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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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