The Way to Beat AI

is to never be artificial. Is to be the best version of you. Is to be the human which has become hidden by screens, interrupts and coffee shops.

Go be human.

McCartney Rock ‘n Roll in Three Phases.

  1. Beatles: “I’m Down” (1965) This is McCartney at his most primal. Recorded the same day as “Yesterday” - the range is staggering - it’s a flat-out rock and roll scream, inspired by Little Richard, and arguably the most ferociously energetic thing the Beatles ever put to tape. “Helter Skelter” is the obvious rival, but “I’m Down” has a raw, almost reckless abandon that even Helter can’t quite match.

  2. Wings: “Jet” (1973) No contest, really. From the opening blast, “Jet” is one of the great rock openings of the 1970s - relentless, euphoric, mysterious (nobody is quite sure what it’s actually about). It showcases McCartney’s gift for momentum: the song never lets up, yet never feels like it’s working hard.

  3. Solo: “Maybe I’m Amazed” (1970) A love letter to Linda wrapped in one of the most powerful rock vocal performances of his career. The guitar solo is ragged and perfect. In its live version (Wings Over America), it became something transcendent. For later-period solo, “Coming Up” deserves a mention: strange, funky, and irresistibly propulsive.

What’s striking is that Paul McCartney’s rock and roll is always joyful, even when it’s ferocious. That’s his particular genius in the genre.

During the first summer of my university days, I worked in the Butlin’s Holiday Camp, Ayr, Scotland, as an all-night cleaner. We were a team of three, and when the enormous bars closed at midnight, we moved in and turned beer-glass strewn acres into sweet-smelling zones for the next day. I had two bosses, both Scottish. One was the lady who worked with us all night. She was lovely because, on the first two nights, we (two students) were useless, but under her guidance, we became miracle workers.

Then there was her boss, known as Mr Old School, for his super just, fair, but strict approach. In my last week before leaving to hitch around the staggeringly beautiful Western Isles, I overslept. He wanted to see me in his office for the misdemeanour. But he simply thanked me and said you’ve earned enough credits for no consequences on this occasion. But don’t do it again.

For a summer, he (and she) had taught me the timeless Old School Principles.

I owe those two a lot. This one is dedicated to them.

Old School: Future-proof Yourself. AI-proof Your Career.

Latest version uploaded and available today.

The Question to Ask

is not will I be replaced by AI but how can I use AI to enhance my career?