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Much needs to occur, however, between the collection of data and observations, the extraction of parallel material from the existing record, and the final insertion of new material into the general body of the common record. For mature thought there is no mechanical substitute. But creative thought and essentially repetitive thought are very different things. For the latter there are, and may be, powerful mechanical aids.

Vannevar Bush#15

AutomationDataRecordsCreativityProcessThinking

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About this quote

What does it mean?
Collecting data and inserting new material into a common record requires mature thought that cannot be replaced by mechanical processes. While repetitive tasks can use aids, creative thinking remains a human capability.
In plain terms
Machines can handle repetitive work, but thinking deeply and creatively is something only humans can do.
What can you take from it?
Use tools for routine tasks but rely on your own mind for creative work.

Where it applies

  • research workflows
  • academic writing
  • data analysis

Putting it to work

  • automate data entry
  • focus on analysis
  • prioritize creativity

Questions to consider

  • What tasks do you automate?
  • Where do you need deep thought?

Another view

Some creative tasks may eventually be assisted by advanced AI.

More from Vannevar Bush

  1. To make the record, we now push a pencil or tap a typewriter. Then comes the process of digestion and correction, followed by an intricate process of typesetti…

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  2. Adding a column of figures is a repetitive thought process, and it was long ago properly relegated to the machine. True, the machine is sometimes controlled by…

    Permalink to quote #16

  3. The Encyclopoedia Britannica could be reduced to the volume of a matchbox. A library of a million volumes could be compressed into one end of a desk. If the hu…

    Permalink to quote #13

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