ReThinking: Margaret Atwood on what AI can’t replace
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
Legendary author Margaret Atwood sits down with Adam Grant to discuss her first memoir, "The Book of Lives," written at age 86. (03:00) The conversation explores Atwood's perspectives on AI's impact on creative writing, with her noting that while AI can handle formulaic content, it struggles with original voice and authentic human experience. (04:17) They delve into Atwood's childhood experiences with bullying, the power dynamics of enemies and heroes, and her views on book banning. The discussion also touches on her writing process, the difference between memoirs and autobiographies, and her characteristically fearless approach to addressing controversial topics.
- Core themes: AI's limitations in creative writing, the importance of authentic human voice in literature, personal resilience against bullying, and the value of reading banned books
Speakers
Adam Grant
Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist and the host of TED's "Rethinking" podcast. He's a bestselling author and professor who explores the science of human behavior and what makes people tick, bringing psychological insights to conversations with fascinating minds.
Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood is the internationally acclaimed author of "The Handmaid's Tale" and numerous other novels, poetry collections, and children's books. At 86, she has just published her first memoir, "The Book of Lives," marking a new chapter in her prolific writing career that has earned her countless literary awards and global recognition.
Key Takeaways
AI Cannot Replace Authentic Human Voice in Creative Writing
Atwood argues that while AI can handle formulaic content like romantic novels or ad copy, it fundamentally lacks the authentic human voice necessary for original creative writing. (04:17) She explains that AI "data scrapes and sticks things together" but cannot create something truly original because "it can't write original writing." This limitation stems from AI's inability to convey genuine human experience and emotion. For professionals in creative fields, this insight emphasizes the irreplaceable value of authentic personal perspective and lived experience in producing meaningful work.
Personal Power Comes from Within, Not External Validation
Drawing from her childhood experiences with bullying, Atwood shares the pivotal realization that "the power was residing in me." (27:15) She references Alice in Wonderland, noting the moment when Alice realizes the Queen of Hearts and her court are "nothing but a pack of cards." This understanding that others' power over us is largely dependent on our belief in that power is transformative. For professionals facing workplace conflicts or challenging relationships, this insight suggests that reclaiming personal agency starts with recognizing where true power lies.
Heroes Need Monsters, But Monsters Don't Need Heroes
Atwood explains this paradox by noting that "in order to be a hero, you do have to have a monster to slay," but monsters have no inherent need for heroes. (28:26) She shares wisdom from a Polish resistance fighter who said to "pray that you will never have the opportunity to be a hero because those opportunities always involve monsters." This perspective challenges the glorification of heroic narratives and suggests that seeking conflict or adversity for the sake of appearing heroic is misguided. For ambitious professionals, this means focusing on meaningful contribution rather than manufacturing dramatic challenges.
Reading Banned Books Enhances Rather Than Harms Development
Atwood discusses research showing that teenagers exposed to frequently banned books show no negative effects and actually demonstrate higher civic engagement and volunteer behavior. (32:00) She notes that book banning often has the opposite of its intended effect, drawing more attention to the banned material. Her own experience reading "forbidden" books under flashlights contributed to her wide range of literary knowledge. For professionals and parents, this suggests that exposure to challenging or controversial ideas, when age-appropriate, actually strengthens critical thinking and civic engagement.
Disagreeable Authenticity Can Be More Valuable Than Polite Conformity
Grant describes Atwood as "delightfully disagreeable," noting her fearlessness in saying potentially unpopular things or challenging conventional wisdom. (43:42) Atwood acknowledges that at her age, "I'm not likely to say any career destroying thing, and nobody can fire me." This freedom to speak authentically, regardless of popular opinion, often leads to more meaningful contributions and genuine connections. For professionals, this suggests that thoughtful disagreement and authentic expression, while requiring careful navigation, can be more valuable than constant agreement and people-pleasing.
Statistics & Facts
- Research suggests that the average attention span has dropped from two and a half minutes to just 47 seconds. (00:39) This statistic was mentioned in the context of presentation software and the challenge of maintaining audience engagement.
- A study of 283 teenagers in Texas found that 19 students showed both high levels of engagement with banned books and some mental health symptoms. (33:03) Grant interprets this as students with mental health challenges seeking out this literature, rather than the literature causing problems.
- Based on LinkedIn data, 72% of small businesses using LinkedIn say it has helped them find high quality candidates. (38:38) This statistic was shared during a LinkedIn advertisement segment.
