Practical Uses of AI
This Substack newsletter reports on a variety of uses for deep research. It looks like the author includes links to examples of each type of deep research, like this 28-page report ("background of notable people") on Montaigne.
What I like: the graphic, which is a digestible snapshot of the potentials of AI, the "project" of experimenting with different types of AI research (with different tools), and sharing them with extensive examples of the products. I believe that the AI wave is going to continue to crest and it's best to be surfing the wave rather than doused by it.
In another post, he shares this:
When to use Perplexity
Get up to speed on a topic: Need to research North Korea-China relations? Ask Perplexity for a summary and sources. See the result.
Research hyper-specific information: Ask for a list of organizations that crowdsource info about natural disasters. See the result.
Explore personal curiosities: I was curious about Mozart’s development as a violinist, so I asked for key dates and details. See the result.
There's no bad weather, only bad clothes*
A few weeks ago, I added some basic information about this Swedish concept.
Here's Claude, who emphasizes the difference between that concept and a more-American way of going out to conquer nature.
Friluftsliv is a Norwegian concept that translates roughly to "free air life" or "open-air life." It represents a deep cultural philosophy about spending time outdoors and connecting with nature as an essential part of well-being and identity. Unlike outdoor recreation focused on achievement or extreme sports, friluftsliv emphasizes simple, contemplative engagement with the natural world.
The concept goes beyond just being outside—it's about developing a respectful, almost spiritual relationship with nature. Norwegians practice friluftsliv through activities like hiking, skiing, foraging, camping, or simply sitting by a lake. The emphasis is on being present in nature rather than conquering it, and finding joy in basic outdoor experiences regardless of weather conditions.
## Starting Your Friluftsliv Practice
**Begin with your immediate environment.** You don't need mountains or forests—start with whatever natural spaces are available, even urban parks or your backyard. The key is regular, mindful engagement rather than destination-seeking.
**Embrace all weather.** The Norwegian saying "there's no bad weather, only bad clothes" captures this spirit. Invest in appropriate layers and waterproof gear, then commit to spending time outside regardless of conditions. This builds resilience and helps you discover the unique beauty of different seasons and weather patterns.
**Practice "slow outdoor time."** Instead of rushing through nature, sit quietly for extended periods. Bring a thermos of hot drink, find a comfortable spot, and simply observe. Notice seasonal changes, wildlife patterns, and how your mental state shifts during these quiet moments.
**Make it routine, not event-based.** Rather than saving outdoor time for special occasions, integrate brief daily connections with nature. This might mean eating lunch outside, taking walking meetings, or having morning coffee on your porch.
**Learn basic outdoor skills gradually.** Start with simple activities like identifying local plants, basic navigation, or preparing simple outdoor meals. These skills deepen your connection and confidence in natural settings.
**Disconnect from digital distractions.** Use outdoor time as an opportunity to step away from screens and notifications, allowing yourself to fully engage with the natural environment around you.
The goal isn't to become an expert outdoors person overnight, but to cultivate a sustainable, joyful relationship with nature that enhances your overall quality of life.
And when asked to compare it to American culture:
American outdoor recreation often emphasizes achievement, gear, and intensity—think conquering peaks, posting trail times on social media, or accumulating expensive equipment. There's frequently a "go big or go home" mentality where success is measured by distance hiked, difficulty of terrain, or how extreme the adventure was.
Friluftsliv, by contrast, is fundamentally about being rather than doing. A Norwegian might spend an entire afternoon sitting by a stream with coffee, considering this a perfectly fulfilled outdoor experience. There's no pressure to document it, achieve anything specific, or push physical limits.
The accessibility differs too. American outdoor culture often requires significant planning, travel to special destinations, and substantial gear investments. Friluftsliv happens in everyday spaces—the local woods, nearby lake, or even a city park. It's woven into daily life rather than being a weekend escape.
Weather attitudes also diverge significantly. Americans often cancel outdoor plans due to rain or cold, while friluftsliv embraces these conditions as part of the experience. The idea that you dress for weather rather than avoid it feels foreign to many Americans accustomed to climate-controlled environments.
Perhaps most importantly, friluftsliv lacks the competitive undertones common in American outdoor culture. It's not about fitness tracking, personal bests, or proving anything to others. It's contemplative and restorative rather than performance-oriented.
This creates a much lower barrier to entry—you don't need to be fit, wealthy, or skilled to practice friluftsliv. It's simply about showing up consistently in natural spaces with an open, receptive mindset.
No PowerPoint Meetings*
Jeff Bezos adopts Edward Tufte's idea of meetings that start with silent reading of prepared narratives. Here's some quotes from the Tufte website.
Amazon senior leaders, describe how Amazon/AWS dropped PowerPoint – replacing it with Edward Tufte’s redesign of serious presentations: all meetings begin with a silent reading of a 6 page narrative (sentences, no bullets). Their words claim that this method is a miracle in communication.
On This Day (07/09):
- 2025-07-09: Practical Uses of AI* There's No Weather Only Bad Clothes* No-Powerpoint Meetings*
- 2024-07-09: Commitment is a practice
- 2023-07-09: A process of discovery, a way to bear witness
- 2022-07-09: First, Observation and Lover are Necessary
- 2021-07-09: The Way a Cloud Fills with Rain
No comments:
Post a Comment