Every single decision is made by a human being. Let this sink in. Sure, there are automations and sequences that are set up that make decisions based off information, but those were set up by a HUMAN. The point is that human beings are still, for the time being, the trigger pullers.
We have entered into a world where AI has begun to take over that responsibility. Not generative artificial intelligence or LLMs like ChatGPT and Claude. I'm talking about the Tony Stark level of AI (Age of Ultron for my Marvel fans). The artificial intelligence we see in the Matrix. Ones that exist in a system where humans are no longer needed. Dark, twisted, and jacked up, I know.
Don't read this and stop because this is daunting. There is hope. That's why you are here.
You're here because you believe humanity can be protected. You bet on people. That's the whole point.
The reinvention calculus has changed. In the post-AI world that we live in, technical skill has become commoditized, and this will only keep happening. New jobs and roles will develop, but more and more skills and work will be mastered by artificial intelligence. Use that brain and think about the future. What will life look like in 10 years? In order for future you in 10 years to still be providing value to this world and thriving, you have to reinvent.
This has always been true, but it is especially true with the emergence of AI. Skill obsolescence was slower and more predictable. Industries would only evolve after years or sometimes decades due to digital transformation or manufacturing automation. Invention created a breakthrough and a skill was taken off the human tree map. "You don't need that anymore!" You had time to develop and reinvent, as change was slower.
But now? Skills are becoming outdated left and right in matters of months. Meta skills are mattering more. Those that can learn, critically analyze, and most importantly adapt, are the ones that are going to make it.
SO what do you need to learn and build? How do you AI-proof yourself?
It's simple: find the things AI will never be able to fully replicate or do. Go all in on those.
That's our thesis at Johns Hopkins University for Applied Socioeconomics. With direct mentorship from leading academics in psychology, neurology, artificial intelligence, business, sociology, and much more, we are discovering the reality of our situation as a people through the lens of science and humanities.
Here is what we know so far. You have to differentiate. This is obvious, but how, you might ask?
You as a person have an intrinsic human differentiator. We all do. Something that makes us intrinsically human. The ability to connect as human to another human….this interaction can never be entirely replaced.
The first of many scientific expansions will live here briefly as I introduce this to you all. Here is the claim: Human connection involves bidirectional transformation. The interaction in real time creates a dual effect that affects both participants. AI can update based on interaction and act like it conveys emotion, but it doesn't have stakes in the game. Humans co-create realities together.
Physical presence and certain interaction types trigger oxytocin release (essentially what facilitates bonding of people) and increase TRUST. Eye contact, touch (go hold someone's hand), and shared laughter (emphasis on shared, as this is bidirectional). Research by Paul Zak and his work displays that oxytocin creates a positive feedback loop in relationships. AI can't do this. It will never trigger this level of biochemical cascade.
Humans are different. This we have established. This human thing that we have can be protected and developed to proof ourselves in an AI world.
So how do we do that? That is Human Prowess.
You are already doing that by being a part of this. You are going to receive a monthly synthesis of research, findings, and value on how to master human signal literacy. It's time to lean all in on being human. Resituate your understanding of what that means. What does it mean to practice and improve your actual interpersonal skills, your ability to read and influence people? What does it mean to be great with people? Those that are the best with fellow humans will rise to the top in a world where digitization and AI have made quality connection a rare thing.
Humans are hard. We suck sometimes. That's the beauty. Rid yourself of your ego and preconceived notions around what it means to be fluent in human. What it means to diagnostically listen and pattern recognize human behavior. Tension analysis and contextual code switching. Mastering these HUMAN components in the way that you interact with others will transform your life in all sectors. You will improve in every situation that involves another human. Our world is still run by humans, and decisions are made by humans.
So now is the time.
Here's to human prowess: the courage to stay relational in a transactional world, the discipline to keep learning when expertise gets commoditized.
I'm glad you are here.
Bet on people.
Jaron
