On a semi-frequent basis, I ask myself: What important truth do very few people agree with you on?

It’s a well-known question by Peter Thiel.

The key is that it is not static. The world changes. We change. So should the answer to this question.

It’s akin to a favorite movie, book or food. I have a “top list”, but I give a different answer every time I’m asked.

This morning, these were top of mind.

Software Sculpting

I believe the future of software engineering will be software sculpting.

It’s not about writing, vibing, or reviewing code. Those are all different modalities that will coexist. For the purpose of this point, I’m putting product, building, architecture, and systems aside.

Sculpting is about forming the layout of source code without writing it. Giving it structure, taste. Making it easy to comprehend and reducing cognitive load for agents and humans alike. Making it extensible and testable without writing it character by character.

The shape of software always mattered more than the characters. It’s just easier to shape it now.

AI in Construction Geotech

Construction is way too behind. My parents and friends are in the industry, and they’re still stuck in the “this can write an email for me” stage.

Construction is also a big word with many sub-disciplines. not enough people are thinking about AI in GeoTech and the opportunity is huge. It’s also much easier than people imagine. Lots of structured data, and not much competition.

Mind-Body Connection

Underrated in its importance in any physical or mental endeavor.

Once Neuralink matures enough, we’ll have an app that basically tells you how much you’re focusing on a task to help you calibrate your mind and maximize your productivity.

Meditation and focus are the closest equivalent we have to this today.

It could even give you a feedback signal at the gym. There are studies showing that two really good sets may be enough, but you have to be an experienced lifter for this. You need to really focus on muscle engagement, and that takes time. A neural feedback loop could shortcut years of learning to “feel” the muscle.

Daily Neural Plasticity Vitamins

There will be a “Vitamin D” equivalent to this in the future.

Learning new things is the closest we have to this right now. Learning a new language, going into a new domain, a new physical skill like juggling or slack lines.

All of the above helps, but there will be an easier way. In the same way that Vitamin D, though it does not replace sunlight, is a good supplement for it.

Microdosing psilocybin works well here too, but that comes with its own set of issues and is not a perfect solution.