Joe, you mentioned talking to would-be Luddites on your travels—thats fascinating. I would love to see an article about the Luddite movement and if there is anything that people can learn from their short lived journey into chaos and anarchy. I personally dont see any resistance to AI but rather a full fledged rushing towards it by the many with open arms.
Not an article, but a book: Blood in the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech, by Brian Merchant. Really makes the connection between the Luddites and the modern tech industry. He also writes a Substack by the same name.
thanks Patrick will take a look--sounds good! Joe I did hear one of your lectures you gave recently where you mentioned the Luddites several times. So please also do here as well—thanks.
Thank you, Joe, for this thought-provoking article. I’m praying for His wisdom on how to approach my pastors about their thoughts and how much they know.
I missed you while you were off checking out the backwoods and sailing the seven seas. I’m really glad you enjoyed your year.
2026 is only a week and half old and I have already overdosed on reality. (I live in northern Minnesota). So just to spice up the new year I decided to check out Grok. I have no opinion yet but an observation. It behaves like a 13 year old most of the time. An annoying one at that.
I recently became a partial Luddite. Traded my smart phone for a flip phone. As I unplug and disconnect, I feel much more liberated.
When I was a young man, CNC technologies were in their infancy. A digital readout on a hand crank Bridgeport milling machine was considered high tech! And, with the advent of handheld calculators, you could really be efficient in machining.
All that to say, I am an old guy who is not afraid of tech, actually have used it a lot. I used to train people on CMM Programming for some very impressive laboratories. I have also worked for some impressive Defence Contractors in development of technologies.
So, it's not the tech itself, but the abuse of the tech. Ultimately it ends with Technocracy which is what really concerns me and keeps me up at night. It's inevitable. It's coming faster than what most think. It doesn't care about political parties.
"I’m not too concerned about AI taking over and killing everyone. No, it’s far more likely that foolish humans will use AI to make life so miserable, we will wish we were extinct."
Hi Joe. I wanted to discuss something I think applies to the use of AI. I saw a video (included below) on using cursive handwriting in taking notes for study, or even writing 1st drafts of books, but particularly when being told information in a lecture. Typing can mostly bypass the brain, information going more from the ear straight to the key board, your concentration going more toward typing correctly. Hand writing in cursive script is more efficient than hand printing. The most important thing is it engages the brain. You actually think about what you are hearing as you write and take down the most important information. My note taking on both lectures and writing notes from the books (I usually later transcribed my notes on my computer as well for study guides) my notes is what got me very high grades in exams.
I believe the way people are using AI is similar. AI gives you answers or a solution, but your brain is not necessarily very engaged. One needs to look up sources the AI used, ask follow up questions, refine your query, and probably ask different AIs the same questions for a differential view. It is ultimately the amount of times you interact with information that makes you own the information. To many, AI queries are just lazy or cheating ways of being told something that may or may not even be correct.
Mounting evidence shows that our rush toward digital everything comes with hidden cognitive costs. Neuroscientists have been studying what happens inside your brain when you write by hand versus type, and the results are... unexpected.
In this video, discover what EEG brain scans reveal about handwriting, why "slower" might actually be faster for your brain, and the surprising connection between ancient practices and cutting-edge neuroscience."
My husband and I just finished watching your presentation in Nashville "the Man Behind the Machine". We were fascinated (and impressed) with your honest, straightforward answers and reflections on the enormity of life changing issues AI presents to humanity. As two 70+ year-olds, we are encouraged to see you speaking out on behalf of us humans, and including the important spiritual component. You give us hope in this increasingly dark world.
One point my husband wanted to point out is the importance of work, especially for, but not limited to, men and their sense of purpose and well-being. Sitting in a virtual setting without a connection to tangible reality and work could be the death of humanity.
I enjoyed that. It's good to see you writing again.
Thank you for what you do, Joe. Some of us really appreciate your voice on the subjects of AI and transhumanism.
God bless you always. ♡
Joe, you mentioned talking to would-be Luddites on your travels—thats fascinating. I would love to see an article about the Luddite movement and if there is anything that people can learn from their short lived journey into chaos and anarchy. I personally dont see any resistance to AI but rather a full fledged rushing towards it by the many with open arms.
