I really like this framing. It makes me wonder whether increasingly fine-grained composition explains creativity at the artifact level, but not necessarily at the meaningmaking level (to borrow a term from Vaughn Tan).
September 24, 2026 at 9:45 AM
I really like this framing. It makes me wonder whether increasingly fine-grained composition explains creativity at the artifact level, but not necessarily at the meaningmaking level (to borrow a term from Vaughn Tan).
"What it means to be human, to be poetic, to be a meaningmaking animal: we can imagine our world differently+so can change it. GenAI cannot imagine or originate anything, cannot depart from what it was given, + so cannot change"
ever wise @bradleyfest.bsky.social
www.boundary2.org/2026/09/brad...
ever wise @bradleyfest.bsky.social
www.boundary2.org/2026/09/brad...
Bradley J. Fest–Teaching Without Computers
Teaching Without Computers Bradley J. Fest In a moment, I am going to talk about despair. But let me be clear: What I have to say in the following is not about frustration, burnout, or stress; it is...
www.boundary2.org
September 18, 2026 at 2:33 PM
"What it means to be human, to be poetic, to be a meaningmaking animal: we can imagine our world differently+so can change it. GenAI cannot imagine or originate anything, cannot depart from what it was given, + so cannot change"
ever wise @bradleyfest.bsky.social
www.boundary2.org/2026/09/brad...
ever wise @bradleyfest.bsky.social
www.boundary2.org/2026/09/brad...
i wrote about why understanding meaningmaking (the act of making subjective decisions about relative value) is nearly universally overlooked but essential for building useful and commercially viable AI applications.
uncertaintymindset.substack.com/p/meaningmak...
uncertaintymindset.substack.com/p/meaningmak...
Meaningmaking at work.
To build successful AI applications, product management must comprehend meaningmaking — making subjective decisions about the relative values of things.
uncertaintymindset.substack.com
August 21, 2024 at 7:24 PM
i wrote about why understanding meaningmaking (the act of making subjective decisions about relative value) is nearly universally overlooked but essential for building useful and commercially viable AI applications.
uncertaintymindset.substack.com/p/meaningmak...
uncertaintymindset.substack.com/p/meaningmak...
Everything steady
I ever
leaned against
backed away
slowly,
without
a word.
So,
am I
gifted,
or
betrayed,
or
am I
nothing
but a
human—
riding a
bicycle,
without
training wheels
any longer?
#Poetry #BlueskyPoetry
#Perspective #MeaningMaking
I ever
leaned against
backed away
slowly,
without
a word.
So,
am I
gifted,
or
betrayed,
or
am I
nothing
but a
human—
riding a
bicycle,
without
training wheels
any longer?
#Poetry #BlueskyPoetry
#Perspective #MeaningMaking
April 22, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Everything steady
I ever
leaned against
backed away
slowly,
without
a word.
So,
am I
gifted,
or
betrayed,
or
am I
nothing
but a
human—
riding a
bicycle,
without
training wheels
any longer?
#Poetry #BlueskyPoetry
#Perspective #MeaningMaking
I ever
leaned against
backed away
slowly,
without
a word.
So,
am I
gifted,
or
betrayed,
or
am I
nothing
but a
human—
riding a
bicycle,
without
training wheels
any longer?
#Poetry #BlueskyPoetry
#Perspective #MeaningMaking
Speaking from the bone,
I’m chewing on the marrow
of what it might mean.
#HaikuFeels - Chew
#MeaningMaking #Poetry
#Senryu #MicroPoem #SkyPoet
I’m chewing on the marrow
of what it might mean.
#HaikuFeels - Chew
#MeaningMaking #Poetry
#Senryu #MicroPoem #SkyPoet
August 12, 2026 at 7:05 PM
Speaking from the bone,
I’m chewing on the marrow
of what it might mean.
#HaikuFeels - Chew
#MeaningMaking #Poetry
#Senryu #MicroPoem #SkyPoet
I’m chewing on the marrow
of what it might mean.
#HaikuFeels - Chew
#MeaningMaking #Poetry
#Senryu #MicroPoem #SkyPoet
Still a couple months out from launch but getting excited!
#writing #community #storytelling #meaningmaking
#writing #community #storytelling #meaningmaking
I'm prepping my A Coffee for a Story project where I'll set out for coffeeshops to talk with people about the moments that matter most. In rough times, stories of deeply human experience help us remember what we are fighting for. Shared stories link us in our humanity, in our hopes and dreams. 👂💙
May 16, 2026 at 10:02 PM
Still a couple months out from launch but getting excited!
