NFTW: Learning the Language of Tomorrow
This week we explore how fiction shapes our ability to communicate with AI and take a look at "Life If Beautiful", the latest Larry June, 2 Chainz and The Alchemist tape.
What's good everyone? Hope you've all been well. I've been thinking ruminating on how we communicate with artificial intelligence and what that means for our own development as humans. I’ve started to implement ChatGPT, Claude and Perplexity into a lot of my work and life flows. A friend recently pointed out something that's been living rent-free in my mind: the skills we need to effectively work with AI mirror those we develop through reading fiction.
The Fiction Advantage in an AI World
I was talking with a friend a few weeks back, discussing the growing role of AI in our daily lives, when an astute observation was made: "The better you are at world-building through words, the better you'll be at working with AI." This got me thinking about how the skills we develop through reading fiction - precise language, narrative construction, and imaginative thinking - are becoming increasingly valuable in our interactions with AI systems.
Consider how we engage with AI through prompts - we're essentially telling micro-stories, creating context, and building worlds through carefully chosen words. When you prompt an AI system, you're not just issuing commands; you're creating a narrative framework that the AI uses to understand and respond to your requests. This process mirrors how fiction authors construct their worlds: through careful attention to detail, context, and nuance.
The connection goes deeper than just mechanical similarity. Fiction develops our capacity for what psychologists call "theory of mind" - our ability to understand and anticipate how others think and respond. This skill becomes crucial when working with AI, as effective prompting requires us to anticipate how our instructions will be interpreted and to provide the right context for optimal results.
Moreover, fiction exposes us to diverse perspectives and ways of thinking, enhancing our ability to frame problems and solutions from multiple angles. This versatility in perspective-taking is invaluable when crafting AI prompts, as it helps us consider different approaches and potential outcomes.
For those looking to strengthen these skills, here are five powerful works of fiction that excel at world-building and perspective-shifting:
How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue - A masterclass in building complex narratives around environmental justice and corporate power, showing how detailed world-building can illuminate contemporary issues.
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche - Offers sophisticated exploration of identity and cultural navigation, demonstrating how nuanced character development can create deeply immersive experiences.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe - A foundational text that showcases how precise language and cultural context can transform our understanding of historical narratives.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khalid Hosseini - Exemplifies how multiple perspectives can weave together to create a rich, multifaceted narrative world.
Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson - A contemporary work that demonstrates how innovative narrative techniques can create intimate, immediate connections with readers.
The Visual Poetry of Finance
Speaking of powerful collaborations, the Cash App commercial featuring Kendrick Lamar and Ray Dalio offers a masterclass in visual storytelling. Shot in striking black and white, the piece transforms financial technology into cultural commentary through thoughtful artistic direction. The modernist balcony setting, overlooking a vast cityscape, creates a powerful metaphor for the intersection of traditional finance and contemporary culture.
What makes this piece particularly compelling is its visual language, which draws from both classic film noir and contemporary music video aesthetics. The juxtaposition of Dalio, representing traditional financial wisdom, with Lamar, embodying cultural innovation, speaks to a larger narrative about the democratization of financial tools. This dialogue between old and new money, between establishment and innovation, reflects the broader transformation happening in our financial systems.
“Basically bro, what he’s saying is slow money wins the race.”
The Art of Beautiful Collaborations
I've been living with Larry June, 2 Chainz, and The Alchemist's "Life Is Beautiful" since its release last week, and it's got me thinking about the delicate art of collaboration. In a conversation with a friend about the project, we discussed how rare it is to find collaborations where the whole genuinely becomes greater than the sum of its parts. This album manages to achieve that alchemy – pun intended.
What's fascinating here is how The Alchemist creates a sonic canvas that allows both Larry June's laid-back wisdom and 2 Chainz's veteran charisma to find their perfect pockets. Take "Munyon Canyon" – the album's opener feels less like a track and more like a mission statement, setting the tone for what happens when entrepreneurial spirit meets artistic excellence. On "LLC," the duo trades verses about business acumen over boom-bap production that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking, reminding me of something Steve Jobs once said about legacy: "The only way to do great work is to love what you do."
But it's the title track that really crystallises what makes this project special. Over a serene instrumental, both artists reflect on their journeys with a gratitude that feels earned rather than performed. It's the kind of music that makes you want to open your notes app and start planning your next venture, all while bopping your head to the rhythm. When they rap about appreciation and growth on "Any Day," it hits different because you can hear the miles traveled in their voices. It's conscious capitalism meets conscious rap, all filtered through The Alchemist's soulful soundscape. Chefs kiss.
This collaboration stands as a testament to what happens when artists at the top of their game find synchronicity. It's not just about good music – it's about the power of aligned vision, something we could use more of in both art and business.
Looking Forward
As we navigate this AI-enhanced future, our ability to communicate effectively through language - to build worlds, convey nuance, and create context - becomes increasingly crucial. Whether we're crafting prompts for AI systems, creating cultural moments that bridge different worlds, or finding the right collaborators to elevate our vision, the skills we develop through engaging with fiction serve as a foundation for meaningful interaction in our digital age.
Until next week. Peace.
PS: If you're looking to enhance your prompt-writing skills, start with any of the recommended books above. Watch how these authors build worlds through words - it might just be the best training for communicating with our AI tools.