The GRTiQ 10: Ben Jones (Ep. 134)

During a recent GRTiQ Podcast, Ben Jones provided listeners with a glimpse into his perspectives on life, personal influences, and insights that shape his daily decisions. The GRTiQ 10 is a weekly segment diving into the personal inspirations, influences, and insights of our guests, aiming to inspire listeners to discover new perspectives, embrace novel experiences, or achieve more in their lives.

Ben began by sharing the books that had the most impact on his life. As a child, the “Harry Potter” series was a significant influence, sparking his imagination and love for storytelling. For a deeper dive into consciousness and AI, he recommended “Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid” by Douglas Hofstadter, describing it as dense but incredibly insightful. Additionally, Ben expressed his admiration for the Maker and Hacker communities, inspired by his inventor father. He highlighted the explosion of activity in these communities, particularly on YouTube, where people share innovative projects and ideas.

When it comes to television, Ben’s top pick was “Westworld,” especially its first season. He praised the show’s foresight in depicting AI and consciousness, noting its relevance in today’s discussions about large language models (LLMs). Ben was impressed by how accurately “Westworld” predicted the development of AI technologies like GPT, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in AI.

Musically, Ben chose Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” as the one album he could listen to for the rest of his life. Despite acknowledging it as a cliché choice, he believes it to be the perfect album, showcasing his appreciation for classic rock.

Reflecting on advice, Ben emphasized the importance of setting expectations. He explained that in both personal and professional relationships, clear communication about expectations can prevent misunderstandings and disappointment. This lesson has been a cornerstone of his approach to managing relationships and achieving successful outcomes.

Ben also shared his thoughts on AI’s impact on programming. He recounted how tools like ChatGPT have revolutionized his coding experience, making it easier to work on side projects without the tedious setup and research. This shift has brought back his passion for programming, highlighting the transformative potential of AI in everyday tasks.

In terms of life hacks, Ben recommended L-Theanine, a supplement found in green tea. He explained that taking L-Theanine with caffeine provides a smoother, more sustained energy boost without the jitters typically associated with coffee or energy drinks.

When discussing the key to success, Ben pointed to a near-obsessive interest in solving problems. He noted that true success often comes from a genuine passion for the challenges at hand. This intrinsic motivation drives continuous thinking and problem-solving, essential traits for anyone seeking to achieve significant goals.

Ben’s excitement about web3 stems from its potential to redefine the world’s broken incentives. This vision motivates his work and involvement in the space, driving him to contribute to meaningful changes.

On social media, Ben humorously recommended following his own account, @Ben_Chain, for updates and insights.

Finally, Ben expressed his happiest moments when solving hard problems or making music. These activities bring him immense satisfaction and joy, reflecting his love for creativity and innovation.

To learn more about Ben Jones’s insights and experiences, tune in to the full GRTiQ Podcast interview.https://www.grtiq.com/grtiq-podcast-134-ben-jones/