I love the distinction between job and task. It really points to where we, as humans, need to focus understanding our true value. AI is clearly pushing us out of our comfort zones, encouraging us to move away from routine tasks and toward more meaningful, higher level contributions.
Excellent post. I can give you another example from my own life. Many moons ago, I was a creative writing undergrad — before IBM and before my previous career. Recently, I’ve reconnected with that part of myself.
There is an AI I use that makes for an excellent editor. It is great at that task, but not at the job itself — or in your example, the art. It can absolutely help with what a human editor does, and in some cases I’d argue it performs better than many. But it cannot create the story that truly connects with a reader. That still requires the human element.
Again, great post. Keep them coming — I know you will.
Rob, this is my favorite of all the many good posts you have written over the years! It gives me a useable mental model for how to grapple with the sea change that is AI: thank you!
Rob, the “plausible but not playable” line really landed. That is probably the cleanest description I’ve seen of the gap between output and usefulness. AI can produce something that looks complete, sounds right, and even feels impressive. But the real test is whether it works in context — with real people, real constraints, real accountability, and real consequences.
That is one of the reasons I also started writing again -- what happens when AI becomes part of how institutions operate. The winners will be the ones that learn how to turn AI into better judgment, better systems, and more deliberate action.
That is why the Baruch quote feels like the right anchor: the tools change, but the need for character and thinking does not.
Rob, I am so happy to see you come back to writing the Mentor. You are gifted at synthesis and improving SNR at a time that we need it so much. Big hug, from post-me JM.
I love the distinction between job and task. It really points to where we, as humans, need to focus understanding our true value. AI is clearly pushing us out of our comfort zones, encouraging us to move away from routine tasks and toward more meaningful, higher level contributions.
Excellent post. I can give you another example from my own life. Many moons ago, I was a creative writing undergrad — before IBM and before my previous career. Recently, I’ve reconnected with that part of myself.
There is an AI I use that makes for an excellent editor. It is great at that task, but not at the job itself — or in your example, the art. It can absolutely help with what a human editor does, and in some cases I’d argue it performs better than many. But it cannot create the story that truly connects with a reader. That still requires the human element.
Again, great post. Keep them coming — I know you will.
These three lessons struck a chord with my soul — each one resonated deeply. Grateful to read your heartfelt words, Rob.
Rob, this is my favorite of all the many good posts you have written over the years! It gives me a useable mental model for how to grapple with the sea change that is AI: thank you!
Rob, the “plausible but not playable” line really landed. That is probably the cleanest description I’ve seen of the gap between output and usefulness. AI can produce something that looks complete, sounds right, and even feels impressive. But the real test is whether it works in context — with real people, real constraints, real accountability, and real consequences.
That is one of the reasons I also started writing again -- what happens when AI becomes part of how institutions operate. The winners will be the ones that learn how to turn AI into better judgment, better systems, and more deliberate action.
That is why the Baruch quote feels like the right anchor: the tools change, but the need for character and thinking does not.
Rob, I am so happy to see you come back to writing the Mentor. You are gifted at synthesis and improving SNR at a time that we need it so much. Big hug, from post-me JM.
So glad The Mentor is out of hiatus!