Technology and Obsolescence
Note: This topic was mentioned during the call but not discussed in depth.
The rapid pace of technological change means today's essential knowledge becomes tomorrow's obsolete skill.
The Slide Rule Story
Karl Hebenstreit Jr shared:
"My dad's physics professor in college: 'Buy a quality slide rule because you'll be using it the remainder of your career'"
This perfectly captures how:
- Experts can't predict which tools will endure
- Essential knowledge changes faster than expected
- What seems permanent becomes obsolete
- Students face uncertainty about what to learn
Parallels to Today
Same questions now about:
- Calculators → mental math
- Spell-check → spelling skills
- GPS → navigation skills
- AI → writing, coding, analysis skills
Each raises: What's still essential?
Connection to Curiosity
If tools keep changing:
- Curiosity about how tools work might matter more than using specific tools
- Adaptability matters more than specific skills
- Need to be curious about what's coming next
- AI and Curiosity - same old questions, new tools