Not Boring by Packy McCormick

Not Boring by Packy McCormick explores the intersection of technology, strategy, and innovation, with a focus on how intelligence, experimentation, and strategic thinking influence business and technological advancement. It delves into the implications of growing tech capabilities, the importance of attention economies, and offers optimistic insights on future developments and societal progress.

Technology Trends Business Strategy Innovation and Experimentation Artificial Intelligence Economic and Societal Optimism Tech Industry Analysis Strategic Execution Risk Management Climate and Energy Solutions

The hottest Substack posts of Not Boring by Packy McCormick

And their main takeaways

Long Questions/Short Answers

243 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Writing Philosophy Creativity Literary Analysis Education
  1. Asking the right questions can change how you see the world. Questions can guide our thoughts and experiences more than the answers themselves.
  2. When you focus on a big question in your life, it can shape your goals and actions. This question becomes your mission, driving you toward new discoveries.
  3. Curiosity is key to learning and growth. The questions we ask help us filter out irrelevant information and find what matters to us.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #131

113 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🔬 Science Physics Health Technology Cancer Astronomy
  1. A deep-sea telescope called KM3NeT has detected the highest-energy neutrino ever recorded, which could help scientists learn more about extreme cosmic events like black holes.
  2. A new blood test named PAC-MANN can detect pancreatic cancer early and accurately, potentially improving survival rates for patients.
  3. Anduril is taking over a big military project to develop augmented reality headsets for the U.S. Army, which could enhance soldiers' performance on the battlefield.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #130

168 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Research Gene-editing Health tech App Development Sports Analysis
  1. Researchers found a new drug called CT-179 that may help stop childhood brain tumors by keeping cancer stem cells dormant. This could lead to better treatments that stop the cancer from coming back.
  2. OpenAI introduced Deep Research, a new AI that can do detailed research and create expert-level reports quickly. It's designed to help with complicated subjects, making research easier for everyone.
  3. NanoCas is a tiny CRISPR system that can edit genes in muscle and heart tissues, not just the liver. This breakthrough could help treat muscle diseases and improve gene therapies.

Meter: The Internet Utility

183 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Networking Internet Software Infrastructure Hardware
  1. Meter aims to make internet access as easy and universal as electricity. The founders believe that just like buildings come ready for power, companies should have straightforward internet setups too.
  2. By integrating hardware, software, and support into one package, Meter can provide better service at a lower cost. This approach helps them stand out from traditional network providers.
  3. Meter is working on creating advanced AI models to automate network management. This means that over time, networks could self-configure, get smarter, and require less human intervention.

Most Human Wins

270 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Strategy Economics Technology AI
  1. As technology advances, many skills we thought were unique to humans are becoming easier for machines to do. However, this doesn't mean that humans are being made irrelevant; rather, we need to find what makes us unique.
  2. The process of commoditization means that things that were once rare and valuable are now easier and cheaper to access. This opens up new opportunities for what skills can be considered valuable in a changing economy.
  3. It’s important to adapt and use the tools at our disposal creatively. As machines take over more tasks, we should focus on our human strengths and experiences, making them central to our endeavors.
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Weekly Dose of Optimism #129

129 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Transportation Space Healthcare Startups
  1. Boom Supersonic has successfully tested its XB-1 jet, marking a big step toward commercial supersonic flights. This could cut flight times significantly, like from New York to London in about three and a half hours.
  2. DeepSeek's new AI model shows it's possible to train a top-level AI for much less money than before. This could make AI more affordable and accessible for various uses.
  3. Science Corp is experimenting with brain-computer interfaces that blend lab-grown neurons with animal brains. This technology could enhance brain function and offer new treatments for neural damage.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #128

125 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Blockchain Energy Synthetic Biology Digital innovation
  1. OpenAI's new Stargate Project plans to invest $500 billion over four years in AI infrastructure in the U.S. This could lead to many new jobs and significant economic benefits.
  2. The recent Executive Orders focus on boosting American energy production and supporting the growth of digital assets like cryptocurrency. It's a big move to reinforce economic growth and secure energy independence.
  3. Scientists have created the first fully synthetic eukaryotic genome using yeast. This achievement could lead to making better medicines and biofuels in the future.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #127

121 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Space Exploration AI Development Biotechnology Manufacturing
  1. Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket, marking a big step for Jeff Bezos in the space race against Elon Musk's SpaceX. This could lead to more competition and innovation in space exploration.
  2. A startup called Colossal is working to bring back extinct animals like woolly mammoths using advanced genetics. They believe this could open up new possibilities in science and conservation.
  3. AI is showing positive results in education, especially in Nigeria, where students using AI tutors outperformed their peers. This suggests that AI can be a helpful tool in learning when combined with good teaching.

