Crazy Wisdom

On this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop sits down with returning guest Terrance Yang for a wide-ranging discussion on critical financial and societal issues. They explore the state of U.S. federal debt, drawing comparisons to historical periods like World War II, and consider modern-day parallels with Argentina's economic struggles and the election of Javier Milei. The conversation shifts to broader reflections on government waste, regulatory overreach, and the potential for AI to streamline bureaucracy and disrupt traditional finance. Terrance shares sharp insights on Bitcoin as a long-term investment and critiques other cryptocurrencies as vehicles for insider speculation. The episode also touches on market-making, trading psychology, and the rise of autonomous vehicles, hinting at the transformative impact of AI-driven innovation. You can connect with Terrance through his LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrenceyang/] profile. Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation! [https://chatgpt.com/g/g-6764f38828a481919c553a0dad7bef45-crazy-wisdom-companion-terrance-yang] Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:35 Discussing U.S. Debt and Financial Insights 02:14 Historical Context and Comparisons 04:38 Libertarian Governments and Economic Policies 08:55 Government Spending and Regulation 18:21 Homelessness and Urban Challenges 23:06 Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Insights 26:22 Investment Strategies and Market Dynamics 33:28 AI and Future Investments 34:06 AI Market Predictions and Amazon's Strategy 36:37 The Struggles of Big Tech with AI Integration 38:21 The Future of Self-Driving and Flying Cars 42:22 Investment Advice: Bitcoin and AI 53:52 Argentina's Economic Lessons 01:04:23 The Role of AI in Government and Society 01:08:12 Conclusion and Contact Information Key Insights 1. The U.S. Debt Crisis Has Parallels to World War II, But the Path Forward is Unclear Terrance Yang highlights how the current U.S. debt situation resembles the debt spike seen during World War II. Back then, the U.S. "grew its way out" of debt as GDP growth outpaced debt growth. However, today’s environment is more complex, with federal net outlays growing at an unsustainable rate. While the debt-to-GDP ratio appears alarming, Yang suggests that focusing on cash flow (tax revenue minus expenditures) as a percentage of GDP offers a more nuanced view. The big question is whether the U.S. can grow its way out of debt again or if fundamental spending cuts are required. 2. Bitcoin is a Long-Term Bet, But Most Other Cryptos Are Insider Games Yang views Bitcoin as the only viable long-term store of value among cryptocurrencies, while labeling most altcoins as speculative vehicles designed to "pump and dump" retail investors. He advises listeners to avoid trading Bitcoin due to the dominance of market makers like Goldman Sachs, who use superior data and trading models. Instead, he recommends dollar-cost averaging and focusing on the long-term potential of Bitcoin as "digital gold." Yang cautions against chasing short-term gains in crypto, comparing it to amateur players trying to compete with professional athletes. 3. Regulatory Overreach is Stifling American Efficiency, But AI Could Change That The conversation critiques the inefficiencies in U.S. government bureaucracy, using California's high-speed rail project as a cautionary tale of regulatory bloat and government waste. Terrance Yang believes AI has the potential to streamline government services, automate repetitive tasks, and reduce the need for an ever-expanding workforce. He suggests that as government employees retire, many of their roles could be replaced with AI systems, leading to leaner, more efficient public institutions. This vision echoes similar efficiency models seen in Singapore and other high-performing nations. 4. The Rise of AI-Enhanced Legal and Coding Productivity Yang points out how large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT Pro are already allowing people to reduce their reliance on lawyers and coders. People are saving thousands of dollars in legal fees by using AI to review contracts and analyze legal risks. In coding, AI tools are helping developers find errors, refactor code, and improve efficiency. Yang himself plans to use AI to help document Bitcoin's core code, a project aimed at making the codebase more accessible to non-technical users. This marks a major shift in the accessibility of technical knowledge. 5. Trading is a Rigged Game, and Most People Should Stay Out Yang compares day trading to amateur athletes trying to compete with NBA stars like LeBron James. Most retail investors are going up against highly sophisticated market makers like Citadel and Jane Street, who have access to superior information, tools, and algorithms. He explains that market makers profit by always being ready to buy and sell, unlike retail traders who get caught up in emotional decision-making. The best option for most people, Yang says, is to avoid trading entirely and instead invest in low-cost index funds, like the Vanguard S&P 500 fund. 6. Argentina’s Crisis Offers Lessons for the U.S. on Debt and Welfare States Drawing on Argentina’s economic collapse, the conversation explores how unsustainable welfare policies and out-of-control debt can bring a nation to its knees. Stewart Alsop notes that while Argentina's citizens are acutely aware of their country's fiscal dysfunction, many Americans remain oblivious to similar risks in the U.S. Yang and Alsop highlight that Argentina's reliance on printing pesos mirrors what could happen if the U.S. dollar’s dominance weakens. Javier Milei's rise as Argentina's libertarian president signals a possible shift away from this broken system, but the U.S. appears far from having its own "wake-up moment." 7. AI-Driven Automation Will Reshape Cities, Transportation, and Jobs Waymo's driverless cars, which are already being tested in Los Angeles, represent a fundamental shift in how cities will operate in the future. Yang explains how autonomous vehicles could make traffic "less painful" by allowing passengers to be productive while stuck in slow-moving traffic. This shift will likely spur greater suburbanization as people find it more tolerable to live farther from work. Coupled with AI-driven automation in government and the workforce, the nature of cities and daily life is poised for a profound transformation, with L.A. potentially becoming more livable than it has been in decades.

