Intro. [Recording date: March 18, 2026.]
Russ Roberts: Today is March 18th, 2026. I’m joined by Aled Maclean-Jones, a writer whose Substack, Rake’s Digress, has been making waves. Aled, welcome back to EconTalk; last time we spoke was in February 2026 about Swiss watches.
Aled Maclean-Jones: Thank you, Russ. It’s a pleasure to return.
Russ Roberts: While our topic today features Tom Cruise, don’t rush to change the channel. It’s a segue into your essay titled “The Last Useful Man,” published in The Metropolitan Review. Our discussion will dive into modern identity amid rapid technological advancements, pondering the relationship between our minds and bodies, and what constitutes knowledge and reality.
So, Aled, what sparked your thoughts about Tom Cruise? What does “The Last Useful Man” encapsulate?
Aled Maclean-Jones: Two major influences shaped the essay. First, I’ve been contemplating the concept of usefulness, particularly regarding how humans—especially those engaged intellectually—are perceived in our increasingly automated world. Secondly, becoming a parent shifted my perspective, particularly watching my daughter, who is remarkably agile and physically adept. This contrasts sharply with my own less-than-stellar childhood physicality. While on holiday in the Isle of Wight, I reflected on embodiment while observing her joyfully playing on the beach. This introspection led me to watch Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning at the local cinema, and everything coalesced into my essay.
This juxtaposition of technological progress, my daughter’s physical prowess, and Tom Cruise’s cinematic embodiment fueled my exploration.
Russ Roberts: That’s a compelling image of your daughter playing at the beach. I have a cherished picture of my sons mid-Frisbee toss, one poised in motion while the other is captured in a moment of anticipation. It’s a striking reminder of the beauty of human movement—something I, too, struggle to embody gracefully.
Interestingly, I resonate with your sentiment of feeling less useful in a world increasingly reliant on technology. Just the other day, I found myself in conversation with Stewart Brand, who discussed the essence of maintenance in his recent book. He shared tales of sailing alone around the globe—a feat that leaves me bewildered since I possess minimal practical skills, especially on a boat. The thought of sailing invokes anxiety in me, and as we plunge deeper into an AI-driven future, I can’t help but ponder my own obsolescence in practical realms.
Tom Cruise, particularly in his action-packed roles, represents a different kind of usefulness, doesn’t he? He embodies competence in his films, especially in titles like Top Gun and the Mission Impossible series. Why is this noteworthy?
Aled Maclean-Jones: Absolutely, Russ. One of my earliest encounters with this theme was inspired by Stewart Brand’s reflections on sailing. The allure of being self-sufficient on the water is captivating, yet I feel out of my depth. I recently came across a viral Twitter post about a sailor who meticulously checks for large ships every half hour while at sea. This speaks to how physical action captivates us, especially in a world increasingly dominated by digital distractions. The recent Winter Olympics showcased this vividly—figure skaters captivating audiences through sheer embodiment and skill.
Turning back to Cruise, I illuminated a pivotal 10 to 15-year period in his career, starting with Edge of Tomorrow, where he embodies the concept of experiential learning. Each day, he dies and revives, acquiring knowledge that ultimately enables him to navigate a complex, alien-infested world. This notion of learning through doing resonates deeply in both his character’s journey and our own life experiences.
Russ Roberts: Your insights inspired me to watch Edge of Tomorrow. It cleverly mirrors the philosophical idea of learning by doing, reminiscent of the economic principle that emphasizes experience over rote learning. Knowledge isn’t merely academic; it thrives in the real-world context of skill application.
In this narrative, Cruise’s character dies repeatedly, yet each death imparts vital knowledge about the world he faces. What’s particularly engaging is the film’s portrayal of experiential learning—an element absent in traditional educational frameworks. The distinction between intellectual learning and embodied experience is profound and speaks to something greater about human existence.
Aled Maclean-Jones: Exactly! If it were me in that scenario, I’d be scribbling notes, trying to document every experience. However, Cruise’s journey epitomizes the essence of learning through lived experience, challenging the notion of knowledge as merely verbal or theoretical.
As Cruise transitioned into Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, we witness a shift towards a more embodied representation of competence. Unlike earlier films where stunts appeared effortless, the updated portrayal highlights the struggle and effort involved, showcasing a more authentic representation of skill acquisition.
Russ Roberts: This shift raises an intriguing point about the nature of knowledge application in modernity. In our increasingly automated world, few possess the hands-on skills to tackle unexpected challenges. A friend of mine epitomizes this competence—able to fix anything without prior experience. Yet, most of us resort to instructional videos for assistance. The idea of navigating without a digital map is becoming an alien concept.
