs away. It's about designing AI that complements human skills and enhances our research and creative processes.

✨ Begun, the US vs. China AI race has

1462 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Investments Data science Market Trends
  1. The AI race between the US and China is heating up, with China's DeepSeek making significant advancements. This situation is causing a lot of nervousness in the stock market.
  2. DeepSeek's new AI model is impressive because it can learn effectively with less hardware investment than previously thought. This could change how companies and investors view AI development costs.
  3. Some experts believe DeepSeek's achievements may signal a big shift in the AI field, showing that the competitive landscape is more unpredictable than it seemed before.

✨⏩ JD Vance offers an accelerationist AI vision in Paris

548 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Technology AI Policy Economic Policy International relations
  1. JD Vance spoke about how technology can empower workers instead of taking their jobs away. It's important to focus on how AI can help people do their jobs better.
  2. He emphasized the need for more support in areas that are less technologically advanced. Investing in the heartland can help create a balanced economy.
  3. Vance's speech addressed the idea of balancing innovation with careful development. It's crucial to ensure that the rapid growth of AI doesn’t lead to negative social impacts.

🎇 Stargate isn't enough. Save the NSF

731 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Infrastructure Government Investment Globalization
  1. America needs government support for technology, like what the National Science Foundation provides, not just help from big tech companies like those in Silicon Valley.
  2. Expansion of AI infrastructure, like the Stargate project, is important for keeping up with global competition, especially with advancements coming from other countries.
  3. Recent discussions about a Chinese AI model's efficiency highlight the need for the U.S. to continue investing in its tech sector to stay innovative and competitive.

🌐✨ Trade and AI uncertainty are not the same

913 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Supply Chains Market Impact
  1. Trade policy changes can create a lot of uncertainty in the economy. Recently announced tariffs are causing confusion among markets and businesses.
  2. The impact of these tariffs could disrupt established supply chains and lead to higher costs, which might hurt businesses more than expected.
  3. While AI is also a source of uncertainty, current trade issues are having a more immediate and significant effect on the economy right now.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #34

639 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Energy Market research Automation Economics
  1. A new tool in ChatGPT can help with deep research by quickly analyzing information and providing organized reports. This makes it easier for people in schools and businesses to get useful insights.
  2. France is benefiting from its strong nuclear energy production, which keeps electricity prices lower compared to Germany. This helps France avoid the high costs associated with gas and coal.
  3. The push for cleaner energy is gaining speed, as countries like France are moving away from expensive fossil fuels. This shift is important for both economic stability and environmental health.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #32

1279 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Development Robotics Genetics Renewable Energy
  1. China has introduced a new AI model, DeepSeek, which could challenge the U.S.'s lead in AI technology. It's created with fewer resources and is making waves in the AI landscape.
  2. The U.S. is launching a major AI project called Stargate, promising to build advanced data centers to enhance tech development. This move aims to keep the U.S. at the forefront of AI innovations.
  3. Researchers are developing robots for farming and pollination that could change agriculture. These robots could help increase crop yields and make farming more sustainable.

✨⏩ What DeepSeek means for faster AI-driven economic growth

1005 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Technology Investments Productivity Global Trade
  1. DeepSeek's AI models show that effective technology doesn't always need expensive equipment, which could change how companies develop AI.
  2. Goldman Sachs believes AI could significantly boost productivity and global GDP, similar to tech booms seen in the past.
  3. The rise of cheaper AI models could lead to faster adoption of technology in businesses, which may help improve overall efficiency and economic growth.

Why the US military should plan for human-level AI

365 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy Artificial Intelligence National Security Defense technology Geopolitics
  1. The US military needs to prepare for the future of AI, especially if it reaches human-level intelligence. This preparation is crucial because AI could change how wars are fought.
  2. Unlike nuclear fission, which clearly showed its potential for destructive power, the military uses of AI are still not very clear. It's harder to see what AI can really do for military purposes right now.
  3. There are calls for a major effort, similar to the Manhattan Project, to stay ahead in AI development, particularly to prevent adversaries like China from gaining an advantage. However, the exact military benefits of advanced AI are still uncertain.