On this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop welcomes Swati Chaturvedi, CEO of Propel X, to explore the world of deep tech, frontier technology, and the forces shaping the future of human progress. Swati shares her decade-long journey in deep tech, reflecting on how the term evolved as a response to the "tech startup" boom, and discusses her focus on companies leveraging breakthroughs in science and engineering for humanity's advancement. The conversation touches on the role of government support, the power of hypothesis-free experimentation, and the critical importance of partnerships between startups and large corporations. They also discuss transformative technologies like AI, autonomous drones, bioinformatics, robotics, and the possibilities and perils of human augmentation. For more insights from Swati, visit Propel X at www.propelx.com [https://www.propelx.com/] or connect with her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/swatichaturvedi-px/], where she shares her thoughts on innovation, R&D, and the future of technology. Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation! [https://chatgpt.com/g/g-67609b05eecc8191bc7ddb146988f4ab-crazy-wisdom-companion-swati-chaturvedi] Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast 00:16 Defining Deep Tech and Its Evolution 03:06 Challenges and Philosophical Insights in Deep Tech 07:07 AI's Role in Engineering and Bioinformatics 14:22 Future Shock and Human Augmentation 14:35 The Evolution of Science and Technology 22:58 The Future of Work and Social Dynamics 24:06 Exploring Sci-Fi Genres: Cyberpunk vs. Solarpunk 25:25 Exploring Solar Punk and Human Problems 26:01 The Promise and Limitations of Deep Tech 26:39 Economic Realities of Technological Advancements 27:16 Future Impact of Emerging Technologies 28:58 Challenges in Ag Tech and Environmental Concerns 29:30 Global Environmental Change and Human Activity 33:53 The Role of Modeling in Predicting Climate Impacts 36:22 Scientific Method and Industry Collaboration 39:23 Government's Role in Early Stage Research 42:34 Investment Strategies in Deep Tech 46:27 Consumer and Corporate Markets for New Technologies 49:12 Conclusion and Future Discussions Key Insights 1. The Rise of Deep Tech as a Distinct Category: Swati Chaturvedi explains how the concept of "deep tech" emerged as a response to the overuse of the term "tech startup" during the heyday of consumer technology. Unlike simple software apps like photo-sharing or delivery platforms, deep tech focuses on companies leveraging scientific and engineering breakthroughs to solve fundamental human challenges. This includes innovations in fields like AI, robotics, life sciences, space technology, and advanced materials. Her 2014 blog post defining deep tech has since become a widely referenced resource in the field, signaling a shift in focus from digital consumer solutions to tangible, science-based advancements. 2. The Role of Hypothesis-Free Experimentation: Traditional scientific research follows a hypothesis-driven approach, where scientists predict outcomes before testing. Swati highlights the transformative potential of "hypothesis-free" experimentation, where AI and machine learning allow for large-scale experimentation without predefined assumptions. This approach mirrors the randomness of evolution, enabling faster discovery of unexpected results. Companies like Helix are applying this method in drug discovery, where AI-driven processes identify new therapeutic compounds. This shift could significantly accelerate R&D timelines and reduce costs in fields like pharmaceuticals and materials science. 3. The Power of Government Support in Early-Stage R&D: Swati emphasizes the essential role of government funding in de-risking early-stage research. Through programs like SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) grants, government agencies like the NSF (National Science Foundation) and the Department of Defense (DoD) fund exploratory research at universities and small businesses. These grants act as the "seed fund of America," investing billions annually into high-risk, high-reward projects. Companies that receive these grants often have their private sector investments matched by government dollars, providing significant leverage for investors and entrepreneurs. This public-private funding model enables startups to bridge the "valley of death" between research and commercialization. 