Briefing No. 32
What we’re reading
On the Greenwood Place bedside table
We loved The Tyranny of Metrics by Jerry Mueller. Mueller discusses the limits of metrics and the potentially distorting effects of the pressure for measurable results.
Ways of Being
We are very excited about the next book in our stack, Ways of Being by James Bridle. What does it mean to be intelligent? Bridle asks whether plants, animals and machines are intelligent and, if so, how do we recognise this intelligence and what does it mean for us. A taste of the argument in this podcast discussion between Bridle and Brian Eno (and thank you to our lovely Somerset House neighbours, literary agents Greene & Heaton, for the recommendation).
How Enlightenment Happens
This fascinating conversation between Chris Anderson and Steven Johnson covers where ideas come from, how optimism benefits creative ideation, the complex and even controversial process of discovery, and the beauty of the “adjacent possible.”
The Ark of Taste
Our diets are more homogenous than at any other point in human history. The Ark of Taste, managed by Italy’s Slow Food Movement, documents foods that we might lose, so that we notice and preserve them while we still can.
Is AI the Biggest Event in Human History
Professor Stuart Russell reflects on AI’s history, its impact on our lives and how - if at all - we can retain power over machines more powerful than ourselves.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Our next community roundtable is IRL at Somerset House on 22nd November. We will be discussing the widening attainment gap in UK education with Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England, Becky Francis, CEO of the Education Endowment Foundation and Nick Bent, Co-Founder of Tutor Trust. We are now at full capacity.
AND FINALLY…
The Fayre of St James’s - a star-studded evening of carols, live performances, festive readings and Christmas cheer in central London - is supporting the Firefly Project, which finds and funds impactful, innovative grassroots charities in London that help children and young people realise their potential. More information and tickets here.
CAN WE HELP YOU?
Greenwood Place provides philanthropy support, advice and execution for a small group of strategic philanthropists. We take an entrepreneurial approach to tackling tough social and environmental problems. We work closely with our clients to find the places where they can make most difference, we support their learning and we partner with them to achieve real, lasting change.
The Greenwood is the place in Shakespeare's plays where characters go to grow, change and learn.