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On Wednesdays, we’ll reflect: See below for some some of what I’ve learned from the week to inspire reflection. 🙂
W.I.L.T.W (What I Learned This Week)
Humans and AI models operate more effectively when guided by a core identity rather than a rigid list of restrictions. By shifting from restrictive "don't" rules to "value anchors," we move away from simply avoiding bad behaviors and toward actively embodying the principles we want to define us. This shared architecture of identity allows both biological and artificial minds to navigate unfamiliar challenges with steady, grounded intention.
Over the weekend, I read Dario Amodei’s second essay on AI. While his first piece explored the potential benefits of advanced LLMs, "The Adolescence of Technology" takes a more sober look at the risks of powerful AI and the specific steps being taken to mitigate them.
One detail that stood out was how Anthropic is evolving its training methods. Rather than simply giving the model a massive checklist of "don'ts," such as "don't help a user steal from a grocery store," they are training it on a Constitution. The goal is to develop Claude into a model that embodies the identity of an ethical, balanced, and thoughtful person. This allows the model to refer back to a core set of values when it encounters a brand new scenario it hasn't been specifically programmed to handle.
I found this to be a fascinating bridge to our own psychology. It made me think about how we can avoid falling into the mental traps we face in our daily lives. Often, we set strict rules for ourselves that act like ceilings, merely telling us where to stop. In contrast, a "Value Anchor" keeps us steady and informs our posture toward the world.
Look at the shift in energy between these two approaches:
Rule | Value |
|---|---|
"Don't compare yourself to others on social media." | "I value progress and honor my own pace." |
"Don't check your phone at the dinner table." | "I value presence and giving my attention to the people in front of me." |
"Don't eat junk food today." | "I value fueling my body with what will make me feel good all day." |
"Don't procrastinate on this project." | "I value reliability and delivering work I can be proud of." |
When you operate from a value, you aren't just avoiding a "bad" behavior. You are actively stepping into the person you want to become. There is something quite beautiful about building this kind of internal weight into AI. Since its widespread use is inevitable, ensuring it has a well-rounded foundation is the best path forward.
References:
If you are interested: Claude’s new constitution
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