4. The Critical Role of Corporate-Startup Partnerships: Swati highlights the importance of partnerships between startups and established corporations, especially in deep tech. These joint development projects allow startups to access resources, validate their markets, and co-develop products with corporate customers. While some founders worry about protecting their intellectual property (IP), Swati believes that the benefits of corporate partnerships outweigh the risks. Corporate collaborations offer crucial early traction and revenue, helping startups de-risk their path to market. This is especially vital in sectors like healthcare, robotics, and clean energy, where the cost of developing and commercializing products is exceptionally high. 5. AI as a Force for Human Augmentation: The episode explores AI's role as an augmentative force rather than a replacement for human intelligence. Swati notes that AI is best understood as a tool that allows humans to multiply their cognitive abilities—processing vast amounts of information, identifying patterns, and making faster connections. This augmentation goes beyond software, extending into physical augmentation with devices like robots and smart tools that help humans accomplish physical tasks. While AI-driven tools like ChatGPT may lead to job displacement, Swati sees it as a natural progression, requiring humans to upskill and shift to higher-value tasks. 6. The Promise and Risks of Climate and Environmental Technologies: Swati identifies climate change and global environmental degradation as existential challenges that even the most advanced deep tech may struggle to address. Technologies like atmospheric water generation, carbon capture, and agtech are making strides, but she notes that they are not yet sufficient to solve global challenges like water scarcity, food security, and air pollution. Drawing from her personal experience with air pollution in India, Swati argues that we need to better price and internalize the "cost of the commons"—the shared environmental resources that are often depleted for private gain. Without a clear economic incentive to prevent environmental harm, she warns that climate issues will continue to escalate. 7. The Future of Space Tech and Human Exploration: Swati expresses optimism about the commercialization of space technology, noting its growing impact on daily life. Technologies like satellite internet (e.g., Starlink) are already improving connectivity in remote areas worldwide. The use of satellites for earth observation, weather tracking, and resource management is also becoming essential for sectors like agriculture and disaster response. Looking ahead, Swati is bullish on the potential for space colonization on the moon and Mars, although she acknowledges the immense technical and ethical challenges involved. While space tech once felt like science fiction, companies like SpaceX have made it tangible and real.

On this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop is joined by Katelynne Schuler, a thinker and innovator in the realms of psychology, religion, and philosophy. The conversation spans a wide range of compelling topics, including the layered nuances of Korean social hierarchy, the evolution of political language, and the shifting ideologies within Western conservatism. They explore the rebranding of the KKK, the deeper implications of free speech in a world dominated by digital platforms, and the unseen influence of corporations on government censorship. Katelynne also shares her insights on the psychology of "falls from grace" and how isolation during the pandemic may have catalyzed narcissistic tendencies in some people. The episode touches on larger philosophical questions about civilization, power, and media's role in shaping collective belief. To learn more about Katelynne Schuler, you can find her on Facebook under her name, Katelynne Schuler [https://www.facebook.com/LadyEShell]. Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation! [https://chatgpt.com/g/g-67559ff82bb88191936bf6df54dfd5af-crazy-wisdom-companion-katelynne-schuler] Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast 00:32 Exploring Korean Culture and Social Nuances 02:52 Language and Political Ideologies 04:23 Project 2025 and Political Shifts 06:21 The KKK's Rebranding and Conservatism 10:25 Theocracy and Intersectionalism 11:14 Free Speech and Internet History 30:05 The Impact of COVID-19 and Vaccines 34:15 Clearing Out and Cognitive Dissonance 35:07 Pandemic Social Dynamics 36:06 Narcissism and Social Isolation 38:22 Conspiracy Theories and Social Impact 41:34 Lockdowns and Quarantine 43:25 Media Manipulation and Public Perception 44:52 Nanotechnology and Conspiracy Theories 49:42 Bill Gates and Genetic Engineering 52:42 Trump, Publicity, and Media Influence 58:41 Finance, Asset Valuation, and Media Future 01:03:30 Pandemic Warnings and Conspiracies 01:07:34 Conclusion and Contact