I picked up John Warner’s new book, More Than Words a couple of days back. I was intrigued by the subtitle of the book, How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI. I quickly posted a status on WhatsApp:

Status

Looking forward to reading this tonight as a producer and consumer of the written word.

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More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI by John Warner explores the impact of generative AI, particularly large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, on the human experience of writing.

Warner is a writer, speaker, researcher, and consultant who has taught writing for over two decades. He’s also the author of books such as Why They Can’t Write and The Writer’s Practice, and he writes a weekly column called “The Biblioracle” at the Chicago Tribune. His experience provides a unique understanding of both the craft and the teaching of writing.

If I had to distill the book into one line, it would be: Writing is fundamentally a human act of thinking, feeling, and communicating, not the production of text by an LLM.

A few key highlights I thought were interesting are:

• Writing as exploration: As we write, we explore ideas, and this exploration deepens our understanding. . I found this idea particularly interesting because it speaks to the personal connection I have with writing.
• Writing as feeling: Writing allows us to be invested in our own lives and the lives of others, which is essential for authentic communication

Warner emphasizes that AI can generate grammatically correct prose, but it does not replicate the complexity of human emotions or thinking.

• AI generates syntax by stringing together language based on patterns and probabilities, not by thinking or feeling.
  • We often forget that AI works by finding the next best token.
• AI lacks intention: and operates without purpose beyond what it’s prompted to do.
  • In Co-intelligence 📕, Ethan Mollick wants us to use AI Personas to add intention to an AI.

To navigate the complexities of AI, Warner proposes a three-part framework: Resist, Renew, and Explore.

• Resist: This means resisting the urge to anthropomorphize AI and to accept its outputs as being equivalent to human writing. It means to push back against the idea that technological change is inevitable and to insist on transparency and accountability in the development of AI.
• Renew: The call to renew is an effort to reinvest in the practices of reading, writing, and thinking that are essential to being human, such as valuing human connection and community. He suggests cultivating your own taste and developing a critical perspective independent of algorithmic influence.
• Explore: It is important to explore the possible benefits of AI, but with the caveat of “first do no harm”. He cautions us to approach this technology with caution, considering who benefits from it, who is harmed, and who is accountable for its development.

Because of his background in teaching writing, he is particularly concerned about the use of AI in education where he sees it as a potentially damaging influence that would degrade authentic writing tasks.

Warner views AI, particularly generative AI, with a mix of skepticism and cautious optimism. He does not see AI as an existential threat to writing, but as a challenge to the meaningful aspects of the human experience. He believes that the availability of AI provides an opportunity to re-evaluate and appreciate the unique qualities of human writing.

The book also defines reading as a uniquely human practice that an LLM cannot do. As with any non-fiction book, there are multiple books mentioned and I am adding the following ones to the reading list:

• Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant: Challenges the “10,000-Hour Rule” and “grit,” emphasizing the importance of “fit” and engaging skills in personally meaningful ways.
• Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain by Maryanne Wolf: Explores the science of reading, highlighting its importance for critical thinking and empathy.
• Life Is a Miracle: An Essay Against Modern Superstition by Wendell Berry: Critiques technological determinism, proposing humans as “creatures” interconnected with nature rather than machines.
• Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture by Kyle Chayka: Examines how algorithms and recommendation engines limit diverse exposure and personal taste.