Comment by strange_quark
2 days ago
I’m kind of sad I can’t do that sort of multiplication in my head anymore. But I think you are missing the point of the article. It’s not that it’s bad people can’t do mental math, it’s about why it is that all these supposed geniuses and titans of industry keep publicly admitting (bragging?) that they lack basic skills, such as knowing their own zip code.
> that they lack basic skills, such as knowing their own zip code
Knowing your zip code isn't a skill though.
I don't know my ATM pin. Does that make me an idiot? Turns out I just don't need to know it.
Sure, remembering basic facts about your life isn't a "skill", per se. But it's pretty crazy to think that Jensen literally doesn't know his own address.
But again, I think you're missing the point of the article. The point of him bragging that he can't remember basic stuff about his own life is both in-group signaling and a test to the interviewer. If the interviewer pushes back and asks "You really don't know your zip code? Are you insane?", the interviewer is never going to get any more time with any of these rich and powerful people. It's an easy way to filter out any critical coverage and a way for the media to show fealty.
The title of the podcast episode is "Jensen Huang vs the AI Doomers", not "Shovel seller is so rich he cannot conceive of what it's like to be a normal person".