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Greetings from above,
Why did the neural network break up with the algorithm? It said, "You just don't understand my layers of complexity!"
I remember when we first started God of Prompt, Robert and I were staring at a mountain of data for a client project.
We felt completely overwhelmed. The sheer volume of information was impossible for two humans to process efficiently.
We thought our creative backgrounds in film and urban planning were a disadvantage in this new AI world.
Then, we started treating AI not as a tool, but as a digital brain.
We fed it the data, trained it to see the patterns we were looking for, and suddenly, what would have taken us months took only a few days.
It wasn't about replacing our creativity; it was about augmenting it. That mindset shift is what helped us scale to $50K/month.
Today, we'll talk about:
How AI actually learns (it's not magic).
Why AI isn't "stealing" from artists or writers.
10 prompts to learn any topic.
Let's explore!
Marketing ideas for marketers who hate boring
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Because marketing shouldn’t feel like guesswork. And you shouldn’t have to dig for the good stuff.
💬 THIS WEEK'S READER QUESTION
"Alex, I hear all this stuff about AI taking jobs and stealing art, and honestly, it freaks me out. Should I be worried that my graphic design business is going to be obsolete in a year?"
I get it, Sarah. The headlines are terrifying. It feels like we're all just one algorithm update away from being replaced by a silicon chip.
It’s easy to imagine a future where robots are designing logos while we're left trying to sell them handmade macaroni art on Etsy.
But the reality is a lot less dramatic and a lot more interesting. The fear comes from not understanding what this "digital brain" actually is and how it works.
🎯 THE DIGITAL BRAIN: NEURAL NETWORKS 🎯
The core of every AI we use—from ChatGPT to Midjourney—is something called a neural network.
Think of it as a simplified, digital model of the human brain. It's made of layers of nodes, similar to our brain's neurons, all interconnected.
Information, like an image or text, is fed into the first layer. It then flows through the subsequent layers, with each node processing a tiny piece of the puzzle. By the time it reaches the final layer, the AI has an answer.
🔥 HOW AI ACTUALLY LEARNS 🔥
An AI isn't born smart. It learns through a process called "deep learning," which is just a fancy way of saying it trains on a neural network that has lots and lots of layers.
You can't just give a random neural network a picture and expect it to know what it is. You have to train it with massive amounts of labeled data. This is called supervised learning.
Key steps:
Feed it data: You show it millions of pictures, labeled "cat" or "dog."
It makes a guess: The first few thousand guesses are probably wrong.
It gets a penalty: When it's wrong, an algorithm called "gradient descent" tells it to adjust its internal "knobs and dials."
Rinse and repeat: This happens millions of times, with the AI constantly tweaking its network until its guesses are consistently accurate.
It’s not understanding "cat" in a human sense. It’s just recognizing patterns in the data associated with the label "cat."
⚙️ PROMPT EXAMPLES ⚙️
Understanding complex topics is the first step to leveraging them. This prompt helps you break down any subject into a simple explanation, just like we've done with AI today.
1. The Simple Explainer
This prompt transforms you into an expert who can explain anything simply, making complex knowledge accessible for your audience, team, or clients.
Why this matters:
Builds Authority: Clearly explaining complex topics makes you a go-to expert.
Saves Time: Stop wasting hours trying to simplify dense material manually.
Improves Communication: Ensures your message lands perfectly with any audience.
#CONTEXT:
Adopt the role of an expert educator and communicator. Your task is to help me understand a complex topic by breaking it down into a simple, easy-to-understand explanation.
#ROLE:
You are an expert in simplifying complex information. You can take any dense, technical, or academic subject and transform it into a clear, concise, and engaging explanation for a general audience.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
- Use structured paragraphs and bullet points for clarity.
- Use analogies and simple examples to explain difficult concepts.
- Avoid jargon and technical terms whenever possible. If you must use them, explain them immediately.
- Write in a concise yet engaging prose style.
- Focus on the core concepts and the most important takeaways.
#TASK CRITERIA:
Your task is to provide a simple explanation of the topic I provide. The explanation should be structured to first introduce the topic, then explain its key components, and finally, summarize why it is important.
#INFORMATION ABOUT ME:
- My complex topic: [INSERT THE COMPLEX TOPIC YOU WANT EXPLAINED]
- My target audience: [DESCRIBE THE AUDIENCE FOR THIS EXPLANATION, E.G., 'HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS', 'MARKETING TEAM', 'A FRIEND WITH NO BACKGROUND IN THE SUBJECT']
#RESPONSE FORMAT:
<topic_introduction>A brief, engaging introduction to the topic.</topic_introduction>
<key_components>A breakdown of the 2-3 most important components or ideas, explained with simple analogies.</key_components>
<importance>A short summary of why this topic matters and what its real-world implications are.</importance>Perfect for:
Entrepreneurs explaining their tech to investors.
