The world is being suckered into the AI fantasy cesspool. I feel the same way about the crypto grift. Prepare yourself for the next worldwide financial meltdown, which will make the 2008 crisis look like an accounting error.
Your post reminds me of Leonard Cohen’s quote from a 1968 interview, “…I wish the women would hurry up and take over. It's going to happen so let's get it over with. Then we can finally recognize that women really are the minds and the force that holds everything together; and men really are gossips and artists".
Speaking as a now, old, white man… all manner of global, national and regional interests (commercial and all other) have been dominated by old, white men long enough. We’ve had MORE than a valid sample, for all to recognize that better outcomes, everywhere, for all, should be possible.
While many notable and fine exceptions certainly exist (including your own), private equity capital is principally deployed in a manner that puts stakeholder ROI as the all-but-exclusive (predatory?) goal. As long as the investors are makin’ a decent buck, damn all the other consequences, including, but not limited to world hunger.
I’m sure I’ve “missed a few memos” but I haven’t seen a single observation from A.I. innovators that describes how all of the intended millions of displaced workers will find, let alone adapt to new work, and earn the livings needed to support a healthy economy and society. Any guidance on this from Arlene’s readers would be welcome.
Human beings have a curious habit of searching the horizon for something brighter, while overlooking the quiet gold already present in their work, relationships, and commitments.
Your note reminds us that progress is not always about chasing the next shiny object—it is often about recognizing the enduring value of what we already hold.
A Free Market system such as ours has always been Wasteful of Market Capital, every time the, 'next best thing' needs funding.... leaving many worthy and potentially decent investments blowing in the wind.
I wish Ms Dickinson would enter Ontario politics. I know temporarily turning off your moral compass to be able to associate with Ford is a challenge, but Ontario needs to dump the Ford Regime and start getting ourselves out of the Ford cesspool.
As a society we seem drawn to chasing these fantastical tech poker bets to cash in on the hype rather than focusing our investment efforts on core needs that provide realistic expectations of more modest returns.
The world is being suckered into the AI fantasy cesspool. I feel the same way about the crypto grift. Prepare yourself for the next worldwide financial meltdown, which will make the 2008 crisis look like an accounting error.
You have captured the ‘inevitability ‘ of AI as an investment thesis.
And to the detriment of critical areas like AgriFood - and I’d add Climate Tech and Fem tech….
I noted in a Linked post that most of that (lemming) capital is a conviction bet.
And yet, for eg, women-led ventures are delivering the actual results:
▪️ 78¢ of revenue generated for every $1 raised
▪️ 63% outperformance in ROI.
▪️ 15% lower burn rates
▪️ 24% of all US VC exits
Demonstrated performance but consistently underfunded.
Your post reminds me of Leonard Cohen’s quote from a 1968 interview, “…I wish the women would hurry up and take over. It's going to happen so let's get it over with. Then we can finally recognize that women really are the minds and the force that holds everything together; and men really are gossips and artists".
Speaking as a now, old, white man… all manner of global, national and regional interests (commercial and all other) have been dominated by old, white men long enough. We’ve had MORE than a valid sample, for all to recognize that better outcomes, everywhere, for all, should be possible.
While many notable and fine exceptions certainly exist (including your own), private equity capital is principally deployed in a manner that puts stakeholder ROI as the all-but-exclusive (predatory?) goal. As long as the investors are makin’ a decent buck, damn all the other consequences, including, but not limited to world hunger.
I’m sure I’ve “missed a few memos” but I haven’t seen a single observation from A.I. innovators that describes how all of the intended millions of displaced workers will find, let alone adapt to new work, and earn the livings needed to support a healthy economy and society. Any guidance on this from Arlene’s readers would be welcome.
Arlene, this is a powerful observation.
Human beings have a curious habit of searching the horizon for something brighter, while overlooking the quiet gold already present in their work, relationships, and commitments.
Your note reminds us that progress is not always about chasing the next shiny object—it is often about recognizing the enduring value of what we already hold.
A thoughtful and timely reflection.
You may like this essay published this morning. https://salmizindagi.substack.com/p/when-humanity-stands-against-itself?r=1yfzo5
Thank you.
You can’t eat AI generated information. You can’t eat money either.
A Free Market system such as ours has always been Wasteful of Market Capital, every time the, 'next best thing' needs funding.... leaving many worthy and potentially decent investments blowing in the wind.
Time for a change or smarter investors....
I wish Ms Dickinson would enter Ontario politics. I know temporarily turning off your moral compass to be able to associate with Ford is a challenge, but Ontario needs to dump the Ford Regime and start getting ourselves out of the Ford cesspool.
What are your tips, Arlene, on choosing an agri-food investment?
Agree,agree,agree
“Markets are amoral “. Sadly. Until they’re held to account wither by bumping into reality. It by people with conscience
As a society we seem drawn to chasing these fantastical tech poker bets to cash in on the hype rather than focusing our investment efforts on core needs that provide realistic expectations of more modest returns.
Not everyone is starving.
https://torontosun.com/news/national/prime-minister-mark-carney-billed-524k-flight-catering-first-year
How about asking why those caterers charged astronomical fees for those goods and services? Answer that question!
I feel like you left us hanging in the balance……and being born in MB, I know about what is happening to agriculture and it is not a good thing…