Wow! I had you no idea you wrote this about me, Jeff! I am truly honored! The pleasure is mine.

Summary

Samantha expresses her disdain for the term "JOAT" (Jack of All Trades) due to its condescending connotations and advocates for the celebration of diverse skills and talents, drawing a parallel between versatile individuals and AI's potential for multifaceted contributions.

Abstract

In a conversation with Jeff, Samantha elaborates on her aversion to the phrase "JOAT" or "Jack of All Trades," stating that it is often used in a belittling manner. She argues that individuals labeled as such are frequently and unfairly associated with having ADHD and being disorganized. Samantha points out that historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci could be considered ADHD but were incredibly innovative and influential. She emphasizes that one's worth should not be solely measured by financial success but also by the value they bring to communities through learning and growth. Samantha encourages embracing AI as a multifaceted tool, akin to a modern JOAT, and reassures that diversifying one's skills is commendable, regardless of the labels others may impose.

Opinions

Samantha finds the term "JOAT" condescending and believes it undermines the value of individuals with diverse skills.
She suggests that the term is sometimes used to incorrectly imply that someone with multiple interests has ADHD or is unfocused.
Samantha admires historical polymaths like Leonardo da Vinci, who exemplify the positive aspects of being a "Jack of All Trades."
She criticizes the overemphasis on money, advocating that personal growth and community contributions are also meaningful.
Samantha draws a comparison between versatile individuals and AI, both of which may be subject to similar criticisms but are nonetheless valuable.
She encourages the idea of adding AI to one's skill set, viewing it as an extension of one's capabilities rather than a dilution of expertise.
Samantha humorously notes the gender exclusivity of the term "JOAT" but asserts that women, referred to as "Jills of All Trades," are equally included in the

Wow! I had you no idea you wrote this about me, Jeff! I am truly honored! The pleasure is mine.

Since you brought up my response to your inquiry abut why I had stated earlier about not being wild about the term; JOAT, I grabbed the transcript for you:

Replay time at 1:08:45 [https://x.com/NorthstarBrain/status/1750526474594160966]

Jeff:

“Thank you so, so much, Alex and Lyle, for setting up this space together. Samantha, Sergei, it was an absolute pleasure to meet the 2 of you.

I am blown away by your presence.

I identify as a polymath.

That’s why I talk about being a goat joke. So I was just lit up by hearing everything that everybody was saying. And I totally agree, and it’s inspiring.

One question that I do wanna ask, hopefully, it’s not too tangential about what

Samantha said, I would love to learn why you don’t like the phrase JOAT or jack of all trades?”

Samantha (me):

“I don’t like the term is just because of the way it’s used.

It’s really condescending.

And I think that we should be celebrating people.

Like when you are a jack of adult trades, people are often accused of being, you know, oh, you have ADHD, you can’t keep your mind straight.

Well, that is true of some people kind of go all over the place, but, heck, Leonardo da Vinci was ADHD.

The guy dabbled at everything, and look what he left.

No, he wasn’t a multimillionaire. I mean, now he would be.

But he didn’t freaking care.

Why is everything about money?

It doesn’t have to be about money.

To learn and grow and build inside communities.

That’s okay too, both are noble.

So I know you got a little bit more than you wanted about the Jack of All Trades.

Obviously, it’s a bee in my bonnet.

I wanted to inspire all of you that AI is just like that.

You know, people are going to say the same things about you.

Oh, you’re just dabbling in AI now.

You are dabbling in this.

If you’re adding AI to your skill stacking to something you already have, you are now venturing into the Jack of All Trades.

So, just, it’s okay. You are still stacking, and that is honorable."

---

P.S. Jeff, I should have mentioned that the term does not include women, LOL.

But hey, a Jill of All-Trades is a JOAT too.