The Return of Magic

277 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Consciousness Magic Spirituality
  1. Belief in a universal consciousness can connect us all. It's about feeling that there's something bigger, like a shared awareness.
  2. We might be on the brink of rediscovering magic in our lives as society moves away from strict materialism. It feels like we're starting to believe in things we can't always see.
  3. Exploring consciousness could lead to wonderful new advancements. Understanding our minds might just open up new paths for technology and life.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #126

106 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🔬 Science Biotechnology Neuroscience AI Energy Genomics Cell Biology
  1. Sana Biotechnology has made a huge step by transplanting insulin-producing cells for diabetes patients without needing drugs to suppress the immune system. This could change diabetes treatment for the better.
  2. Recent research shows that even non-brain cells can have memory-like processes, suggesting that memory might not be exclusive to the brain. This could lead to new ways of treating diseases by training our body's cells.
  3. A new AI model called METAGENE-1 can analyze wastewater to detect pathogens and monitor health risks. This technology could help us better prepare for pandemics in the future.

Read More Books

353 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
📚 Literature Reading Books Education Writing Personal Development
  1. Reading more books can really help you learn and grow. It improves your focus, memory, and how you connect ideas.
  2. Even busy people like Warren Buffett and Barack Obama make time to read daily. It's all about priorities and choices.
  3. By reading widely and thoughtfully, you can build a better understanding of the world and find connections between different ideas.

The Trump Bubble

234 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policies Public Opinion Political Analysis
  1. There's a belief that we are in a 'Trump Bubble,' where excitement about new ideas and change can lead to real progress. This excitement can attract investment and resources into innovative projects.
  2. Bubbles can actually be good for innovation. When people think the future will be different and better, it encourages risk-taking and investment in new technologies.
  3. The current political environment is making people feel they can influence government policies. This sense of involvement can lead to better collaboration between the government and innovators.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #124

116 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Quantum Computing Robotics Innovation
  1. Google's new quantum chip, Willow, makes huge advances, allowing it to perform complex calculations much faster than traditional computers. This could lead to amazing breakthroughs in areas like medicine and materials science.
  2. OpenAI is showcasing its latest technologies during '12 Days of OpenAI,' introducing tools that improve AI's abilities in reasoning, video creation, and more, showing how quickly AI is evolving.
  3. Caltech developed tiny robots that can deliver medicine directly to specific parts of the body, potentially making treatments more effective and reducing side effects. This technology could transform how we treat various diseases.

Introducing Boring News

144 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Media News Innovation Startups
  1. Boring News is a new daily news show that uses prediction markets and AI to deliver important stories. It aims to present news in a clear and straightforward way without the usual sensationalism.
  2. Instead of relying on human opinions, Boring News uses market odds and AI analysis to explain news stories. This approach is meant to provide more accurate and less biased information.
  3. The creators believe that tools like prediction markets can improve journalism by making it more reliable. They hope to free up journalists for deeper, more meaningful reporting while providing readers with easy access to news.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #125

92 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Energy AI Sustainability Data Innovation
  1. Commonwealth Fusion is making big strides toward clean energy with plans for the world's first commercial fusion power plant in Virginia, which could be operational by the early 2030s.
  2. Off-grid solar microgrids could greatly help power AI data centers quickly and affordably, making use of solar energy, especially in sunny regions like the U.S. Southwest.
  3. A new method called HORNET combines atomic force microscopy and AI to map RNA structures. This could improve our understanding of RNA and lead to better treatments for diseases.