Information Key Insights 1. The Power of Language in Social and Political Systems Katelynne Schuler highlights the profound role that language plays in shaping social dynamics, drawing on Korean culture's use of honorifics as a prime example. In Korean, different forms of language are used depending on social rank, respect, and familiarity, essentially creating three distinct "languages" within one. This insight is paralleled with Western political discourse, where the left and right often use the same words but with entirely different meanings. The observation points to a broader idea that shared language does not guarantee shared understanding—a crucial realization in an era of increasing political division. 2. Free Speech, Corporate Power, and Government Censorship A central thread in the episode is the evolution of free speech in the age of digital platforms. Schuler and Alsop explore how platforms like Twitter and Facebook have become arenas where free speech is both enabled and curtailed. While platforms have the right to control content as private entities, the duo highlights the more concerning trend of governments using corporations as proxies to suppress dissent. This dynamic blurs the line between free enterprise and state censorship, raising questions about how much "free speech" really exists in online spaces. 3. The Psychological Fallout of Isolation and "Fall from Grace" Katelynne offers a unique psychological perspective on how the pandemic-induced isolation created a rise in narcissistic tendencies. As people lost their social connections, especially those ostracized for holding unpopular views on COVID, their need for self-validation intensified. This "fall from grace" experience can push people toward more rigid thinking, strengthening their attachment to specific beliefs or ideologies. Schuler notes that this isn't a reflection of right or wrong beliefs but a psychological response to social exclusion. It's a profound insight into how isolation and rejection affect the human psyche. 4. The Rebranding of Extremist Ideologies One of the more startling revelations is the claim that groups like the KKK have rebranded themselves with a new focus on Christian nationalism, moving away from racial exclusion and embracing ideological alignment with "Christian values." Schuler notes that this shift aligns with a broader push within segments of American conservatism to integrate Christian morality into governance. This evolution is compared to the broader concept of theocratic governance, where laws are designed to reflect specific religious values—a concept that is controversial, even within conservative circles. 5. Global Power Shifts and Lessons from History The episode provides a historical deep dive into events like the Seven Years’ War, which Winston Churchill referred to as the first true "world war." Schuler suggests that while Germany was ostensibly defeated in this war, its real victory lay in how it exported its people and culture globally, influencing future power structures. This insight parallels modern debates about nationalism and globalism, with the hosts exploring how smaller, insulated communities might have better weathered the COVID crisis by closing off from global networks—much like Germany's "export" strategy. 6. Technology, Nanotechnology, and the Role of Bill Gates Alsop and Schuler address the controversial role of Bill Gates, focusing on his investments in biotech and nanotechnology. They discuss Gates' involvement in genetically engineered mosquitoes released in South America and the ethical questions it raises. There’s also a hint of speculative intrigue around nanobots, with references to origami-style nanostructures found in human blood. While these claims are framed as emerging curiosities rather than confirmed realities, they touch on larger concerns about who controls emerging technologies and to what end. 7. The Fragmentation of Media and the Future of Information Finally, the episode explores the fragmentation of media and its impact on public consciousness. Unlike previous decades when a few major outlets shaped collective opinion, today's media landscape is fractured, with individuals curating their own reality through niche sources. While this decentralization of media offers more choice, it also leads to greater division, as people consume entirely different versions of reality. Schuler suggests that this lack of a shared narrative might weaken societal cohesion, as people lose common ground on basic truths. This shift toward decentralized media aligns with broader conversations about social media algorithms and "echo chambers," where everyone has their own version of reality.

