The Case for De-Optimization
The last decade of self help was about doing more, i.e. productivity.
The last decade of self help was about doing more, i.e. productivity.
You created complex Notion templates to try and build systems for yourself to be more “productive.”
Because generative AI runs these systems, and there is always at any time opportunities to generate infinitely more productivity, so the next decade is about learning to do and create space for less.
The last decade was about optimization. We are told by influencers to follow specific routines for success. That optimization is the goal. Or that somehow optimization will get us to some goal.
This is a form of “Maya”
The concept of “Maya” is a veil of ignorance that prevents us seeing our true nature. Perfect optimization is a form of “Maya” because it is illusion that you will ever arrive anwyhere. Life and the world are persistently changing, and you are aging and you are dying.
When optimization is only performed for its own sake, the intellect keeps you busy and focused on removing tiny weeds, missing out of experiencing the whole forest.
As AI takes over cognitive tasks, we realize that a De-Optimization is needed.
AI optimizes, we can de-optimize. We add friction happily. We make hard choices because ultimate freedom is not what we actually want.
How do we find joy in our lives outside of the fake carrot of optimization and outside of our intellectual digging? We actively embrace imperfection, challenge, and responsibility because they create meaning and purpose. That raises our sites, awareness, and ability to participate in life through other lenses besides the intellect, like heart, soul, creative imperfection, and vulnerability.
The last decade was about mass social networks. The business model turns all of them into marketing channels. Now they are full of personalized AI marketing content meant to hook you. They “know” you but that “knowing” comes with a cost we will want to at times avoid.
The next decade is about retreating to Dunbars number of smaller and more local IRL networks. Face to face communication doesn’t hook you in the same way AI’s are built to. Face to Face is a better path for true connection, it’s just that it’s “de-optimized” (See Maya above).
So, the questions that matter are…
How do I filter, buffer, shut off, or declutter the digital noise?
How do I find joy in de-optimization? Taking harder, more friction full paths towards meaning? How do I embrace myself if I am not optimizing?
And,
Who do I know that I truly care for? How do I become more responsible to others around me?
xx David