Quantum-Schmantum (Medium Day 2024)
How To Talk About Technology That Doesn’t Exist Yet
👋 Who I Am
Hi everyone! I’m Chris Ferrie, a professor at the University of Technology Sydney’s Centre for Quantum Software and Information. I get paid to teach, mentor students, and do research. Oh, and I also happen to be the founder of a start-up 🛠️ democratizing access to quantum computing by building educational tools like the one you see here.
Finally, I’m an author! 📚 I write popular science books for children and adults. An odd juxtaposition, to be sure, but there’s a common thread: explaining complex topics in an easily digestible form. 🧠✨
🖋️ How I Use Medium
I started writing on Medium as a hobby, a way to experiment with different ideas and topics. At first, it was a venue for random thoughts about my research — basically, a blog.
When I had to put my whole course “Introduction to Quantum Computing” online during the COVID-19 lockdowns, I turned to Medium. Why? Well, the students had to go wherever I sent them 😉, but why go through all that effort to put something behind an inaccessible firewall? Medium is incredibly popular, and my content has reached 1,000 people for every single formal student I had! 🌍
Though most of my books are traditionally published, I also offer free books to make complex topics accessible to everyone. Instead of hiding these resources on a little-known page of my website, I share them on Medium. Here, they reach a broader audience, foster engagement, and encourage more people to dive into the world of quantum physics. This way, my work isn’t just available — it’s part of an active, ongoing conversation with curious minds around the globe. 🌐💡
I’ve even embedded interactive code into my stories! 🚀
🤔 Why I Do It
It’s a lot of work for no obvious reward — so why?
Yes, quantum physics and computation are natural topics for me — I am a professor of it, after all — but that’s not the only reason I write about them. To be honest, my motivation is somewhat selfish. I write to make sense of these complex ideas myself. There’s a saying in medical education:
“Learn one, do one, teach one.”
To be a bona fide surgeon, you can’t just learn and do surgery — you also have to teach others how to do it. Only then can your peers be confident you understand.
I don’t want to be just a quantum physicist or a quantum mechanic — I want to be a quantum surgeon! 🛠️🔬
🌟 How I Talk About Future Tech
There’s a lot of hype about future technologies and, unfortunately, a lot of nonsense.
In AI, it’s all about the singularity and the nightmares of James Cameron. 🤖😱
In quantum, we find magical devices that perform computations in parallel universes. ✨🌌
As I broaden my understanding, it appears that I have a mission to cut through that noise, to call out the scams and misconceptions that plague emerging tech fields. Of course, this is just a byproduct of an honest approach to learning. 🎯
💡 What I Have Learned
The most common message (not from fans) I receive is from aspiring authors seeking advice. Since I suspect many here today are other writers, I thought I’d end with some of the things I’ve distilled…
🎨 Experiment and Find Your Voice
Medium is a platform that allows for experimentation. Don’t be afraid to explore different topics and writing styles. It’s a space where you can discover your unique voice and connect with readers who resonate with your perspective.
🌍 Don’t Hide Your Best Work
Medium provides a platform where your work can reach a broad audience. Don’t be afraid to share valuable content openly. The more you give, the more you’ll get back in terms of engagement, feedback, and reach.
✍️ Writing as a Learning Tool
Writing isn’t just about teaching others; it’s also a powerful tool for your own learning. Use your Medium posts as a way to clarify your thoughts and deepen your understanding of the topics you care about.
The core message is this: Use Medium as a dynamic tool for personal growth and to share knowledge. Trust and enjoy the process — you’ll make a real impact without even trying!
