Synthesis (learning and growing) is not Easy

What does the title mean by Synthesis? Ever heard of Hegel’s Dialectic? For Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, the dialectic method of historical and philosophical progress consists of (1) a beginning idea called a thesis, (2) a competing and opposite proposal of that thesis called the antithesis, and (3) a synthesis whereby the two conflicting ideas are reconciled or “synthesized” to form a new and more advanced idea.

Isn’t that the idea of learning? To take your current ideas and put them against opposing viewpoints to achieve a better understanding?  

Here is an example of the dialectic method used in an English class:

As you can see from above, a thesis or viewpoint on a topic is not always correct. If we know that there are things to be gained from Hegel’s Dialectic, why don’t we do it more often? Simple. It is hard on us psychologically and it is mental and emotional work. When the antithesis is introduced to us from a social media post or something we have just read then there is struggle and pain to achieve synthesis.

When the antithesis is introduced to us from a social media post...then there is struggle and pain to achieve synthesis.

When your identity and thinking is on the side of or beholden to a particular thesis, considering the antithesis is difficult. You have to take time and make effort to consider antithetical viewpoints. You have to overcome preconceived ideas about those who hold the antithesis. This is not easy. No wonder we protect ourselves by surrounding ourselves with those who think like us. This is also know as an "echo chamber" where we hear the same things repeated on a continual basis.

No wonder we protect ourselves by surrounding ourselves with those who think like us.

To help in this, you must trust that once the process of synthesis is completed, or even in the painful process, you gain in various areas. First, you become more empathetic. You better understand what "they" have been feeling and thinking. Next, you learn that the topic being considered is not as simple as you originally thought. Moreover, you also better understand those complexities. However, as was previously stated, there is an element of discomfort when you hold something as true and then consider the opposing viewpoint. In short, it’s not easy but more than often, worth it.

... there is an element of discomfort when you hold something as true and then consider the opposing viewpoint. In short, it’s not easy but more than often, worth it.

AI and More Free Time

Technology has given us more free time. Imagine what our days would be like if we had to grow out own food, etc. AI will more likely give us more free time in the future. My question is, what will we do with it? Or another way to ask the question, "What are we doing now that we will no longer have to do which should result in more free time?"

Some things that come to my mind are drive a car, complete standard forms such as annual tax reviews, get regular medical testing, and grocery shopping.

AI driving a car is not hard to imagine. We are on the cusp of that reality.

Filling out standard forms would be something AI could do give the data that is already part of our everyday lives. Imagine the 1040EZ or 1040A forms being completed and submitted based on the information from where you work, the bills you pay, and the charities that your support.

Concerning medical tests, what if each time you urinated or defecated, your home restroom facilities would run a chemical analysis on your urine or stool and share that info with you?

Another reality that is coming soon to you is having your groceries brought to your door step. Imagine a smart fridge where what is needing replaced of your commonly purchased items automatically arrives. How would simply supplying a list to your personal AI of needed items that were at your home in less than 12 hours save you time?

Finally, if these are more possible tasks are fulfilled by AI, what would you do with that freed up time? Learn something new. Go for more walks? Spend more time with a loved one?

Most Advanced Yet Acceptable Ideas

In his book Hitmakers, Derek Thompson discusses an acronym, The MAYA Principle - "Most Advanced. Yet Acceptable."

This acronym was set forth by Raymond Loewy, known as the father of industrial design. Loewy's Lucky Strike cigarette package, Exxon logo, and blue nose of Air Force One are only a few of his famous designs.

Per Thompson, in his 2017 Atlantic article, "Loewy had an uncanny sense of how to make things fashionable. He believed that consumers are torn between two opposing forces: neophilia, a curiosity about new things; and neophobia, a fear of anything too new. As a result, they gravitate to products that are bold, but instantly comprehensible. Loewy called his grand theory 'Most Advanced Yet Acceptable'"

How would this work in the area of ideas? How can we better form concepts that are novel, but quickly understandable?