🏗️ Permitting ourselves to build: A Quick Q&A with … energy policy expert James Coleman

639 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Regulation Energy Policy
  1. Building infrastructure in America has become very slow and difficult mainly due to environmental regulations like the National Environmental Policy Act. These rules, which were made to protect the environment, now often delay important projects for years.
  2. Many energy projects are stuck in regulatory and court processes, making it hard to shift to cleaner energy sources. Reforming these regulations could help speed up the development of clean energy initiatives.
  3. Judicial reviews and the ability of courts to issue injunctions often hold up projects unnecessarily. There needs to be a limit on how long these reviews can take to encourage investment in new infrastructure.

✨ DeepSeek drama: The optimistic case for AI spending momentum

822 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Infrastructure Startups Investments Efficiency
  1. AI efficiency might actually lead to more overall spending, not less. As AI becomes cheaper and more effective, people might find new ways to use it, increasing demand.
  2. DeepSeek shows that powerful AI doesn't have to be built with expensive technology. They managed to create a strong AI model using cheaper chips and smart training methods.
  3. The AI market is still uncertain, and some experts want more information about how DeepSeek claims to cut costs. There’s a lot of interest in how this might change the tech industry.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #33

639 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Robotics Transportation Energy Military
  1. Boom Supersonic is working on a new jet that can fly really fast, like the Concorde. They aim to take people from London to Miami in under five hours, but they have some challenges to overcome.
  2. A new project by DARPA shows that one person can control many robots at once. This could change how we do things in the military and other industries by making robot teamwork easier.
  3. The Duane Arnold nuclear plant in Iowa might reopen by 2028. This is part of a trend to bring back nuclear energy as it can provide clean and reliable power, especially with rising energy needs.

✨⚡ Can we actually build Stargate?

1005 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Infrastructure Regulation Investment Jobs
  1. A big project called Stargate aims to invest $500 billion in AI infrastructure in the U.S. This could create over 100,000 jobs and involves building large data centers.
  2. There are concerns about whether the funding will be available, particularly from one of the investors, SoftBank. This skepticism raises doubts about the project's financial backing.
  3. The biggest challenge for Stargate might be the complicated federal permitting and regulatory processes. These rules could delay construction and impact the project's success.

✨ The Age of AI, an update: A Quick Q&A with … economist Michael Strain

456 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Productivity Economy Workforce
  1. Generative AI has the potential to change how businesses work and boost productivity, but we are still in the early stages of using it in everyday jobs.
  2. It's important for workers, especially in white-collar jobs, to adapt by learning to use AI tools to enhance their productivity and value to employers.
  3. Instead of fearing job loss, workers should focus on developing new skills that complement AI, allowing them to stay relevant in their fields.

📜 Granting rights to AI may save humanity: A Quick Q&A with … Simon Goldstein

274 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Game Theory Human-AI Interaction Philosophy Safety
  1. Granting legal rights to AI could encourage cooperation between humans and AI. This would help prevent conflicts and promote beneficial interactions.
  2. A clear set of property and contract rights for AI could lead to better relationships, as both sides would be more likely to trade and support each other.
  3. By recognizing AIs' rights, we can reduce the risk of destructive behavior and promote a safer future where human and AI interests align.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #30

1188 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Space Energy Health
  1. New advancements in nuclear fusion research are making it more likely to achieve clean energy from nuclear fusion, which could be a big step for sustainable energy.
  2. Uber and Lyft are shifting from developing self-driving cars to using other companies' technologies for driverless taxis, aiming to be platforms for this emerging market.
  3. AI technology is being used in innovative ways, like interpreting speech through throat vibrations, which can help people with speech difficulties.

A Quick Q&A on predicting super AI through bond markets with … Trevor Chow

91 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
💰 Finance Markets Interest Rates Investment Economics AI
  1. Interest rates might predict the rise of advanced AI. As people expect big changes, they want to spend more now instead of saving for the future.
  2. Higher long-term growth expectations often lead to higher real interest rates. This shows that bond markets can hint at when transformative AI might arrive.
  3. Both positive and negative outcomes of AI can push rates up. Whether AI leads to great progress or poses risks, people behave similarly by wanting to consume now.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #31

822 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Space Biotech Energy Healthcare
  1. New obesity drugs are being developed that can help people lose a lot of weight quickly. These breakthroughs could make treatments more accessible and affordable for many people.
  2. Companies are working on exciting projects like reviving extinct species and creating new ways to explore the moon. These innovations could greatly impact conservation and space travel.
  3. There are serious challenges ahead, like rising dementia cases and declining birth rates, which could hurt the economy. Without action, these issues could have major effects on future generations.