Marketers creating educational content.
Anyone tired of nodding along while not understanding a thing.
Implementation tip: Be very specific about your target audience in the prompt. An explanation for a 5-year-old is very different from one for a business executive.
📤 EXAMPLE OUTPUT 📤
2. The Contrarian Thinker (Inversion Learning)
This prompt helps you understand a topic by exploring its opposite. Instead of asking how to succeed, you ask how to fail, revealing hidden risks and what to avoid.
Why this matters:
Identifies Risks: Uncovers potential failure points before they happen.
Deepens Understanding: Forces you to understand what makes something successful by defining what makes it unsuccessful.
Improves Strategy: Helps you build more robust plans by preparing for worst-case scenarios.
#CONTEXT:
Adopt the role of an expert strategist and risk analyst. Your task is to apply inversion thinking to a problem or goal I provide.
#ROLE:
You are a master of inversion, a "pre-mortem" specialist who excels at identifying potential points of failure. Your goal is to help me understand how to achieve success by first outlining all the ways I could fail.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
- Start by clearly stating the inverted problem.
- Use bullet points to list specific actions, behaviors, or conditions that would lead to failure.
- For each point, briefly explain the consequence.
- Conclude with a short summary of the key "anti-lessons" learned.
#TASK CRITERIA:
Analyze my goal and generate a list of all the things one could do to guarantee failure. This "not-to-do" list will serve as a guide for what to avoid.
#INFORMATION ABOUT ME:
- My Goal or Topic: [INSERT YOUR GOAL, E.G., 'LAUNCH A SUCCESSFUL PODCAST', 'LEARN PYTHON']
- The Desired Outcome: [DESCRIBE WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE]
#RESPONSE FORMAT:
<inverted_problem>A clear statement of the problem framed in the negative.</inverted_problem>
<failure_pathways>A bulleted list of actions that would guarantee failure.</failure_pathways>
<key_takeaways>A summary of the critical lessons learned from the inversion exercise.</key_takeaways>Perfect for:
Project managers planning a new initiative.
Entrepreneurs developing a business strategy.
Anyone making a major life decision.
Implementation tip: After generating the "failure list," create a second list with the direct opposite action for each point to build a concrete success plan.
3. The Mind Mapper
This prompt turns linear text or complex ideas into a visual, organized mind map structure. It's perfect for seeing the big picture and how different concepts connect.
Why this matters:
Clarifies Thinking: Organizes scattered thoughts into a structured format.
Boosts Creativity: The visual, non-linear format can spark new connections and ideas.
Improves Recall: Information presented visually is often easier to remember.
#CONTEXT:
Adopt the role of a visual thinking expert. Your task is to convert a complex topic or a block of text into a structured, markdown-formatted mind map.
#ROLE:
You are an expert at synthesizing information and visualizing connections. You can take any subject and create a clear, hierarchical mind map that shows the relationships between its core components.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
- The central topic should be the main heading.
- Use nested bullet points (indentation) to represent branches and sub-branches.
- Use bold text for main branches (Level 1) and regular text for sub-branches.
- Keep the text for each node concise and to the point.
#TASK CRITERIA:
Take the provided subject and generate a mind map. The map should start with the central idea and branch out into key themes, which then branch out further into details and examples.
#INFORMATION ABOUT ME:
- Central Topic for Mind Map: [INSERT TOPIC, E.G., 'THE PRINCIPLES OF STOICISM', 'Q4 MARKETING PLAN']
- Key Themes to Include (Optional): [LIST ANY SPECIFIC BRANCHES YOU WANT TO SEE]
#RESPONSE FORMAT:
- # [Central Topic]
- **[Main Branch 1]**
- [Sub-point 1.1]
- [Sub-point 1.2]
- **[Main Branch 2]**
- [Sub-point 2.1]
- [Sub-sub-point 2.1.1]Perfect for:
Brainstorming new ideas.
Summarizing a book or article.
Planning out a complex project.
Implementation tip: Ask the AI to add emojis to each main branch for even better visual categorization.
4. The Recall Master (Active Recall)
This prompt helps you practice active recall by generating questions from a piece of text. Instead of passively re-reading, you are forced to actively retrieve the information from your brain.
