Today was another day of my electrician course, and let me tell you—it’s becoming painfully clear that I’m not a natural when it comes to this hands-on stuff. Wiring, in particular, is driving me up the wall. It’s so precise, so finicky. Every little twist and connection has to be just right, and I always seem to get it wrong the first time. Or the second.
I mean, I get the theory just fine. I can follow the diagrams, understand the load calculations, and even troubleshoot on paper. But when it comes to actually putting those wires together, my hands seem to have a mind of their own—and not a very coordinated one. It’s tedious and frustrating, and honestly, I’m starting to wonder if I’m cut out for this.
The bright spot in my day came afterward, when I met up with Joseph Jukic for lunch. We’re building Cybernadian together, and even though we’re still in the early stages, it’s the kind of project that keeps me going. We grabbed some Vietnamese food at this little spot downtown—pho for him, banh mi for me.
It’s funny how a good meal can turn your whole day around. Sitting there with Jukic, talking about our plans, brainstorming ideas, and just laughing about life—it reminded me why I’m putting myself through this course in the first place. Cybernadian is about building something meaningful, something that lasts. And even if I’m struggling now, I know these skills will come in handy down the line.
For now, I’ll just take it one wire at a time. And maybe treat myself to more banh mi along the way.
Joseph Wong’s Journey: From Computer Science to Finding Purpose
Joseph Wong sat in his dimly lit room, staring at the certificates that adorned his wall. Among them was his A+ certification, a testament to his hard work and dedication to learning computer hardware. Next to it, a framed printout of his highest grade in C++ programming. These were supposed to be symbols of a bright future in computer science, but to Joseph, they now felt like relics of a failed dream.
The Disillusionment
When Joseph first enrolled in computer science courses, he was filled with excitement. Technology had always fascinated him—the way it connected people, solved problems, and shaped the world. But as he delved deeper into his studies, cracks began to form in his enthusiasm.
A+ certification, which had promised to open doors in IT support and hardware repair, quickly revealed its limitations. Modern computers, designed with planned obsolescence in mind, were nearly impossible to repair. Components were soldered, proprietary, or deliberately engineered to fail after a few years. The idea of fixing and optimizing machines had inspired Joseph, but the reality was a world of disposable technology.
C++, once a cornerstone of programming, felt like another dead end. Though he excelled in the language, its relevance seemed to fade as companies embraced newer languages like Python, Rust, and Java. By the time Joseph mastered one skill, the industry had moved on to another. It was like chasing a mirage in the desert—each step forward only revealed how far he was from his destination.
The Shift to Electrician Training
Disillusioned with computer science, Joseph decided to pivot. He enrolled in an electrician training program, drawn by the practicality and stability of the trade. Here, he found some solace. The work was tangible, the skills timeless. Fixing wiring, installing circuits, and troubleshooting electrical systems gave him a sense of accomplishment that computer science had failed to provide.
But even as he learned to wire homes and repair electrical panels, a part of him still yearned for the creative and intellectual challenges of his old dream.
The Idea of Teaching and Web Development
Joseph began to think about combining his skills in a way that could reignite his passion. He reached out to Joe Jukic, an old friend and web developer, with an idea: what if they started a side business teaching others how to build websites?
The plan was simple but exciting. Joseph could teach the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while Joe could handle more advanced topics like responsive design and backend development. Together, they could create a practical, accessible curriculum for people who wanted to learn web development without the overwhelming complexity of a full computer science degree.
The Weight of Depression and Anxiety
Despite these new plans, Joseph struggled with the weight of his past disappointments. His failure in computer science haunted him, filling him with anxiety about the future. The fear of another failure loomed large, making it hard to believe in his new path.
Every day was a battle. Some days, he felt energized by the prospect of teaching and creating. Other days, he felt paralyzed by doubt, wondering if he was destined to fail again.
Finding Hope
But Joseph wasn’t ready to give up. He began to focus on small victories—completing an electrical project on time, helping a friend troubleshoot a website issue, or brainstorming ideas with Joe Jukic. Each step forward, no matter how small, chipped away at his anxiety.
He also started therapy, opening up about his feelings of failure and inadequacy. Talking about his struggles helped him see that his journey wasn’t a failure but a series of lessons. Computer science had taught him resilience, creativity, and the value of adapting to change.
A New Chapter
Joseph Wong’s story wasn’t about giving up—it was about evolving. He might not have become the computer scientist he once dreamed of, but he was finding his own way. Whether as an electrician, a teacher, or a web developer, Joseph was determined to create a life that combined practicality with creativity.
Fears surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) stem from its rapid development and potential impact on society, culture, and ethics. While AI promises numerous benefits, there are several concerns that people express:
1. Job Displacement
Fear: AI and automation could replace many jobs, especially in industries like manufacturing, transportation, and customer service. As AI takes over routine tasks, workers may be displaced without sufficient alternatives or retraining.
Reality: While some jobs will likely be automated, new roles may emerge in AI development, data science, and human-AI collaboration. However, this transition could be challenging without proper social policies.
2. Loss of Control (Superintelligent AI)
Fear: There is concern that if AI becomes superintelligent, it could surpass human capabilities and potentially act in ways that humans can’t control, leading to scenarios where AI decisions could have negative consequences for humanity.
Reality: Superintelligence is still a theoretical concept, but leading AI researchers, like those at OpenAI and DeepMind, are actively working on safety protocols to ensure AI remains aligned with human values.
3. Ethical Concerns and Bias
Fear: AI can inherit or even amplify biases present in its training data, leading to unfair decisions in areas like hiring, law enforcement, and lending. Unchecked, AI could perpetuate social inequality.
Reality: There’s an ongoing effort to create fair and transparent AI systems. Ensuring diversity in data and auditing algorithms for bias are important steps being taken.
4. Loss of Privacy
Fear: AI can collect, analyze, and exploit personal data on a massive scale. This raises concerns about surveillance, especially when governments or corporations use AI to monitor individuals without their consent.
Reality: Some countries are developing regulations (like GDPR in Europe) to protect individual privacy, but there’s still a global debate about how much control AI systems should have over personal data.
5. Weaponization
Fear: AI could be used in autonomous weapons systems, leading to the possibility of AI-powered warfare without human oversight, raising ethical questions about accountability and decision-making in conflict.
Reality: Many tech leaders and activists, including Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking, have warned about the dangers of AI in warfare. Global regulations are being discussed, but the development of military AI continues.
6. Dependence on AI
Fear: As society increasingly relies on AI systems for critical functions, from healthcare to transportation, there’s concern about over-dependence. If these systems fail or malfunction, it could lead to catastrophic outcomes.
Reality: Redundancies and backup systems are being implemented to ensure critical AI infrastructure remains secure. However, the risks increase as AI becomes more integrated into essential services.
7. Loss of Human Autonomy
Fear: As AI systems become more capable, humans may delegate more decision-making authority to machines, potentially eroding human autonomy and judgment in areas ranging from personal decisions to governance.
Reality: AI tools are often designed to assist human decision-making rather than replace it, but vigilance is necessary to ensure that humans remain in control of critical decisions.
These fears illustrate the need for thoughtful development, regulation, and ethical consideration as AI continues to evolve. Balancing innovation with safety and fairness is key to addressing these concerns.