Moreover, the cinematic representations of skill and competence, as seen in Cruise’s films, evoke nostalgia for a time when embodied knowledge was essential for survival. In today’s affluent society, where safety often overshadows danger, these narratives remind us of the innate human need for physical prowess and competence.
Aled Maclean-Jones: Absolutely, Russ. Merleau-Ponty’s assertion that “our body is the general medium for having a world” resonates here. The challenge lies in reconciling our increasingly disembodied experiences with the rich, tactile knowledge that once defined human existence. Personally, I’ve found that immersing myself in hands-on tasks—like fixing household items—has rekindled my connection to the physical world.
Interestingly, my experiences with AI have also contributed to this reconnection. As I attempted to fix a broken toilet seat, I found AI to be a helpful ally, guiding me through the process. This blend of technology and embodied knowledge invites us to rethink our relationship with both.
Russ Roberts: That’s a great example! I, too, have found satisfaction in minor home repairs, like fixing a running toilet. Yet, I sometimes feel a sense of failure when I can’t tackle certain tasks, even though I recognize the division of labor’s efficiency.
As we navigate through life, the reliance on technology for navigation can induce anxiety, especially during hikes when I can’t confirm my position. As we drift further into an era dominated by screens, our physical experiences may become increasingly superficial, yet the desire to engage with the tangible world will likely persist.
Aled Maclean-Jones: Indeed, Russ. Our physical capabilities, while sometimes reduced to symbolic acts, retain their value in providing us with a sense of agency and connection. The challenge lies in ensuring that we don’t lose sight of the intrinsic worth of these embodied experiences, even as they evolve into forms of entertainment.
Take Cruise, for instance; he embodies the intersection of skill and spectacle. The question remains: can we still find meaning and value in these representations of physical prowess, or will they become mere symbols of a bygone era?
Russ Roberts: Your point about cinema and stunts brings to mind the evolving nature of competence. As physical skills become increasingly rare, they may transform into spectacles meant solely for entertainment. This raises the question: will we still appreciate the significance of genuine skill in an increasingly virtual world?
Aled Maclean-Jones: That’s a vital inquiry. The evolution of physical skill into a form of entertainment reflects broader societal shifts. Tom Cruise’s training methods highlight the value of physical competence, not just as a means of survival, but as an engaging spectacle that captivates audiences. The key remains in recognizing the underlying virtues embodied in these performances.
Russ Roberts: The romance surrounding peril, especially in cinematic portrayals, underscores our fascination with competence. In a world increasingly shielded from danger, the allure of witnessing physical mastery remains potent. Tom Cruise’s portrayal of risk takers echoes this sentiment, inviting audiences to reflect on the significance of embodied knowledge.
Yet, as technology insulates us from physical challenges, what does the future hold for our understanding of embodied skills? Will we increasingly seek out ways to reconnect with our physicality, or will we drift further into a digital existence?
Aled Maclean-Jones: It’s a complex interplay, isn’t it? The symbolic nature of physical skills may offer us a glimpse into our past, reminding us of the importance of embodied experiences. As technology evolves, our relationship with physicality will likely continue to shift, leading us to explore new avenues for engagement.
Russ Roberts: Absolutely. Childbirth, for instance, remains an unparalleled embodiment of life and death. As my wife recently experienced this firsthand, it served as a poignant reminder of the physicality inherent in our existence.
Our growing detachment from physical challenges raises questions about the future of human competence. Will we find new ways to foster embodied skills, or will they become relics of the past? The tension between technology and physicality will continue to shape our understanding of what it means to be human.
Aled Maclean-Jones: Precisely. The challenge lies in navigating this dichotomy. While technology can enhance our lives, it may also alienate us from our physical selves. Recognizing the importance of embodied experiences will be crucial as we move forward.
Russ Roberts: Indeed, I find satisfaction in small repair tasks, yet I often grapple with the feeling of inadequacy when faced with more complex challenges. This reflects a broader societal trend toward reliance on technology for navigation and problem-solving.
As we increasingly retreat into our mental landscapes, the question arises: how do we foster a healthier relationship with our physicality? Will we seek out opportunities to engage with the tangible world, or will we continue to drift into a disembodied existence?
Aled Maclean-Jones: These questions are vital. As we navigate the evolving landscape of technology, we must strive to maintain a connection with our physical selves. The challenge lies in finding balance—a harmony between the digital and the tangible that nurtures our embodiment.
