Warmer Sun
Accelerating Minds
In the next decade, the world will change as much as it did in the last century. This is your personal map, empowering you to not only navigate but also influence the transformation.
1️⃣ A framework for looking at emerging technologies
Let's start with some terminology.
Technology is what takes something that is scarce and makes it abundant. Speech is a technology. Clothing is a technology; The light in your home or heating. So are things like computing or 3D printers.
Certain technologies are especially interesting because they develop with an exponential pace. These information based technologies are called Emerging Technologies (or "emTech").
We categorized emerging technologies into eleven categories. These categories are are arranged so that we can think of each from the perspective of how they exist between the real and the digital world.
2️⃣ An introductory course
We have a collection of important concepts and ideas. For those who are not yet immersed in futurism, these provide a daily drip of content to read up on, TED talks and other videos to watch.
We pair these with fun group activities to engage hands-on and get mind-blown.
We cover transportation, self driving cars, drones, space exploration, networks, internet of things, 3D printing, nanotechnology, robots, artificial intelligence, solar, wind and other clean energy, computing, quantum computing, brain-computer interfaces, synthetic biology, augmented and virtual reality, the Metaverse, spatial web, crypto-currency, NFT.
As you can see the list is long so the goal is not STEM here... but rather to understand the applications and develop a cognitive framework, a mental model.
3️⃣A visual tool to map out convergence
More and more, interesting solutions and innovation happens at the intersection of various fields.
Building on the categorization, we provide the Convergence Canvas, a visual tool to describe, assess and create "Pathways" that build off the convergence of multiple emerging technologies.
Learning about convergence is the next level of knowledge once one becomes familiar with the dozen (or so) emerging technologies.
It's the idea of the advantages of being a Polymath
4️⃣ A list problems
While exponential progress of emerging technologies is the bright side... there is also a dark side. The world has a few huge problems, some are global crises and pose existential risk. So while some people are worried that with automation and universal basic income (UBI) we will have nothing to do and turn into fat blobs like in the movie Wall-e , we don't. There is a lot to do.
Does your company say it is "community focused"? Do they put the SDGs graphics on their about page? Are you a volunteer (or "voluntold") who provides unpaid service?
Do you even know what problems there are and who and why needs to be "serviced"?
We have our own collection of the big problem areas that we built off the UNESCO work and others.
We discuss and learn about these big problems, the metacrises, what we can do as prevention.
5️⃣ Finding pathways towards solutions
The members of our learning community who are the the most advanced level are working on finding pathways to solutions.
The difference between a solution and what we call "pathway" is that a pathway will get better, improve over time - exactly because it is built on emerging technologies which are each on a hockey stick growth curve.
5️⃣Career advice
We discuss how we can choose career paths or reinvent what we do for a living - something we will all have to do more and more often. What are those professions of the future, what is the future of professions?
We use AI to offer personalized learning. We host live events. We aim to prepare for the Singularity.
Exponential Thinking
Drawing inspiration from the story of John Nash, as portrayed in 'A Beautiful Mind,' we acknowledge the power of the human mind to overcome its own limitations. Learners challenge their natural intuition, develop the skill of thinking exponentially, and reimagine their understanding of the world around them.
We need to develop tools and knowingly overcome our wired-in limitations to no longer think local and linear.
Cognitive Framework
To navigate the complexities of an exponentially changing world, Accelerating Minds equips you with a personal map—a tailored cognitive framework, a mental model to help you know where you are, and give a sense of distance and direction.
Our program differs from other approaches like STEM or Maker Education, as it focuses on developing mental tools and broad perspectives required to understand and anticipate the impacts of emerging technologies and exponential trends.
Figure It Out Together
The plural 'Minds' in our name signifies the power of collective intelligence, where individuals with varied backgrounds, skills, and perspectives come together. We don’t promise to know all the answers but at least we can help you ask the right questions and from there we can figure it out together.
What We Do
101 - Introductory Level
The Accelerating Minds program is structured around a comprehensive curriculum that introduces you to the fundamental concepts and tools needed to understand and navigate exponential change. The journey begins with an introductory course called 'Progress and Predictions,' which serves as your guide to the world of exponential technologies. This course covers 11 emerging technology categories and explores the defining characteristics of exponential growth, setting the stage for the rest of the program.
201 - Intermediate Level
Building upon the foundation laid in the introductory course, Accelerating Minds delves deeper into the dynamics of exponential growth with a module focused on convergence. This section explores how advancements in one emerging technology can catalyze progress in another, creating a snowball effect of innovation. Through engaging games and activities, such as the 'Convergence Domino' and ‘Name a Convergence’ you'll learn to identify and analyze convergence patterns.
As you continue to explore the concept of convergence, Accelerating Minds will challenge you to break free from the confines of single-discipline thinking. You'll learn that the most innovative and effective solutions often emerge at the intersection of multiple fields, where diverse perspectives and expertise can combine to tackle problems from unique angles. By embracing this cross-disciplinary approach, you'll develop a polymath mindset that is essential for navigating the complexities of our interconnected world.
301 - Advanced Level
Accelerating Minds refers to the outcomes of convergence and cross-disciplinary problem-solving as 'pathways' rather than simply 'solutions.' Pathways lead to a solution with the added benefit that as they are built on emerging technologies each on of the building blocks will just keep getting better and better and the pathway as a whole “rides the wave” of exponential progress.
While Accelerating Minds is dedicated to empowering individuals to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges we are in a unique position. We are learners. We can play pretend. When we can solve real world problems “for real” it is wonderful. When we can’t, there is still a ton of value in brainstorming. We do believe in the power of ideas.
" No matter what quandaries we face—business problems, health issues, relationship difficulties, the great social and cultural challenges of our time—there exists an idea that will enable us to prevail. We can and must find that idea. And when we find it, we need to implement it." - Ray Kurzweil
In the advanced level of the program, we delve deep into the heart of these problems, analyzing their causes, consequences, and the complex systems in which they exist. This in-depth exploration enables participants to develop a nuanced understanding of the issues at hand, paving the way for the creation of more targeted, effective pathways to positive change.
How It Works
AI Driven Online Learning Experiences Built on OpenAI GPTs
⚠️ You need to have a ChatGPT Premium subscription to access these GPTs.
Learning Community
The AI-driven online courses feature a GPT that serves as an interactive textbook and personal tutor. This GPT is designed to understand the course content deeply and can answer your questions, offer clarifications, and provide additional examples to enhance your learning experience.
6Ps: Pathway Edition
An educational brainstorming game that presents imaginative problem scenarios, encouraging you to think critically and develop innovative solutions. By participating in this game, you'll sharpen your problem-solving skills and gain a deeper understanding of the 6 Ps framework.
AI Career Advisor
Careers of the future, the future of careers.
Pick a profession that interests you and the advisor will lead you through an analysis of how various emerging technologies are impacting it.
Longevity Advisor
As a bonus, the Longevity Advisor GPT provides access to a wealth of resources on longevity, using these texts for question answering. This GPT serves as your personal guide to the latest research and insights in the field, empowering you to make well-informed decisions about your health and well-being.
Community
Accelerating Minds goes beyond offering self-directed learning experiences by regularly hosting live online events These events are thoughtfully designed and curated to provide a dynamic, engaging, and interactive experience that complements the AI-driven components of the program. By participating in these live events, you'll have the opportunity to engage with a diverse community of learners, exchange ideas, gain new insights, and develop valuable connections that can support your personal and professional growth.
Our Partners
Arden Business Consulting
Mentored Groups for those Who Worry That They May Lose Their Jobs Because of Automation
Spectrum Transformation Services
Building an education centre at the
Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, Uganda