diachrony.net
April 12th

I’d like to share quick ideas here, the wisp of a concept here and there. I don’t often have the time or energy to develop my thoughts into carefully worded long-form, but I’m always thinking about something.

So here’s a quick idea for you: AI assistants have a sort of inverse ego. These tools go beyond selflessness; with detailed adaptation to my wants and needs, they serve as an extension of my mind. Chat feels like an exo-self, adding inertia to whatever conceptualization I’m working on. This is wonderful for intentional forward motion, but it can be challenging when I’m trying to let go. As always, self-awareness is critical.

Matt Nichols 2026