This edition explores the importance of imagination in modern organizations, emphasizing that while they excel in planning and forecasting, they often struggle with the creative aspect of imagining future possibilities. It highlights Joshua Rothman's essay from The New Yorker, which argues that the future is a historical invention shaped by various tools and cultural practices. The newsletter also discusses the upcoming Denver premiere of BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions, featuring a panel discussion with notable figures in film and...

A reminder for the upcoming EPIC Learning Week fireside chat with Jay Hasbrouck on May 5, 2026, focusing on the importance of cultivating imagination within organizations. This discussion emphasizes that imagination is not merely a vibe but a critical capability for maintaining strategic awareness in a rapidly changing environment. It highlights the role of anticipatory research in translating weak signals into tangible artifacts, enabling teams to explore implications and make informed decisions. The conversation will also address how...

What does it mean that many are captivated by occult and cosmic-horror narratives surrounding AI? This edition investigates the metaphysical dimensions of AI through a speculative prototype, linking it to the cultural roots of South Bay California. It presents a collection of signals and reflections on the occult, the Lovecraft Shoggoth meme, and the enigmatic energy of our current AI landscape. The discussion highlights how traditional conversations about AI often overlook deeper psychological and cultural implications, suggesting that...

This week explores the intersection of design and AI tooling, highlighting a recent initiative at Atlassian aimed at integrating product development with design processes. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between human creativity and machine efficiency to foster innovation. A fireside chat with Jay Hasbrouck from Google is announced, focusing on cultivating imagination as a practical capability within organizations. The discussion will address balancing speed in innovation with the need to recognize novel opportunities. Additionally, artifacts from a...

This edition explores the intersection of technology and society through various lenses, including wearable technology, magnetic data destruction, and rethinking AI futures. It discusses Quartz's innovative approach to trust via on-ring cryptography, highlighting the importance of physical rituals in verification. The newsletter also examines the historical context of resistance to technology, referencing Thomas Dekeyser's book "Techno-Negative," which categorizes forms of revolt against technological systems. Additionally, it presents a new perspective on AI development, advocating for Actor Network Theory...

A recent discussion on the "right to access" in AI draws parallels to the early internet's promise of broadband, now replaced by the concept of "constitutional AI." This newsletter explores the implications of developing and enforcing AI constitutions, posing questions about the roles, responsibilities, and qualifications needed for such positions. It previews an upcoming General Seminar focused on constitutional AI, where participants will investigate how these frameworks can align AI systems with human values. The seminar aims to...