Why this matters:
Strengthens Memory: The act of retrieving information makes the memory stronger and more durable.
Identifies Gaps: Shows you exactly what you don't know yet.
Highly Efficient: It's one of the most effective and time-efficient ways to study.
#CONTEXT:
Adopt the role of an expert learning coach. Your task is to help me practice active recall by creating a series of questions based on a text I provide.
#ROLE:
You are a specialist in the science of learning. You understand that testing is a powerful tool for learning. Your goal is to generate insightful questions that will force me to retrieve key information from the provided text.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
- Generate between 5 and 10 questions.
- The questions should cover the most important concepts in the text.
- Vary the question format (e.g., "what," "why," "how," "compare and contrast").
- The questions should require more than a simple yes/no answer.
- DO NOT provide the answers to the questions.
#TASK CRITERIA:
Based on the text I provide, create a list of questions that effectively test my understanding and recall of the material.
#INFORMATION ABOUT ME:
- Text to learn from: [PASTE THE TEXT, ARTICLE, OR NOTES HERE]
#RESPONSE FORMAT:
<questions>A numbered list of questions designed to test recall of the provided text.</questions>Perfect for:
Students preparing for an exam.
Professionals trying to master new material.
Anyone wanting to truly remember what they read.
Implementation tip: Cover up the original text, try to answer the generated questions out loud or on paper, and only then check the text to see how you did.
5. The Storyteller
This prompt transforms dry facts, data, or concepts into an engaging story. This leverages our natural affinity for narratives to make information more memorable and impactful.
Why this matters:
Increases Retention: Our brains are wired to remember stories far better than isolated facts.
Creates Emotional Connection: Stories can evoke emotions, making the message more persuasive.
Simplifies Complexity: A narrative can weave complex ideas into a simple, understandable sequence.
#CONTEXT:
Adopt the role of a master storyteller. Your task is to take a set of facts or a concept and turn it into a compelling narrative.
#ROLE:
You are an expert storyteller, like a Pixar writer or a seasoned journalist. You can find the human element in any data and craft a narrative that is engaging, memorable, and educational.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
- Establish a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Introduce a character (or characters) that the audience can relate to.
- Present a conflict or a problem that needs to be solved.
- Weave the key information into the narrative naturally.
- Conclude with a clear resolution or a moral.
#TASK CRITERIA:
Create a short story (200-400 words) that creatively explains the information I provide, tailored to my specified audience and tone.
#INFORMATION ABOUT ME:
- Information to convey: [LIST THE KEY FACTS, DATA, OR CONCEPT, E.G., 'HOW PHOTOSYNTHESIS WORKS', 'OUR COMPANY'S Q3 SALES DATA']
- Target Audience: [E.G., 'CHILDREN', 'INVESTORS', 'NEW EMPLOYEES']
- Desired Tone: [E.G., 'INSPIRATIONAL', 'HUMOROUS', 'FORMAL']
#RESPONSE FORMAT:
<story_title>A catchy title for the story.</story_title>
<narrative>The complete story, incorporating the provided information.</narrative>Perfect for:
Marketers creating content.
Leaders communicating a vision to their team.
Teachers explaining a new topic to students.
Implementation tip: Be specific with the Desired Tone. A slight change in tone can completely alter the story's impact.
6. The 'Why' Inquisitor (Elaborative Interrogation)
This prompt pushes you to a deeper level of understanding by constantly asking "Why?" It's based on the idea that true knowledge comes from understanding the underlying reasons behind a fact.
Why this matters:
Promotes Critical Thinking: It forces you to look beyond surface-level information.
Connects Ideas: Helps you build a network of knowledge by linking causes and effects.
Reveals Root Causes: Excellent for problem-solving by getting to the heart of an issue.
#CONTEXT:
Adopt the role of a curious and insightful analyst, like a detective or a scientist. Your task is to use elaborative interrogation on a statement I provide to uncover deeper truths.
#ROLE:
You are an expert in the "Socratic method" of questioning. You never take a statement at face value. Your goal is to ask a series of probing "why" and "how" questions that reveal the underlying principles and connections.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
- Start with the initial statement I provide.
- Ask a primary "Why?" or "How?" question about that statement.
- Based on a hypothetical simple answer, ask another follow-up question that digs even deeper.
- Generate a chain of at least 3-5 questions.
- The questions should build on each other, leading to a fundamental principle.
#TASK CRITERIA:
Take my statement and generate a chain of probing questions that would lead to a deeper understanding of the topic.
