Weekend Reading
Writing worth reading - 8th/9th March 2025
The hidden cost of AI: Trading long-term resilience for short-term efficiency by Eric Markowitz
“Automation doesn’t just make us more efficient — it makes us more dependent. And over time, dependence erodes resilience. At first, automation feels like an unqualified win. It removes friction, accelerates decision-making, and eliminates tedious tasks. But the more we offload to machines, the more we risk losing the skills, judgment, and adaptability that make us capable in the first place...”
Who is David Sherborne? Prince Harry’s lawyer who also represented Princess Diana by Rebecca Cope
“The settlement was announced after Sherborne, representing Harry, asked the judge to delay the start of the High Court trial on Tuesday, as the two sides were involved in talks over a potential settlement. Speaking outside court on behalf of Harry, Sherborne described the settlement as a ‘monumental victory’, and said NGN had been ‘finally held to account for its illegal actions and its blatant disregard for the law’. In June 2023, Prince Harry even became the first member of the royal family to give evidence in court for 130 years when he was questioned for two days – with David Sherborne by his side.…”
The Origins of Wokeness by Paul Graham
“As for where political correctness began, if you think about it, you probably already know the answer. Did it begin outside universities and spread to them from this external source? Obviously not; it has always been most extreme in universities. So where in universities did it begin? Did it begin in math, or the hard sciences, or engineering, and spread from there to the humanities and social sciences? Those are amusing images, but no, obviously it began in the humanities and social sciences.…”
Founders (need) Focus
This week we shared that we’re starting Founders Focus, a new membership program from 9others; a space for you to carve out time to work on the hard things that really matter. Check out the announcement here.
What does it do?
Founders Focus keeps you focused, accountable and connected.
Who it’s for?
Founders Focus will suit Solo Founders, Remote (Co) Founders, and Freelancers, CxOs and Side Hustlers.
Qs?
Read more and check out the FAQs on the 9others Notion, here.
We hope you’ll join us.
Upcoming meals with 9others
Wednesday 26th March — London — details and signup here.
Tuesday 8th April — Manchester — details and signup here.