What We Could Be Doing Instead of AI

There’s been a lot of money spent on AI. I think AI is a mechanical turk. I think there are a few better uses of the investment.

Some boring things are investing in urban density, universal health care, green infrastructure. But I want to talk about clams. And also mussels.

They are filter feeders: they actively clean the water and improve the ecosystem in which they live. They ingest CO2 and are cheap and easy to farm. You can eat as many of them as you want: they are pure protein, contain every essential amino acid and have nearly no mercury content.

Unlike chicken, whose best for is fried, a clam’s best form is steamed. A lighter, much healthier preparation.

Yet, why can I buy chicken nuggest at every other store and no clams? Or mussels?

I suppose there are explanations. We have invested heavily and chicken and beef supply chain and extreme subsidies. Also hormones and poor practices at scale. Much of the US is also not coastal. We can overcome.

For those who do not share this dream or for whom this dream is a nightmare, this is for you. If you eat chicken, and we have a clam based infrastructure in place, you would eat clam, contribute to cleaning the planet, and feel great and healthy while doing it.

I really don’t think AI will be a net positive. xAI’s jet turbines alone have made many people sick in my hometown of Memphis. Let’s just stop this madness and eat clams.