While at home, I listen to TED Talks as my kids study and chat intermittently. This evening evokes nostalgia for my past decisions and beliefs, highlighting their relevance in today’s world.
The first TED talk features the CEO of Perplexity.
Link to his talk: https://youtu.be/MD4W_e3dJPs?si=GzU_Ltx0LiRXlSj0
He delivers a thought-provoking talk on how AI empowers every individual with instant access to information and knowledge. By ‘knowledge,’ he refers to the ability to obtain answers directly without having to search through Google. I was surprised to learn that Larry Page, the founder of Google, had long predicted that AI would shape the future of search.
Returning to Aravind’s story, I resonate with his feeling of being underprepared to deliver meaningful research insights. The gap between the necessary skills and his own abilities seemed insurmountable, compounded by the economic challenges of supporting a family.
I remember my wife saying, “Just do it and go ahead. Don’t try to be perfect,†referring to the idea of a perfect thesis. But I gave up, using the kind of excuses one might expect from a middle-class Indian youngster who marries early to the love of his life.
This brings me to my next TED talk—is perfectionism just procrastination in disguise? By Jon Youshaei.
Watch it here: https://youtu.be/CPszftsUGVM?si=1cGCxkSVga8Xq-2e
When I abandoned four years of hard work in research, perhaps it was more due to procrastination and skill inefficiency than a genuine pursuit of perfection. I made it appear that way.
But why am I still not satisfied with even my successful work—even something as basic as sending an email? Why is it that, even with praise from colleagues and family, I remain insatiable in my efforts? Why?
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