#writing #community #storytelling #meaningmaking
#writing #community #storytelling #meaningmaking
not just words. Which makes me think of all the people who don't love language and culture enough to realize that hip hop was a revolution in poetry and peak languaging! See also lavender languages and patois in general. Sensemaking/meaningmaking is very context context specific. AI sucks at context
May 31, 2026 at 4:08 PM
not just words. Which makes me think of all the people who don't love language and culture enough to realize that hip hop was a revolution in poetry and peak languaging! See also lavender languages and patois in general. Sensemaking/meaningmaking is very context context specific. AI sucks at context
“Here is what happened.”
“Here is what I think it means.”
“Here is what I’m afraid it means.”
Those are three different categories of information.
#ThoughtJournal #MetaCognition
#Perception #MeaningMaking
“Here is what I think it means.”
“Here is what I’m afraid it means.”
Those are three different categories of information.
#ThoughtJournal #MetaCognition
#Perception #MeaningMaking
August 12, 2026 at 9:41 PM
“Here is what happened.”
“Here is what I think it means.”
“Here is what I’m afraid it means.”
Those are three different categories of information.
#ThoughtJournal #MetaCognition
#Perception #MeaningMaking
“Here is what I think it means.”
“Here is what I’m afraid it means.”
Those are three different categories of information.
#ThoughtJournal #MetaCognition
#Perception #MeaningMaking
Meaningmaking can happen in self-evidently significant ways. One e.g. of Big Meaningmaking: ICJ oral proceedings on indiv states' obligations to protect against anthropogenic climate change.
Only humans can (and should) do meaningmaking: uncertaintymindset.substack.com/i/144865578/...
[a thread]
Only humans can (and should) do meaningmaking: uncertaintymindset.substack.com/i/144865578/...
[a thread]
December 3, 2024 at 8:59 AM
Meaningmaking can happen in self-evidently significant ways. One e.g. of Big Meaningmaking: ICJ oral proceedings on indiv states' obligations to protect against anthropogenic climate change.
Only humans can (and should) do meaningmaking: uncertaintymindset.substack.com/i/144865578/...
[a thread]
Only humans can (and should) do meaningmaking: uncertaintymindset.substack.com/i/144865578/...
[a thread]
There’s a kind of freedom in not remembering.
Without a predetermined purpose, we are free to invent one.
To create meaning in the absence of instruction.
#MeaningMaking
Without a predetermined purpose, we are free to invent one.
To create meaning in the absence of instruction.
#MeaningMaking
May 24, 2025 at 5:52 PM
There’s a kind of freedom in not remembering.
Without a predetermined purpose, we are free to invent one.
To create meaning in the absence of instruction.
#MeaningMaking
Without a predetermined purpose, we are free to invent one.
To create meaning in the absence of instruction.
#MeaningMaking
Omen of change—
there’s war in the water,
and overhead,
a transient brilliance.
The death of an empire,
a fallen ruler,
christened a god.
Above, below,
and all around—
something ancient
wearing our faces.
#Mythology #VSSMagic - Comet
#HumanHistory #MeaningMaking
#Poetry #BlueskyPoetry #SkyPoet
there’s war in the water,
and overhead,
a transient brilliance.
The death of an empire,
a fallen ruler,
christened a god.
Above, below,
and all around—
something ancient
wearing our faces.
#Mythology #VSSMagic - Comet
#HumanHistory #MeaningMaking
#Poetry #BlueskyPoetry #SkyPoet
May 24, 2026 at 1:09 PM
Omen of change—
there’s war in the water,
and overhead,
a transient brilliance.
The death of an empire,
a fallen ruler,
christened a god.
Above, below,
and all around—
something ancient
wearing our faces.
#Mythology #VSSMagic - Comet
#HumanHistory #MeaningMaking
#Poetry #BlueskyPoetry #SkyPoet
there’s war in the water,
and overhead,
a transient brilliance.
The death of an empire,
a fallen ruler,
christened a god.
Above, below,
and all around—
something ancient
wearing our faces.
