Chapter 1: The Allure of Automation

From an early age, I've had a fascination with automated devices, even before I understood the term "automation." It may sound peculiar, but I find dishwashers particularly captivating. There’s something truly satisfying about placing dirty dishes into a sleek metallic machine, adding a soap tablet, and pressing a button. A few hours later, like a magician's performance, the dishes emerge sparkling clean. My mother often gets annoyed when I start the dishwasher too soon, but the temptation is hard to resist.

Imagine plucking someone from the year 1300 and bringing them to 2022. If you were to show them the process of using a dishwasher, they might think one of three things:

1. Society has achieved incredible advancements, allowing us to create a device that washes dishes autonomously.
2. The witch trials never took place, and they’ve been kidnapped by a family of wizards showcasing their magical abilities in mundane chores.
3. There’s a tiny person hidden under the sink tasked with cleaning our dishes, and if discovered, they face immediate dismissal.

Recently, I’ve embarked on several automation projects of my own. I’ve created Jeeves, a personal assistant that texts me essential information I would otherwise check manually each morning—such as market trends, weather updates, COVID news, and trading account details. What started as a simple idea has transformed into an engaging and ever-evolving project that brings me immense satisfaction. Now, Jeeves also communicates with my family and friends, sparking intriguing conversations.

In the realm of trading, like many others, I’ve perhaps invested too much time striving to become the “perfect trader.” This journey has involved questionable psychological development, navigating various trading scams, and formulating strategies. Yet, as a retail trader, the reality is challenging. Ultimately, we’re contending with a minus-sum game; even if we manage to break even—a monumental challenge—client fees can quickly undermine our efforts. Still, I remain optimistic about the future.

The democratization of finance is unfolding before us. Concepts like Dogecoin and NFTs might not be saviors, but they symbolize something remarkable: empowerment for individuals, ownership rights, and a delicate balance between transparency and privacy. These principles are what I aim to uphold as I navigate the financial landscape. I envision a future that seems unattainable alone, yet I am confident I will not have to pursue it by myself.

The first trading bot I launched remains operational but is currently facing challenges. Initial days brought a flurry of profits, leading to unwarranted optimism, but those gains were swiftly erased by a significant market correction. My continued faith in the bot stems from its alpha-positive performance—at least for now. I’ve shared the code for an outdated and overly simplified version of the program here, but I won’t disclose my current progress until I feel confident about its reliability.

As I delve deeper into programming and intertwine automation with my passions, my excitement for the future only grows. We possess the tools for transformative change. I've discovered immense personal value and enjoyment from even my novice skills. The thought of what a team of seasoned 21st-century innovators could achieve with years of experience and a positive mindset is awe-inspiring—far more so than any time machine could provide.

Thank you for sticking with me through this unconventional post. If you’re interested in any of my projects, want to discuss ideas, or would like to be added to Jeeves' recipient list, please reach out! You can find a few of my public projects highlighted at the top of this page.

In this video, Aaron Benanav discusses the implications of automation on the workforce and the evolving nature of jobs in a technology-driven world.

Chapter 2: The Future of Organizations

This video explores how automation is reshaping organizations and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in a rapidly changing landscape.