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Gianfranco's Best of October 2023 Reading List
Gianfranco Filice
November 01, 2023
My favorite articles from October 2023:
Welcome to the October 2023 edition of my monthly reading list, where I share the best pieces I've discovered in AI, economics, leadership, venture capital, and life. These resources have been instrumental in shaping my thinking and perspectives over the last month, and I hope they provide you with the same.
Artificial Intelligence
Deep Thought, Deep Learning and the World's Total Computing Resources
The AI boom is expanding the world's total computing resources, particularly through the introduction of Nvidia's new H100 GPUs. These developments are expected to more than double the current FP64 capability of the world's supercomputers and existing public clouds in 2023.
The Shape of the Shadow of The Thing
The first phase of the AI era is culminating, marked by the forthcoming launch of Google's Gemini. While the full implications of AI across various sectors remain uncertain, advancements in language, vision, and voice capabilities are transforming how AI interacts with the world.
AI and Open Source in 2023
The article presents an extensive overview of trends in AI and open-source development for 2023. It touches on advancements in AI models, trends in research, and offers predictions for 2024.
Navigating the LLMops landscape: What you need to know
Insight Partners delves into Large Language Model Operations (LLMops), highlighting its divergence from traditional Machine Learning Operations (MLops). The article discusses transfer learning, compute management, and feedback loops, outlining the new challenges and opportunities that LLMops brings to enterprises.
The Best Available Human Standard
The article introduces the 'Best Available Human (BAH)' standard as a benchmark for the utility of AI in various fields like education, healthcare, and mental health. It discusses the incalculable risks and gains that demand immediate attention.
Personal Development
Instead of Your Life’s Purpose
This text challenges the conventional view of finding a singular life purpose. Instead, it advocates for a non-linear approach to life that leverages randomness and various avenues for meaning creation.
What Nobody Tells You
The author argues that periods of mental suffering, particularly in midlife, often offer opportunities for future growth. The article emphasizes that navigating hardships can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
What Suffering Does
David Brooks discusses the paradoxical role of suffering in human life. He argues that suffering can lead to deeper self-awareness, moral responsibility, and ultimately transform one's outlook on life.
Strong Opinions, Weakly Held
Abraham Thomas delves into the decision-making strategy of 'Strong Opinions, Weakly Held' (SOWH), detailing its applications in various professional contexts and its benefits in fostering rapid learning and adaptation.
A Few Laws of Getting Rich
Morgan Housel explores the complex relationship between wealth and happiness. He offers nine observations on the subtle challenges and personal dynamics of accumulating wealth.
Business and Finance
Building personal and organizational prestige
This article argues that the value of brand building is often overemphasized, suggesting that enhancing prestige is a more valuable focus. It outlines how individuals and organizations can increase their prestige through high-quality, timeless content.
Further Thoughts on Sea Change
The investment environment has undergone significant changes, prompting the need for capital reallocation. The article discusses a shift from low interest rates to a potentially more challenging environment for corporate profits and asset appreciation.
Troy Asset Management - Investment Report No. 78
The yield of the 10-year US Treasury bond reached a high, impacting asset classes. The article suggests that rising interest rates are likely to continue, possibly leading the US economy towards a soft landing.
Parallel Bets, Microsoft, and AI Strategies
Matthew Ball explores the concept of parallel bets, particularly in the context of Microsoft's strategies in operating systems and AI. He highlights the advantages and drawbacks of this approach.
Miscellaneous
Dev2Dev
This piece criticizes the focus of crypto venture capitalists on infrastructure, attributing it to a lack of creativity and innovation. It calls attention to the real issue, which is a lack of users in the crypto space.
Start right before you get eaten by the bear
Kao emphasizes the need to focus presentations on the crucial or "juicy" parts, cutting out non-essential backstory. She provides insights into crafting a minimum viable backstory.
Superlinear Returns (Paul Graham)
Paul Graham investigates the concept of superlinear returns, suggesting that rewards in business are not linear but rather exponential. The article explores the sources of these superlinear returns and offers insights into achieving them.
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