#Mythology #VSSMagic - Comet
#HumanHistory #MeaningMaking
#Poetry #BlueskyPoetry #SkyPoet
"The machines behind the prompt box are remarkable tools, but they’re not meaningmaking entities" - designing AI tools for critical thinking vaughntan.org/aiux
Designing AI tools that support critical thinking - Vaughn Tan
Current AI interfaces lull us into thinking we’re talking to something that can make meaningful judgments about what’s valuable. We’re not — we’re
vaughntan.org
August 20, 2025 at 5:25 PM
"The machines behind the prompt box are remarkable tools, but they’re not meaningmaking entities" - designing AI tools for critical thinking vaughntan.org/aiux
Enjoyed attending & presenting at #IETC25 by ltcillinois.org.
It was great meeting Faubs from @bookcreator.com & discussing w/attendees my research & meaningfully implementing Book Creator across the curriculum. Benefits: #engagement #collaboration #meaningmaking #writerskill #writeridentity #EduSky
It was great meeting Faubs from @bookcreator.com & discussing w/attendees my research & meaningfully implementing Book Creator across the curriculum. Benefits: #engagement #collaboration #meaningmaking #writerskill #writeridentity #EduSky
November 14, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Enjoyed attending & presenting at #IETC25 by ltcillinois.org.
It was great meeting Faubs from @bookcreator.com & discussing w/attendees my research & meaningfully implementing Book Creator across the curriculum. Benefits: #engagement #collaboration #meaningmaking #writerskill #writeridentity #EduSky
It was great meeting Faubs from @bookcreator.com & discussing w/attendees my research & meaningfully implementing Book Creator across the curriculum. Benefits: #engagement #collaboration #meaningmaking #writerskill #writeridentity #EduSky
I'm going to use this prompt to shamelessly plug an old blog post about how every relationship exists inside a shared reality that both people are constantly negotiating—usually without realizing it. ✨
#AugustAnarchy #MeaningMaking
#BlueskyWriters #Relationships
#Consciousness #Philosophy
#AugustAnarchy #MeaningMaking
#BlueskyWriters #Relationships
#Consciousness #Philosophy
August 6, 2026 at 8:15 PM
I'm going to use this prompt to shamelessly plug an old blog post about how every relationship exists inside a shared reality that both people are constantly negotiating—usually without realizing it. ✨
#AugustAnarchy #MeaningMaking
#BlueskyWriters #Relationships
#Consciousness #Philosophy
#AugustAnarchy #MeaningMaking
#BlueskyWriters #Relationships
#Consciousness #Philosophy
3/🧵 Key buffer #1: Cultural worldviews
Think of these as your life's operating system. Whether it's religion, philosophy, or believing in science - these frameworks help us feel part of something bigger than ourselves. #MeaningMaking #MedSky #MedEd #spiritualcare
Think of these as your life's operating system. Whether it's religion, philosophy, or believing in science - these frameworks help us feel part of something bigger than ourselves. #MeaningMaking #MedSky #MedEd #spiritualcare
November 24, 2024 at 9:46 PM
3/🧵 Key buffer #1: Cultural worldviews
Think of these as your life's operating system. Whether it's religion, philosophy, or believing in science - these frameworks help us feel part of something bigger than ourselves. #MeaningMaking #MedSky #MedEd #spiritualcare
Think of these as your life's operating system. Whether it's religion, philosophy, or believing in science - these frameworks help us feel part of something bigger than ourselves. #MeaningMaking #MedSky #MedEd #spiritualcare
August 18, 2026 at 4:24 PM
"Value creation will come from opening up new avenues for thinking about what AI applications could look like, what kinds of functionality could be useful, how users could interact with AI applications, and what kinds of business models could make sense."
open.substack.com/pub/uncertai...
open.substack.com/pub/uncertai...
Meaningmaking at work.
To build successful AI applications, product management must comprehend meaningmaking — making subjective decisions about the relative values of things.
open.substack.com
February 15, 2025 at 6:57 PM
"Value creation will come from opening up new avenues for thinking about what AI applications could look like, what kinds of functionality could be useful, how users could interact with AI applications, and what kinds of business models could make sense."
open.substack.com/pub/uncertai...
open.substack.com/pub/uncertai...
On meaning-making in times of chatbots. I like the idea of language as the mutual creation of meaning between humans.
#AI #aied #chatbots #GenAI #MeaningMaking
#AI #aied #chatbots #GenAI #MeaningMaking
This sign is a great example for helping to explain why chatbots present such a potent illusion.