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop reconnects with Eric Fisher, one of the show’s earliest guests. Their conversation weaves through profound topics like the evolution of AI, the potential consequences of large language models (LLMs), and how AI might reshape both spirituality and education. Eric shares reflections from his time at Facebook, offering behind-the-scenes insight into the creation of algorithmic feeds and how those decisions echo into today's world of AI-driven interactions. Together, Stewart and Eric explore the nature of human attention, the future of work, and the potential divide between tech-driven living and a return to nature. Their discussion raises essential questions about where humanity is headed in the face of exponential technological change and how people can retain their sense of agency and spirit along the way. If you want to learn more about Eric visit his website mindfulimprov.com [https://mindfulimprov.com]. Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation! [https://chatgpt.com/g/g-67559d31346881919c1df16139ff0320-crazy-wisdom-companion-eric-fisher] Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Reunion 00:44 Reflecting on Past Interviews 01:18 Spiritual Understandings and AI 01:32 The Dual Nature of AI 02:43 The Evolution of Facebook's News Feed 05:32 AI's Role in Future Technologies 13:47 AI in Education and Synthetic Data 16:58 The Future of AI and Society 21:54 Spirituality and Technology 27:58 Humanoid Robots: Beyond Sex Dolls 28:28 The Role of Robots in Agriculture and Home 29:07 Industrial Robots vs. Home Robots 29:44 The Philosophy Behind Technological Advancements 30:22 The Vision of the Future: Post-Steve Jobs Era 31:17 The Impact of AI and Automation on Society 32:55 Accelerationism vs. Degrowth: The Tech Debate 40:41 Demographic Crisis and the Future of Humanity 45:18 Economic Inequality and the Common Man 46:39 The Evolution of Political Ideologies 52:09 The Future of Work and Society 54:14 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions Key Insights 1. The Dual Nature of AI: Promise and Peril Eric Fisher highlights the dual potential of AI as both a tool for human advancement and a source of unforeseen challenges. Drawing from his experience at Facebook, he explains how algorithmic feeds designed to increase engagement eventually led to widespread issues like polarization and misinformation. This echoes in today’s world of LLMs (Large Language Models), where AI’s utility as a tool for learning, troubleshooting, and content creation exists alongside the risk of biased or manipulative outputs. The key takeaway is that technology, like a rock, is neutral — its impact depends on how it is used and who is using it. 2. The Evolution of Attention as a Resource Attention has become a central currency in the modern economy, and Fisher points out that the concept of "attention economy" wasn't even part of public discourse a few decades ago. Today, with the rise of LLM-driven AI companions and algorithmic feeds, attention is being sliced and sold with increasing precision. This shift raises questions about how much of human autonomy is being traded away in favor of frictionless convenience. As AI becomes more adept at predicting and shaping user behavior, the concept of "free will" within an attention-driven economy becomes murkier. 3. The Next Phase of Education: Self-Directed Learning with AI Tutors Both Stewart Alsop and Eric Fisher recognize the potential for AI to revolutionize education. Instead of the traditional classroom model, self-directed learning with AI-driven tutors could allow for personalized, one-on-one learning experiences for every student. Fisher notes that tools like ChatGPT have already enabled him to troubleshoot complex home systems, like his geothermal cooling system, without needing to call a specialist. This self-sufficiency could be mirrored in education, where AI assistants offer instant, tailored guidance to students across a range of subjects. 4. The Blurring of Reality: Personalized AI-Generated Worlds A provocative idea discussed in the episode is the possibility of AI-generated personalized realities. Through augmented reality (AR) glasses or VR headsets, individuals could project and experience personalized versions of reality. Fisher points out that, in many ways, people already live in "personalized mental realities" shaped by language, perception, and cultural narratives. AI could make this more literal, with each person living in a bespoke, algorithmically generated world. While this concept sounds thrilling, it also hints at a future where shared consensus reality — the "real world" — becomes more fragmented than ever. 5. Economic Shifts: From Worker-Centric to Business-Centric Systems Tracing the legacy of figures like FDR and LBJ, Fisher reflects on how America shifted from a society that valued the working class to one that prioritizes business interests. While earlier eras emphasized worker rights, health care, and public welfare, today's economy is focused on empowering small businesses and startups. Everyone is now expected to be a "business of one," as independent creators, gig workers, and personal brands become the dominant paradigm. The result is a world where individual workers act like micro-businesses, managing their own healthcare, retirement, and financial stability — often with no safety net. 6. The Threat of Decentralized AI and the Loss of Truth With Meta and OpenAI releasing LLMs and synthetic AI models into the open-source community, Fisher expresses concern about the fragmentation of "truth." As more people train and deploy their own AI models, the risk of misinformation rises. Just as search engines can prioritize certain content over others, decentralized AI models may be subtly — or overtly — biased. This issue becomes even more concerning if companies start inserting ad-driven recommendations into AI responses, giving users the illusion of objectivity when, in fact, they’re being guided toward a commercial end. 7. The Coming Collapse and the Chance for Renewal The episode touches on a cyclical view of history, where moments of collapse often lead to periods of rebirth. Fisher compares this to the aftermath of the bubonic plague, which killed half of Europe’s population but led to the Renaissance and an era of cultural flourishing. He speculates that a similar phenomenon could play out today. Whether through demographic decline, AI-driven disruption, or a collapse of old economic models, humanity could experience a dramatic contraction. Paradoxically, such a collapse might bring about an "age of spaciousness" where fewer people, better technology, and renewed humanism create a richer and more thoughtful way of life.

