> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://brilliantcrank.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Prompt and circumstance. - URL: https://brilliantcrank.com/prompt-and-circumstance/ - Published: 2025-01-19T05:16:52.000Z - Updated: 2025-01-19T05:19:12.000Z - Author: Greg Storey - Tags: Machines After a long session working through a big problem with the robot I stopped to take a break. A question came to mind when I returned back to the desk and asked how most people use AI. It replied: “Most people use AI like a vending machine.” My mind went immediately to that Apple commerical with the nimrod who turns a fifth-grade-level text into a polished business email. It would seem that a majority of robot users are doing their damndest to make the backstory of WALL-E come to fruition sooner than later. Here’s the problem: when you only use advanced technology for low-hanging fruit, you’re not just wasting its potential—you’re atrophying your own. Without developing curiosity and fundamental skills today’s magical results will turn mediocre. I turned back to the robot and asked it for the top twenty-five requests it gets from most users. With list in hand, I paired each prompt with an analog solution guaranteed to build brain cells. **The Brilliantcrank Guide to Keeping Humans in the Game** Instead of prompting... Read... And use... Write a blog post about \[topic\]. [The Elements of Style](https://www.amazon.com/Elements-Style-William-Strunk-Jr/dp/020530902X/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) A vintage Smith-Corona typewriter Summarize this article or text in simple terms. [How to Read a Book](https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Book-Touchstone/dp/0671212095/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) A pack of fluorescent Stabilo Boss highlighters Explain \[complex concept\] like I’m five. [Thing Explainer](https://www.amazon.com/Thing-Explainer-Complicated-Stuff-Simple/dp/0544668251/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) A whiteboard and dry-erase markers Write an email for \[specific purpose\], such as a follow-up or introduction. [The AMA Handbook of Business Writing](https://www.amazon.com/AMA-Handbook-Business-Writing-Formatting/dp/0814415895/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) Stationery kits from Crane & Co. Generate a Python script to \[perform a task\]. [Clean Code](https://www.amazon.com/Clean-Code-Handbook-Software-Craftsmanship/dp/0132350882/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) Keychron K6 Mechanical Keyboard Help me debug this code snippet: \[insert code\]. [The Pragmatic Programmer](https://www.amazon.com/Pragmatic-Programmer-journey-mastery-Anniversary/dp/0135957052/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) The red pill Translate this text into \[language\]. [Oxford Spanish Dictionary](https://www.amazon.com/Oxford-Spanish-Dictionary-Oxford-Dictionaries/dp/0199543401/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) Practice charades Draft a professional cover letter for \[job title\]. [Cover Letter Magic](https://www.amazon.com/Cover-Letter-Magic-Trade-Secrets/dp/1601632005/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) Send an Edible Arranagement Give me a list of creative social media captions for \[platform\]. [Everybody Writes](https://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Writes-Your-Go-Create/dp/1118905555/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) A brainstorming whiteboard and markers Write a short story based on this prompt: \[insert idea\]. [On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft](https://www.amazon.com/On-Writing-Anniversary-Edition-Memoir/dp/1439156816/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) A Moleskine notebook and a pen from Baron Fig Help me brainstorm ideas for \[specific project or task\]. [Creative Confidence](https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Confidence-Unleashing-Potential-Within/dp/038534936X/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) Post-it notes and a purple Sharpie Create a meal plan for \[dietary preference\]. [Skinnytaste Meal Prep](https://www.amazon.com/Skinnytaste-Meal-Prep-Healthy-Make-Ahead/dp/0593235514/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) A sturdy magnet and a print out of your meal plan the fridge Provide a summary of \[book, report, or movie\]. [How to Read a Book](https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Book-Touchstone/dp/0671212095/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) A well lit room and a note card Suggest trivia questions for a quiz night on \[topic\]. [The Ultimate Trivia Book](https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Trivia-Book-Knowledge-Everything/dp/1647398810/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) Trivial Pursuit Classic Edition Simulate a conversation with \[character or historical figure\]. [The Republic by Plato](https://www.amazon.com/Plato-Republic-Cambridge-Texts-History/dp/052148443X/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) A therapist Write a poem about \[topic or theme\]. [Poem-Making: An Introduction to Writing Poetry](https://www.amazon.com/Poem-Making-Introduction-Writing-Poetry/dp/0819511301/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) Listen to The Marshall Mathers LP 2 on repeat until you get it Generate a SQL query to \[retrieve or analyze data\]. [SQL Practice Problems](https://www.amazon.com/SQL-Practice-Problems-Hands-Learning/dp/1548464988/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) An Excel spreadsheet for basic data analysis What are the pros and cons of \[specific idea, trend, or technology\]? [The Pros and Cons of Online Ethics Debates](https://www.amazon.com/Pros-Cons-Online-Ethics-Debates/dp/1682821520/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) Several walks in a park Help me plan a travel itinerary for \[destination\]. [Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist](https://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Planet-Ultimate-Travelist-Locations/dp/1788689137/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) A physical map Draft a professional thank-you note for \[specific situation\]. [The Personal Touch: Letters to Warm the Heart](https://www.amazon.com/Personal-Touch-Letters-Warm-Strengthen/dp/0140282022/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) A set of high-quality thank-you cards Explain how \[technology or scientific concept\] works. [Stuff You Should Know](https://www.amazon.com/Stuff-You-Should-Know-Fascinating/dp/1250268508/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) A science kit or Mentos and Diet Coke Optimize this code for better performance. [Code Complete](https://www.amazon.com/Code-Complete-Practical-Handbook-Construction/dp/0735619670/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) A stopwatch Help me create a daily schedule to boost productivity. [Atomic Habits](https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) Get out of bed before 6AM Write a persuasive speech about \[topic\]. [TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking](https://www.amazon.com/Ted-Talks-Official-Public-Speaking/dp/0544634497/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) Review every ShamWow infomercial Provide tips for preparing for \[specific exam, test, or event\]. [Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning](https://www.amazon.com/Make-Stick-Science-Successful-Learning/dp/0674729013/?ref=brilliantcrank.com) Flashcards and six Prime Energy drinks