AI, the sacred and the profane.

At the time of writing this, October 2024, everybody talks about AI and try to predict its implications for the way we work, specially for writers and software developers.

I am very fond of using AI when I write code, mainly as a replacement for Google Search or Stack Overflow. When I need a special algorithm or an obscure framework method. I also use it to generate single-purpose scripts, as the returns of writing a maintainable code are very, very low.

I use it to look for synonyms when my first code idea isn't expressively rich, too. But I don't use it for the code design process or to identify cohesive abstractions. I don't use it to write for refactor either, not only because I enjoy that process very much, but also because I have an exquisite (and subjective) taste that can't be satisfied with automatic assistant suggestions.

In other domains, I use it as a research assistant asking questions or different opinions on a specific subject. Of course, always trying to pay attention to the Gell-Mann Amnesia effect, we identify the journalist (or AI in this case), can be spitting rubbish, in domains we have expertise but forget it completely in domains we don't.

However, in my writing process, my precious realm, I don't use it. And I am very strict to keep it that way. I want my writing to reflect my view, my personality, my true self. I want my writing to be a personal exploration of my ideas and my way to express them. To have my own personal experience, my path. I don't want my pieces to have generic mediocre middle ground, statistical significant word relationships.

In my sacred realms, in opposition to profane domains, I don't want to be efficient or fast.

I want to enjoy the process as much as possible. I want to slow-cook my thoughts, no matter how long they take. I can put them on hold if I don't reach to a desired or personal satisfying conclusion, there is no rush. I don't sprint. I don't have any pressure.

Missing the train feels painful only if you are after it. — Nassim Taleb

So this is my pledge.

Any piece that I write, emails, tweets, articles, posts, no matter where I publish it, you can trust me it comes from my own typed keys, and digested intellectual process.

PS: I took this post idea from Derek Sivers, which he took it from Damola