Rox

152 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
💼 Business Startups AI Applications Sales Strategy Technology Integration
  1. Rox is creating a new kind of CRM that's built around AI. They want to help salespeople work better by giving them smart tools that can handle data quickly and effectively.
  2. AI won't replace all sales jobs, but it will make the best salespeople even better. The goal is to help strong sellers do their job more efficiently, not to take their roles away.
  3. Rox is focused on getting companies to connect their data to their system. By doing this, they can become a key part of how those companies operate, leading to better sales results.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #123

116 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Neuroscience Defense Energy Weather
  1. E11 Bio is using a creative way to map the brain by injecting viruses that label neurons. This could help us understand the brain better and develop new treatments for neurological issues.
  2. A new study shows deep brain stimulation can help restore walking in people with spinal cord injuries. This method could lead to better recovery options for those with movement difficulties.
  3. Meta is looking to use nuclear energy to power its operations. This move shows a commitment to sustainable energy and could set a trend for other tech companies to follow.

What Do You Do With an Idea?

216 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Innovation Economics Technology Investment
  1. Good ideas aren't hard to find; they just need to be used. Many solid concepts from the past are still waiting to be applied today.
  2. Ideas aren’t getting harder to discover but are harder to implement due to regulations and risk aversion. It's about making those ideas actionable.
  3. To make real progress, we need skilled people who can take old and new ideas and bring them to life, along with policies that lower the cost of innovation.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #122

111 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Quantum Computing Artificial Intelligence Biotechnology Higher education Government Efficiency
  1. Microsoft and Atom Computing are making big moves in quantum computing by using neutral atom processors to create stable computations. This could lead to real breakthroughs in things like medicine and cryptography.
  2. Nabla Bio has created an AI platform that can design new antibodies from scratch, speeding up the process of developing new drugs. This means we could potentially treat more diseases faster and cheaper.
  3. Starting in fall 2025, MIT will offer free tuition to students from families earning under $200,000, making education more accessible. This could help more talented students pursue important scientific and technical careers.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #120

137 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Genomics Energy Nanotechnology Data science
  1. The U.S. is planning to triple its nuclear power capacity by 2050, aiming for 200 gigawatts through new reactors and upgrades. This is a big move to meet rising energy demands in a safe and efficient way.
  2. Molecular nanotechnology could revolutionize production, possibly outpacing past technological shifts like the Industrial Revolution. It's an exciting frontier that stands to vastly increase our capabilities in various fields.
  3. Evo, a new AI model, shows promise in predicting and designing genomes, potentially creating new life forms. This technology could push the boundaries of biological science and genetic engineering significantly.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #121

113 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Space Quantum AI Medicine Crypto
  1. SpaceX successfully launched its Starship rocket, showing impressive advancements in reusable spacecraft technology. This progress is critical for potential lunar and Mars missions in the future.
  2. Javier Milei, the President of Argentina, has implemented significant economic reforms that have led to positive results like reducing inflation and achieving a fiscal surplus. His methods may influence similar government efficiency efforts in other countries.
  3. A breakthrough in quantum technology introduced a new type of qubit using mechanical vibrations. This can help improve quantum computing and create advanced technologies for various industries.

[untitled]

117 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎶 Music Music technology Music Industry
  1. The app named 'untitled' is designed for music creators to store, edit, and share their work-in-progress music easily. It focuses on making the creative process smoother for artists.
  2. Untitled recently raised $18 million in funding and has gained over 100,000 monthly users, showing that there is a strong demand for tools that support musicians.
  3. The founders believe in creating a unique experience for artists that combines the ease of mobile apps with the depth of traditional music software, aiming to become the go-to platform for all music creation needs.

Infinity Missions

164 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Philosophy Investment Space Exploration Climate change
  1. Infinity Missions focus on avoiding infinite downsides, like preventing existential threats, which often leads to massive government spending on projects like the Manhattan Project and climate change initiatives.
  2. Private companies are now pursuing Infinity Missions to chase infinite upsides, such as developing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), which is seen as having vast potential rewards.
  3. These Infinity Missions change the usual rules of investment and resource allocation, allowing for long timelines, attracting top talent, and enabling funding for projects that may seem wasteful in traditional contexts.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #119

113 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Opinion Political strategies Health Policies Social Issues
  1. The recent elections showed that direct communication and prediction markets are changing how we understand politics. Candidates are using more direct ways to connect with people, and prediction markets help us find the truth in a messy information world.
  2. New technology like underwater drones is being developed to help the environment, specifically to restore seagrass and gather important data. This kind of innovation can play a big role in caring for our oceans.
  3. Recent studies suggest that early-life nutrition affects long-term health, showing that sugar rationing in childhood can lower the risk of diseases like diabetes. It highlights how what we eat early can shape our future health.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #118