✨ The Age of AI: Will 2025 be our last normal year?

1279 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Forecasting Economic Impact Automation
  1. AI technology is rapidly evolving, and some predict it could change our everyday lives significantly by 2025. If this happens, what we consider 'normal' now might no longer exist.
  2. Recent advances in AI, like OpenAI's new model, have made experts rethink how soon we might see 'strong' AI that can perform complex tasks like humans. This raises important questions about the future of work and society.
  3. Despite the excitement around AI, not all experts believe we are close to seeing a major economic boom from it. Predictions about technology can be tricky, and history shows change can take a long time.

🗽✨ Yes, more skilled immigration is good for America

1279 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Economic Policy Social media Political alliances Public Opinion
  1. Skilled immigration is important for America's growth and economy. It helps bring talented people who can contribute to various sectors.
  2. There is a debate about immigration policies that should focus on the economic benefits of allowing skilled workers from different countries.
  3. Understanding the basics of economics is vital in discussions about immigration, as it helps people realize how it can positively impact society.

🍼 Confronting global population collapse: A Quick Q&A with … demographer Nick Eberstadt

731 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demographics Economics Political Economy Social Issues
  1. Global population is set to decline for the first time in history, mainly because people are choosing to have fewer children. This shift poses big challenges for governments worldwide.
  2. Unlike past population declines, like during the Black Death, today's situation is driven by personal choices rather than disease. We now face a situation of fewer births happening across different cultures and societies.
  3. The reasons for lower birth rates are complex. It's not just about wealth, as many poorer countries are also experiencing declining birth rates. People's desires for children play a crucial role in understanding these trends.

☄ What asteroid 2024 YR4 teaches about techno-capitalism and risk

182 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🔬 Science Astrophysics Risk Analysis Space Exploration
  1. Having resources and the ability to act is important for future planning. It allows individuals and societies to tackle big challenges like space threats.
  2. The Earth will eventually encounter dangerous asteroids or comets. This highlights the need for effective planetary defense strategies.
  3. We must focus on long-term safety and preparation to ensure a bright future for humanity. This involves addressing risks from space and other global threats.

⚡️ When Jimmy Carter proposed his own DOGE

731 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Energy Policy Environmental Policy Historical Analysis
  1. Jimmy Carter's administration pushed for deregulation in industries like airlines and trucking to boost the economy. The goal was to make it easier for businesses to operate and compete.
  2. The Energy Mobilization Board was proposed to speed up energy project approvals, but it faced backlash from environmentalists and various interest groups. They were concerned it could weaken environmental protections.
  3. Carter's ideas for energy reform highlighted a struggle between meeting energy needs and protecting the environment. Ultimately, the board was rejected, showcasing the challenges of balancing these competing interests.

⚛️🌟 Our fusion future: A Quick Q&A with … nuclear engineer Michael Ford

456 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🔬 Science Energy Engineering Physics Technology Research
  1. Fusion energy has great potential and is seen as safer than fission because it doesn't have the same risks of catastrophic accidents.
  2. Many companies are investing in fusion technology, which is leading to a quicker development pace than in the past.
  3. Public perception and understanding of fusion will be important for its acceptance and can affect the costs and deployment of fusion power systems.

✨⏩ AI acceleration: the solution to AI risk

548 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Security Research Innovation Policy
  1. AI development is racing forward, and the first to achieve superintelligence could have a big edge in power and resources.
  2. Speeding up technological progress may actually reduce risks of disasters because it limits the time we stay exposed to dangerous phases of development.
  3. We should focus on managing AI risks through better safety measures instead of slowing down its progress, as slowing down might lead to bigger problems.

✨☢ A (pricey) Manhattan Project for AI Safety?

456 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI safety Regulation Innovation Research Security
  1. AI safety may require a huge investment, like $250 billion, to ensure we can manage its risks effectively. This is much more than what was spent on the atomic bomb during World War II.
  2. Researchers believe that speeding up technological progress can actually help reduce risks from advanced AI. The idea is that the faster we move forward, the less time we have for potential dangers to develop.
  3. Many experts suggest that the U.S. government might need to take charge of AI development to ensure safety and security, creating a major project similar to the Manhattan Project. This would involve merging AI labs and improving defenses against foreign threats.