A book about Einstein and Godel claims both of them were able to identify a problem that became suddenly relevant and trackable due to other developments. I think there are certain ‘game changers’ that reshape discovery space producing low-hanging fruits. But, I do not think these low hanging fruits stay there for long. The possibility of AGI and X-Risks made some of your examples relevant, and they were addressed shortly after those game changers arose. But otherwise, some of your points seem similar to those on the Einstein-Godel book I read.
It is more of a biography of their friendship. I don’t think is worth reading. I almost summarized all his conclusions of the matter, except he applies it in more detail to history of science.
A book about Einstein and Godel claims both of them were able to identify a problem that became suddenly relevant and trackable due to other developments. I think there are certain ‘game changers’ that reshape discovery space producing low-hanging fruits. But, I do not think these low hanging fruits stay there for long. The possibility of AGI and X-Risks made some of your examples relevant, and they were addressed shortly after those game changers arose. But otherwise, some of your points seem similar to those on the Einstein-Godel book I read.
Which book?
http://www.ams.org/notices/200707/tx070700861p.pdf
It is more of a biography of their friendship. I don’t think is worth reading. I almost summarized all his conclusions of the matter, except he applies it in more detail to history of science.