Not an article, but a book: Blood in the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech, by Brian Merchant. Really makes the connection between the Luddites and the modern tech industry. He also writes a Substack by the same name.
thanks Patrick will take a look--sounds good! Joe I did hear one of your lectures you gave recently where you mentioned the Luddites several times. So please also do here as well—thanks.
Thank you, Joe, for this thought-provoking article. I’m praying for His wisdom on how to approach my pastors about their thoughts and how much they know.
I missed you while you were off checking out the backwoods and sailing the seven seas. I’m really glad you enjoyed your year.
2026 is only a week and half old and I have already overdosed on reality. (I live in northern Minnesota). So just to spice up the new year I decided to check out Grok. I have no opinion yet but an observation. It behaves like a 13 year old most of the time. An annoying one at that.
I look forward to your articles in 2026.
THANK YOU JOE! AND... HELL NO!
Hey Joe!
I recently became a partial Luddite. Traded my smart phone for a flip phone. As I unplug and disconnect, I feel much more liberated.
When I was a young man, CNC technologies were in their infancy. A digital readout on a hand crank Bridgeport milling machine was considered high tech! And, with the advent of handheld calculators, you could really be efficient in machining.
All that to say, I am an old guy who is not afraid of tech, actually have used it a lot. I used to train people on CMM Programming for some very impressive laboratories. I have also worked for some impressive Defence Contractors in development of technologies.
So, it's not the tech itself, but the abuse of the tech. Ultimately it ends with Technocracy which is what really concerns me and keeps me up at night. It's inevitable. It's coming faster than what most think. It doesn't care about political parties.
Take care and be careful.
"I’m not too concerned about AI taking over and killing everyone. No, it’s far more likely that foolish humans will use AI to make life so miserable, we will wish we were extinct."
Already there now.
Hi Joe. I wanted to discuss something I think applies to the use of AI. I saw a video (included below) on using cursive handwriting in taking notes for study, or even writing 1st drafts of books, but particularly when being told information in a lecture. Typing can mostly bypass the brain, information going more from the ear straight to the key board, your concentration going more toward typing correctly. Hand writing in cursive script is more efficient than hand printing. The most important thing is it engages the brain. You actually think about what you are hearing as you write and take down the most important information. My note taking on both lectures and writing notes from the books (I usually later transcribed my notes on my computer as well for study guides) my notes is what got me very high grades in exams.
I believe the way people are using AI is similar. AI gives you answers or a solution, but your brain is not necessarily very engaged. One needs to look up sources the AI used, ask follow up questions, refine your query, and probably ask different AIs the same questions for a differential view. It is ultimately the amount of times you interact with information that makes you own the information. To many, AI queries are just lazy or cheating ways of being told something that may or may not even be correct.
"Handwriting Literally Rewires Your Brain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKi1KYhi0xg
The Upgrade with Makai Allbert
Sep 18, 2025 #brain #handwriting #pen
Mounting evidence shows that our rush toward digital everything comes with hidden cognitive costs. Neuroscientists have been studying what happens inside your brain when you write by hand versus type, and the results are... unexpected.
In this video, discover what EEG brain scans reveal about handwriting, why "slower" might actually be faster for your brain, and the surprising connection between ancient practices and cutting-edge neuroscience."
Addendum: I just found another good video by a Wisconsin Bike Shop owner / bike mechanic: The AI Nothingburger: Why Are They LYING To Us!?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnMxNPjY-qQ
Boy, he sure changed his mind fast.
Influencers always have their finger to the wind.
Yes, I saw that video too. I think there is something in the wind these days.
The question I think many are asking how do stop the men that seek to use AI and other technologies to harm and subdue us?
My husband and I just finished watching your presentation in Nashville "the Man Behind the Machine". We were fascinated (and impressed) with your honest, straightforward answers and reflections on the enormity of life changing issues AI presents to humanity. As two 70+ year-olds, we are encouraged to see you speaking out on behalf of us humans, and including the important spiritual component. You give us hope in this increasingly dark world.
One point my husband wanted to point out is the importance of work, especially for, but not limited to, men and their sense of purpose and well-being. Sitting in a virtual setting without a connection to tangible reality and work could be the death of humanity.
Keep up the great work. God bless.