In this conversation, Coco Crummey, author of Optimal Illusions, discusses the concept of optimization and its negative implications. She explores the losses caused by optimization, such as the lack of downtime and the loss of connection and integrity between parts and wholes. Coco also discusses the importance of figuring things out for oneself and finding balance in a world driven by optimization. She reflects on the impact of the pandemic on our perception of optimization and the potential of artificial intelligence. The conversation concludes with Coco sharing her personal experience at the Perito Moreno Glacier and where to find her book.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction: The Definition of Optimization
04:50 - The Negative Perception of Optimization
06:18 - Losses Caused by Optimization
10:05 - Figuring Things Out for Oneself
16:18 - Optimization Pre-Pandemic and Post-Pandemic
23:56 - Balancing Discipline and Optimization
26:48 - The Opposite of Optimization
28:50 - Teaching Kids about Optimization
36:08 - The Impact of Artificial Intelligence
45:00 - The Potential of AI and the Skepticism
55:35 - The Power of Optimal Illusions
56:35 - The Perito Moreno Glacier Experience
59:31 - Conclusion: Where to Find Optimal Illusions