On this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop is joined by Yury Selivanov, the CEO and co-founder of EdgeDB, for a fascinating discussion about the reinvention of relational databases. Yury explains how EdgeDB addresses modern application development challenges by improving developer experience and rethinking decades-old database paradigms. They explore how foundational technologies evolve, the parallels between software and real-world systems like the electrical grid, and the emerging role of AI in coding and system design. You can connect with Yury through his personal Twitter account @1st1 [https://twitter.com/1st1] (https://twitter.com/1st1) and EdgeDB’s official Twitter @EdgeDatabase [https://twitter.com/edgedatabase] (https://twitter.com/edgedatabase). Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation! [https://chatgpt.com/g/g-67505ceac2f8819197854d907c6de4ed-crazy-wisdom-companion-yury-selivanov] Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast 00:27 What is EdgeDB? 00:58 The Evolution of Databases 04:36 Understanding SQL and Relational Databases 07:48 The Importance of Database Relationships 09:27 Schema vs. No-Schema Databases 14:14 EdgeDB: SQL 2.0 and Developer Experience 23:09 The Future of Databases and AI Integration 26:43 AI's Role in Software Development 27:20 Challenges with AI-Generated Code 29:56 Human-AI Collaboration in Coding 34:00 Future of Programming Languages 44:28 Junior Developers and AI Tools 50:02 EdgeDB's Vision and Future Plans Key Insights 1. Reimagining Relational Databases: Yury Selivanov explains how EdgeDB represents a modern rethinking of relational databases. Unlike traditional databases designed with 1970s paradigms, EdgeDB focuses on improving developer experience by introducing object-oriented schemas and hierarchical query capabilities, bridging the gap between modern programming needs and legacy systems. 2. Bridging Data Models and Code: A key challenge in software development is the object-relational impedance mismatch, where relational database tables do not naturally map to object-based data models in programming languages. EdgeDB addresses this by providing a high-level data model and query language that aligns with how developers think and work, eliminating the need for complex ORMs. 3. Advancing Query Language Design: Traditional SQL, while powerful, can be cumbersome for application development. EdgeDB introduces EdgeQL, a modern query language designed for readability, hierarchical data handling, and developer productivity. This new language reduces the friction of working with relational data in real-world software projects. 4. AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: While AI has transformed coding productivity, Yury emphasizes that it is a tool to assist, not replace, developers. LLMs like GPT can generate code, but the resulting systems still require human oversight for debugging, optimization, and long-term maintenance, highlighting the enduring importance of experienced engineers. 5. The Role of Schema in Data Integrity: Schema-defined databases like EdgeDB allow developers to codify business logic and enforce data integrity directly within the database. This reduces the need for application-level checks, simplifying the codebase while ensuring robust data consistency—a feature that remains critical even in the era of AI. 6. Integrating AI into Databases: EdgeDB is exploring innovative integrations of AI, such as automatic embedding generation and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) endpoints, to enhance data usability and simplify complex workflows. These capabilities position EdgeDB as a forward-thinking tool in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-enhanced software. 7. Balancing Adoption and Usability: To encourage adoption, EdgeDB is incorporating familiar tools like SQL alongside its advanced features, lowering the learning curve for new users. This approach combines innovation with accessibility, ensuring that developers can transition seamlessly to the platform while benefiting from its modern capabilities.