JRE #339 – Jacob Ward

by

3/18/2013




This podcast offers an insightful conversation with Jacob Ward, the editor of Popular Science magazine, exploring topics ranging from the future of technology and the human mind to the ethics of government surveillance and the nature of fear. The discussion delves into deep underlying themes about the rapid pace of technological advancement, the complexities of human consciousness, and the potential pitfalls of unchecked progress.

Major Topics

  1. The Future of Technology:
    1. The rapid evolution of mobile phones and the constant drive for innovation.
    2. The increasing accessibility of technology and its impact on self-promotion and self-publishing.
    3. The role of big data in shaping our understanding of the world and the potential for artificial intelligence.
    4. The ongoing development of biomechanical engineering and its potential to enhance human capabilities, including memory and treatment of diseases.
  2. The Human Mind:
    1. The complexities of the brain and the limitations of our current understanding of its functions.
    2. The fascinating phenomenon of Savant Syndrome and the potential for unlocking hidden abilities through brain injury.
    3. The impact of environmental factors, including sensory deprivation, on the human mind and its potential to enhance creativity and self-awareness.
    4. The debate surrounding the use of antidepressants and the challenges of understanding their impact on individual brains and personalities.
  3. Ethics and Surveillance:
    1. The increasing role of government surveillance and the implications for privacy rights.
    2. The potential for technology to be used for both good and evil, highlighting the importance of ethical considerations in scientific advancements.
    3. The rise of citizen activism and the power of anonymous online communities in holding institutions accountable.
    4. The need for checks and balances to prevent the misuse of power and information in a technologically advanced world.
  4. Fear and Human Nature:
    1. The nature of fear and its influence on human behavior, particularly in high-pressure situations.
    2. The different ways individuals handle fear and the role of training and experience in managing it.
    3. The evolutionary origins of human behavior, including the drive for survival and the importance of instincts.
    4. The potential for human beings to transcend limitations and push the boundaries of what is possible through physical and mental resilience.
  5. The Future of Humanity:
    1. The challenges of overpopulation and the need for sustainable urban design.
    2. The potential for humans to become symbiotic with technology and the implications for consciousness and identity.
    3. The ethical considerations surrounding de-extinction and the potential consequences of reintroducing extinct species into the modern world.
    4. The role of curiosity and ambition in driving human progress, both for good and for bad.
  6. The Animal Kingdom:
    1. The intelligence and complexity of animals, particularly dolphins and sharks.
    2. The ethical implications of animal captivity, particularly in zoos and marine parks.
    3. The fascinating aspects of animal behavior, including the role of instincts and the ability to communicate and learn.
    4. The ongoing debate about the nature of consciousness and the potential for other species to possess a level of self-awareness similar to humans.

Memorable Quotes

  1. “You actually made the sound of the of the the name of the galaxy sound cool, which is impossible. That’s the worst. That’s the longest name for fun. great piece of technology with a terrible name.” – Ward humorously acknowledges the sometimes awkward names given to advanced technology.
  2. “I don’t have the confidence in them without Steve Jobs at the helm. I need a crazy person completely obsessed with success. Totally. It’s regular Tim Cookfella. Sure. He’s like a regular dude.” – Ward reflects on the leadership styles of Apple’s previous and current CEOs.
  3. “The ability to control the public’s perceptions of things back then was so complete. Sure. Like, what Harry and Slinger and William Randolph Hirst did — Sure. controlling the the public’s perception. Right. You had to be so, you know, brilliant and kind of scary to rise to the top of the money heap and, you know, especially in the end to have enough of a fortune that you lasted through the thirties. Like, you gotta be a — Yeah. Right. — or a niverest human being. You know, you’re a scary dude.” – Ward highlights the significant power wielded by media moguls in the past.
  4. “I’ve heard people say that they believe that in today’s era, the Watergate would have never happened, and that that’s sort of staying operations against the present. Oh my god. Not only would it not have happened. It would be on 5000 Galaxy s 35, whatever the, you know, name of the phones are. Maybe so everybody would have filmed it. Yeah. You’re not gonna be able to get away with anything in the future people.” – Ward emphasizes the potential for technology to expose wrongdoing and hold individuals accountable.
  5. “It’s cool. Like, to be in a place where when things catch fire, everyone runs for the exit and the wining you’re supposed to. You know, like, these guys like a rap concert. I know. Right. Yeah. Sure. Right. But, you know, it’s just cool. I I find some of that order. You know, if you meet like a test pilot, those guys are just money. That’s the world’s most reliable person. You know?” – Ward highlights the value of discipline and order, even in unexpected places.


 

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