Feb 19 2025 84 mins
What if the key to success isn’t setting goals, but letting go of them? AI scientist and author Kenneth Stanley challenges everything we’ve been taught about achievement, revealing why strict objectives hold us back. He explains why purpose can be overrated, why looking to the past is more valuable than focusing on the future, and how true innovation emerges from curiosity and unexpected stepping stones. This conversation redefines how we approach progress, creativity, and the pursuit of meaning.
Timestamps:
00:00 From AI To Self-Help
18:36 Good Objectives vs. Bad Objectives
23:09 Input Objectives vs. Output Objectives
26:46 Focus On Stepping Stones
30:58 Do We Actually Know What's Best For Us?
38:18 Ideal Life Without Objectives
45:31 Focusing On The Past Instead Of The Future
50:33 Relationship Between Greatness & Deception
1:01:22 Returning To Childlike Self & Unstructured Play
1:05:46 Is Purpose Overrated?
1:10:45 Be A Treasure Hunter
1:22:36 Connect With Ken
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