cover of episode Luis Seco — On Mathematical Beethovens, Decentralized Education & the Voyage to the Human Brain (EP.243)

Luis Seco — On Mathematical Beethovens, Decentralized Education & the Voyage to the Human Brain (EP.243)

2024/11/21
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Luis Seco教授认为数学如同贝多芬的第五交响曲,从核心主题中提取最大价值。他将数学视为计算机的语言,理解人工智能需要掌握数学。他强调教育应是终身学习的旅程,涵盖科学和人文,培养学生沟通能力和批判性思维。他认为21世纪是社会科学的世纪,关注人类大脑和人文精神。他指出,风险管理已从简单的线性模型发展到复杂的非线性模型,数学是理解和应对这些复杂性的关键。他还探讨了数据形式的演变,从纸质记录到数字数据库,再到包含图像和视频的多模态数据,这将极大地改变各个领域。他预测未来的教育将是去中心化的,类似于一个不断升级的软件系统,个人既是学习者也是教师。他认为未来的问题解决将更多地依赖于协作,而不仅仅是个人努力,去中心化的教育系统将加速这一趋势。他指出投资管理正在从基于数字转向基于文本和多模态数据,人工智能将发挥关键作用。 Jim O'Shaughnessy认同Seco教授的观点,并就教育的去中心化、终身学习的重要性以及人工智能在投资管理中的应用进行了深入探讨。他认为,未来的成功取决于沟通能力,而非仅仅是专业知识。他强调了学习和再学习的重要性,以及在不断变化的世界中适应新知识和技术的必要性。他还探讨了社会媒体作为情绪宣泄渠道的作用,以及人类固有的善意在应对科技挑战中的重要性。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why does Luis Seco compare Charles Fefferman to Beethoven in terms of mathematical approach?

Luis Seco compares Charles Fefferman to Beethoven because both extract maximum value from a foundational element. Fefferman, like Beethoven with his Fifth Symphony, takes a mathematical theme and explores its depths extensively, creating profound outcomes from seemingly simple starting points.

How does Luis Seco view the role of mathematics in understanding artificial intelligence?

Luis Seco views mathematics as the language that computers and AI speak. He emphasizes that to understand AI, one must know math not just for building theories but for comprehending how these systems work and how humans communicate with them.

What does Luis Seco suggest about the future of education in the context of technological advancements?

Luis Seco suggests that education will become decentralized and democratized, moving away from centralized systems like traditional universities. He envisions a future where education is a lifelong journey, accessible through decentralized systems akin to social media platforms, allowing continuous learning and community-driven teaching.

Why does Luis Seco believe that the 21st century will be the century of the social sciences?

Luis Seco believes the 21st century will be the century of the social sciences because the voyage of understanding in this era is focused on the human brain and what makes us human. He argues that humanism, including art and literature, will become more important than ever as we navigate complex realities and aim for societal prosperity and happiness.

How does Luis Seco explain the importance of non-verbal communication in human interactions?

Luis Seco explains that non-verbal communication constitutes 85% of the impact in any interaction, as opposed to the content which accounts for only 15%. He uses the example of job interviews, where the CV gets you the interview but the personal interaction determines the hire, emphasizing the need for understanding and mastering non-verbal cues.

What does Luis Seco see as the future of risk management and financial decision-making?

Luis Seco sees the future of risk management and financial decision-making shifting from being solely number-based to incorporating more complex, non-linear data, including textual and multi-modal inputs. He believes that AI and advanced computational power will be crucial in understanding and managing these more intricate risk factors.

How does Luis Seco envision the role of communities in the future?

Luis Seco envisions communities playing a crucial role in helping individuals understand the increasingly complex world. He believes that forming communities will provide the intellectual power needed to navigate and comprehend the mysteries of modern life, emphasizing the importance of collective intelligence and collaboration.

What does Luis Seco suggest about the potential of decentralized education systems?

Luis Seco suggests that decentralized education systems will democratize learning, making it a lifelong process accessible to everyone. He believes these systems will be community-driven, allowing for continuous upgrades and interactions, much like operating systems on smartphones, ensuring that education remains relevant and adaptive to changing realities.

Why does Luis Seco think that the concept of a nation might change in the future?

Luis Seco thinks the concept of a nation might change because the way communities are organized will become more multidimensional and less dependent on geographical boundaries. He believes that cultural and linguistic barriers will diminish, leading to new forms of community organization that are not tied to traditional nation-state structures.

What does Luis Seco propose as the key to preventing a divide in society due to technological advancements?

Luis Seco proposes that education must evolve to ensure that no one is left behind in the face of technological advancements. He advocates for a lifelong, decentralized education system that continuously adapts and upgrades, ensuring that everyone has access to the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Chapters
This chapter explores the nature of mathematics, comparing the mathematical approach of Charles Fefferman to Beethoven's musical compositions. It discusses mathematics as a human creation and its role as a universal language, particularly in the context of computer science and AI.
  • Comparison of Charles Fefferman's mathematical approach to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony
  • Mathematics as the language computers speak
  • The potential for AI to create code incomprehensible to humans

Shownotes Transcript

Professor Luis Seco is a mathematician, educator, and investor.

Among many other titles and achievements, he is the Professor of Mathematics at the University of Toronto, Director of the quant research hub Risklab, Chair of the Centre for Sustainable Development at the Fields Institute, and co-founder of the asset management firm Sigma Analysis & Management Ltd.

Got all that?!

This one was really fun, and not just because Luis is a fellow quant. We discuss how maths resembles Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, the future of the ‘metaversity’, the most important lesson Luis gives his students, why investing isn't what it used to be, and much more.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our Substack).

Important Links:

Show Notes:

  • What Luis learned from the Beethoven of mathematics
  • “Mathematics is the language computers speak”
  • The role of community in an increasingly confusing world
  • Lifelong education & the voyage to the human brain
  • Why to teach is to be human
  • Timebinding & social media as a steam valve
  • What matters more - content or communication?
  • Math as a social science: quantifying risk in a nonlinear world
  • From paper, to numbers, to images: The changing nature of data
  • Why the future of education lies in decentralization
  • Swarm solutions & why we’re in the century of collaboration
  • Metaversities & the case for bringing your kids to work
  • Why managing money is now based on words, not numbers
  • Luis as Emperor of the World
  • MORE!

Books Mentioned:

  • The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy; by Douglas Adams
  • The Two Cultures; by C.P. Snow
  • Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance; by Robert M. Pirsig
  • Manhood of Humanity; by Alfred Korzybski
  • How to Win Friends and Influence People; by Dale Carnegie
  • The Myth of 1926: How Much Do We Know About Long-Term Returns on U.S. Stocks?); by Edward F. Mcquarrie