A probably not short thread 🧵>>
A probably not short thread 🧵>>
![Photo of a sign with a doorbell attached. The printed sign reads:
CURRENT GUGGENHEIM ACCES BY HUSKY CARD ONLY
[Logos for Amazon, FedEx, UPS]
DELIVERIES/VISITORS
PLEASE RING THIS DOORBELL
Delivery hours M-F 9:00am-(obscured)
University of Washington
Taped next to the doorbell is a hand written note that reads:
yes! it rang! Pelase wait 30 seconds before pressing again.
thanks!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:aeug3w4mdhnc2wv73hmrh36v/bafkreiapsjhnxrhqjrux3pi4np3xrwg4twz7tcrlwkmyojstelb2ndfzdi)
August 20, 2026 at 4:56 PM
On meaning-making in times of chatbots. I like the idea of language as the mutual creation of meaning between humans.
#AI #aied #chatbots #GenAI #MeaningMaking
#AI #aied #chatbots #GenAI #MeaningMaking
Subjective value decisions are the domain of meaningmaking. These proceedings are high-stakes meaningmaking with consequences for us today and into the future.
More on meaningmaking as something we must only trust humans to do: uncertaintymindset.substack.com/i/144865578/...
More on meaningmaking as something we must only trust humans to do: uncertaintymindset.substack.com/i/144865578/...
December 3, 2024 at 8:59 AM
Subjective value decisions are the domain of meaningmaking. These proceedings are high-stakes meaningmaking with consequences for us today and into the future.
More on meaningmaking as something we must only trust humans to do: uncertaintymindset.substack.com/i/144865578/...
More on meaningmaking as something we must only trust humans to do: uncertaintymindset.substack.com/i/144865578/...
🌿 Watch my video with a C.G. Jung Quote here: youtu.be/NdNEsmI-r7E
#Thanatology #DeathCare #GriefSupport #EndOfLifeCare #HospiceWisdom #DyingWisdom #CarlJung #MeaningMaking I
#Thanatology #DeathCare #GriefSupport #EndOfLifeCare #HospiceWisdom #DyingWisdom #CarlJung #MeaningMaking I
C.G. Jung Quote
YouTube video by Gritty Side of Grace
youtu.be
June 12, 2025 at 3:15 AM
🌿 Watch my video with a C.G. Jung Quote here: youtu.be/NdNEsmI-r7E
#Thanatology #DeathCare #GriefSupport #EndOfLifeCare #HospiceWisdom #DyingWisdom #CarlJung #MeaningMaking I
#Thanatology #DeathCare #GriefSupport #EndOfLifeCare #HospiceWisdom #DyingWisdom #CarlJung #MeaningMaking I
I’ve been prototyping a critical thinking tool + testing it over the last few months at universities, corporations, startups, and government. The method generalises: Users doing real work with real stakes find it useful enough to want their institutions to provide it.
vaughntan.org/protoscaffold
vaughntan.org/protoscaffold
The meaningmaking lens on AI (updated) - Vaughn Tan
Meaningmaking is a simple concept but one that is counterintuitively powerful, concrete, and applicable to understanding how we think about work and
vaughntan.org
October 6, 2025 at 12:37 AM
I’ve been prototyping a critical thinking tool + testing it over the last few months at universities, corporations, startups, and government. The method generalises: Users doing real work with real stakes find it useful enough to want their institutions to provide it.
vaughntan.org/protoscaffold
vaughntan.org/protoscaffold
hard agree.
this comes down to doing meaningmaking work — i wish more people would recognise and care about it because AI in its current form has a meaningmaking problem: uncertaintymindset.substack.com/p/ai-meaning...
this comes down to doing meaningmaking work — i wish more people would recognise and care about it because AI in its current form has a meaningmaking problem: uncertaintymindset.substack.com/p/ai-meaning...
AI's meaning-making problem.
Current AI discourse doesn't talk about human meaning-making — subjective decisions about value that AI systems can't make, which are nonetheless crucial for building and using AI systems.
uncertaintymindset.substack.com
December 4, 2024 at 10:29 AM
hard agree.
this comes down to doing meaningmaking work — i wish more people would recognise and care about it because AI in its current form has a meaningmaking problem: uncertaintymindset.substack.com/p/ai-meaning...
this comes down to doing meaningmaking work — i wish more people would recognise and care about it because AI in its current form has a meaningmaking problem: uncertaintymindset.substack.com/p/ai-meaning...