Surya Prakash Jayanti

In the digital age, algorithms reign supreme, shaping our lives in ways we often fail to comprehend fully. Catherine O'Neil's eye-opening book, "Weapons of Math Destruction," dissects the underbelly of mathematical models, revealing their pervasive influence and unintended consequences on society. Mathematical models were once shrouded in mystery, accessible only to a select few deemed worthy of deciphering their complexities. O'Neil aptly describes them as opaque constructs, where the workings remain invisible to all but the highest priests in their domain. This lack of transparency lays the groundwork for a troubling reality: without feedback, these statistical engines perpetuate faulty and damaging analyses, never learning from their mistakes. Central to the discussion is the concept of model creation, where choices about what factors to include are made. Herein lies the crux of the issue; a model's blind spots reflect the judgments and priorities of its cr...

I didn't know much about this author, picked up the book, and then went back and watched some of his debates on TV, very strong orator, argumentative, and most of all excellent hard worker. He does a lot of background work before every important interview.  This book is better suited as an audiobook than an ebook or handbook, as the author curated live interview audio snippets for his examples. Here are some of the interesting quotes from his book It's better to debate and settle than settle and debate.   You have to grab attention in the first 8 seconds. Make the most important point first, Leave the knowledge gap/curiosity, and start with insightful questions or jokes.   Know your audience, quote folks with whom they resonate, and what they are seeking. Like Ronald Regan's quote about immigration to the audience, if you are debating about immigration in front of a conservative audience. These are the three most important things in an argument Ethos: Credibility, establi...

Exploring the Provocative Insights of "Humans Need Not Apply" In the landscape of technological advancement, few books have captured the imagination and provoked introspection like "Humans Need Not Apply." Authored by Jerry Kaplan, this thought-provoking work delves deep into the implications of automation, artificial intelligence, and the evolving nature of work in a rapidly changing world. Among the myriad concepts introduced in the book, one that stands out is the notion of the PBI, or Personal Benefit Index. In a world increasingly driven by automation and efficiency, the PBI serves as a metric for individuals to assess their own value and relevance in the face of technological disruption. Kaplan challenges conventional wisdom by suggesting that the age-old dichotomy between labor and management, famously expounded upon by Karl Marx, is evolving. Instead of pitting workers against their supervisors, the real threat lies in the inexorable march of capital replaci...

In the realm of artificial intelligence, where algorithms reign and decisions seem abstracted from the human touch, Joy Buolamwini emerges as a guiding light, illuminating the shadows where bias and inequality often lurk. Her book, "Unmasking AI", offers a compelling narrative that challenges the status quo of technological development, urging us to confront the ethical and societal implications of our digital creations. Buolamwini's work extends far beyond the confines of academia or industry; it embodies a crusade for justice and inclusivity in the digital age. Her website, ajl.org , stands as a testament to her vision: a platform dedicated to accountability, advocacy, and empowerment in the face of ubiquitous facial recognition technology. Here are some compelling quotes from the book that resonated deeply with me: 1. "The moral outsourcing of hard decisions to machines does not solve the underlying social dilemmas." Buolamwini cuts through the veneer of tech...

Here are some quotes I liked from the book "12 Rules for Life" By Jordan B Peterson. Rule 1: Stand up straight with your shoulders back Leaves change more quickly than trees, and trees more quickly than forests. The part of our brain that keeps track of our position in the dominance hierarchy is therefore exceptionally ancient and fundamental. Our anxiety systems are very practical. They assume that anything you run away from is dangerous. The proof of that is, of course, the fact you ran away. Ruel 2: Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping Our minds are far older than mere humanity. The line dividing the good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. Rule 3: Make Friends with people who want the best for you The desire to improve was, instead the precondition for progress. If you have a friend whose friendship you wouldn't recommend to your sister, or your father, or your son, why would you have such a friend for yourself? Rule 4: Compare...

In August 2018, I embarked on a personal challenge: to run 100 kilometers each month. What started as a personal goal soon became a journey of resilience, determination, and consistency. Despite the unpredictable nature of life, I committed myself to this endeavor, pushing my limits and striving for excellence month after month. Since then, I have maintained a rigorous schedule, lacing up my shoes and hitting the pavement regardless of the weather, my schedule, or any obstacles that may arise. Running 100 kilometers per month equates to roughly 3-4 kilometers per day—a manageable yet demanding target that requires dedication and discipline. Admittedly, there have been months where completing the 100 kilometers seemed insurmountable. Life's challenges, unexpected events, and moments of fatigue tested my resolve. Even in those challenging months where I fell short of my target, I would make up for it in the subsequent months. In reflecting on the journey, I must acknowledge the trial...