119 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Innovation Health Artificial Intelligence Biotechnology Engineering
  1. Osmo Labs has made a breakthrough in scent teleportation. They can now predict how smells will be based on chemical structures, which could change how we experience scents online.
  2. Semaglutide, a diabetes drug, might help lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease. A study shows it significantly reduces the chances of first-time diagnosis in patients with type 2 diabetes.
  3. A company called Physical Intelligence is developing robots that can fold laundry like humans. This could save us from doing tedious chores and allow us to focus on more enjoyable tasks.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #117

127 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Engineering Innovation Environmental Healthcare
  1. TSMC is successfully producing chips in Arizona, even better than in Taiwan. This could help boost U.S. manufacturing and support the new CHIPS Act funding.
  2. Arkansas has a lot of lithium, estimated to be 5 to 19 million tons. This is great news for the EV industry and America's push for clean energy.
  3. Science has made a retinal implant that helps restore vision to some blind patients. This shows how technology can genuinely improve people's lives.

Pace Yourself

495 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Technology Science Literature History
  1. In a fast-paced world, embrace varying speeds and allow different layers to move at their own pace.
  2. Building a strong foundation of knowledge allows for better understanding of new ideas and innovations.
  3. Consider pace layering when analyzing businesses and technologies, focusing on long-term impacts and deeper context.

Ambition's Gravity

245 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Space Innovation Tools Inspiration
  1. There are three main approaches to thinking about AI: fear of job loss, fear of missing out on AI skills, and using AI as a tool to achieve personal goals.
  2. Decide to do big things, determine the most ambitious goal for your life, and leverage the incredible tools available to make it happen faster.
  3. Ambition is contagious, empowering, and crucial in shaping the reality you want; name your ambition, set big goals, and watch the world contribute to making them a reality.

OpenAI & Grand Strategy

299 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI Startups Tech industry Leadership Innovation
  1. Grand strategy in tech involves aligning aspirations with capabilities.
  2. Building capabilities over time is essential for achieving ambitious goals.
  3. Maintaining flexibility, forming alliances, and understanding the bigger picture are key aspects of becoming a successful grand strategist.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #76

229 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Blockchain Environment Health Cryptocurrency
  1. Figure demonstrated a robot learning to make coffee based on observing humans, showcasing a general purpose AI approach.
  2. Rabbit introduced an AI model that translates human directives into actions without traditional app interfaces, paired with affordable hardware.
  3. US saw a decline in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 despite economic growth, emphasizing the need for continued emissions reduction efforts.

Venture Capital & Free Lunch

156 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investing Tech industry Finance Startups
  1. Venture capital is considered to be the best asset class due to its ability to fund innovation and high potential returns.
  2. Despite its risks and failures, venture capital has historically delivered strong returns and funded groundbreaking ideas.
  3. Venture capital's free lunch concept is the idea that through the failures and successes in investment, society benefits from innovation without direct costs.

Riskophilia

262 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Society Innovation Policy Philosophy
  1. The shift from risk loving to risk averse behavior over the past decades has impacted individuals, companies, and nations.
  2. The precautionary principle, aimed at minimizing risks, can lead to unintended consequences and hinder progress.
  3. Embracing risk is essential for building resilience, adaptability, and progress in various aspects of life.

Framing the Future of the Internet

168 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Blockchain Social Networks Decentralization Cryptocurrency Networks
  1. Farcaster is a blockchain network creating small interactive apps called Frames that can revolutionize social networking.
  2. Farcaster's Frames exemplify the concept of small applications growing protocols, encouraging experimentation and innovation.
  3. Blockchain networks like Farcaster win by offering decentralization, composability, and permissionlessness, enabling new functionalities and experiences for users and developers.

Tech is Going to Get Much Bigger

232 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI Robotics Startups Automation Innovation
  1. Tech is going to expand significantly as energy, intelligence, and labor become cheaper and more abundant.
  2. Tech companies will grow larger due to their ability to provide scalable intelligence and dexterity services to various industries.
  3. Every market will start to resemble a software market with lower costs, higher margins, and increased R&D investments.