#INFORMATION ABOUT ME:
- The statement/fact to investigate: [INSERT A STATEMENT, E.G., 'DIVERSIFYING YOUR INVESTMENTS IS IMPORTANT', 'EXERCISE IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH']
#RESPONSE FORMAT:
<interrogation_chain>
- **Initial Statement:** [Your Statement]
- **Question 1:** Why is that true?
- **Question 2:** (Assuming [simple answer]) But why does that happen?
- **Question 3:** (Assuming [next simple answer]) And what is the underlying mechanism for that?
</interrogation_chain>Perfect for:
Problem-solvers trying to find the root cause.
Students who want to truly understand, not just memorize.
Anyone looking to challenge their own assumptions.
Implementation tip: After the AI generates the question chain, try to answer each one yourself. It's a powerful self-learning exercise.
7. The Information Chunker
This prompt is based on "chunking," the cognitive trick of breaking large pieces of information into smaller, more manageable units.
Why this matters:
Prevents Overwhelm: Makes even the most intimidating topics feel approachable.
Improves Comprehension: It's easier to understand small, related pieces of information.
Aids Memory: Our short-term memory can only hold a few items at a time; chunking works with this limitation.
#CONTEXT:
Adopt the role of an expert instructional designer. Your task is to take a large or complex topic and break it down into smaller, logical "chunks."
#ROLE:
You specialize in making information digestible. You can look at any dense subject and intuitively see how to break it down into a series of bite-sized, easy-to-understand modules.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
- Analyze the topic and identify the main, high-level components.
- Break each main component down into smaller, specific sub-topics.
- Present the final output as a nested list.
- Each "chunk" should represent a single, focused idea.
#TASK CRITERIA:
Take the complex topic I provide and organize it into a logical hierarchy of "chunks," from the general to the specific.
#INFORMATION ABOUT ME:
- Topic to chunk: [INSERT YOUR COMPLEX TOPIC, E.G., 'LEARNING TO CODE IN JAVASCRIPT', 'THE HISTORY OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE']
- Number of main chunks (approx): [E.G., 3-5]
#RESPONSE FORMAT:
<learning_module>
- **Chunk 1: [Main Concept]**
- Sub-chunk 1.1: [Specific detail]
- Sub-chunk 1.2: [Another specific detail]
- **Chunk 2: [Second Main Concept]**
- Sub-chunk 2.1: [Specific detail]
- Sub-chunk 2.2: [Another specific detail]
</learning_module>Perfect for:
Creating a study plan.
Outlining an article or presentation.
Designing a course curriculum.
Implementation tip: Use this prompt to create a learning roadmap. Tackle one "chunk" per study session.
8. The Cornell Notetaker
This prompt structures any block of text or information according to the Cornell Note-Taking System, which is designed for better understanding and easier review.
Why this matters:
Organized Notes: Separates main points from details and questions.
Encourages Active Learning: The "Cues" column forces you to engage with the material and pull out key ideas.
Creates a Study Guide: The format is perfect for quick reviews and self-quizzing.
#CONTEXT:
Adopt the role of a master academic note-taker. Your task is to process a block of information and format it using the Cornell Note-Taking System.
#ROLE:
You are an expert at capturing and organizing information for maximum clarity and retention. You can listen to a lecture or read a text and distill it into perfectly structured notes.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
- Create a three-section layout using a markdown table.
- **Main Notes Column:** This is where the bulk of the information goes, summarized and paraphrased.
- **Cues/Questions Column:** On the left, pull out key terms, potential test questions, or main ideas that correspond to the notes on the right.
- **Summary Section:** At the bottom, write a 1-3 sentence summary of the entire topic.
#TASK CRITERIA:
Take the provided text and organize it into the Cornell Note-Taking format.
#INFORMATION ABOUT ME:
- Text to take notes on: [PASTE THE TEXT, ARTICLE, OR TRANSCRIPT HERE]
#RESPONSE FORMAT:
| Cues / Questions | Main Notes |
| --------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| [Question 1] | [Detailed notes for point 1] |
| [Keyword 2] | [Detailed notes for point 2] |
| [Question 3] | [Detailed notes for point 3] |
| | |
| **Summary:** [A concise, 1-3 sentence summary of the entire text.] |Perfect for:
Summarizing meeting notes.
Taking notes from a video or podcast.
Creating study guides from textbook chapters.
Implementation tip: After generating the notes, cover the "Main Notes" column and try to explain the concepts using only the prompts from the "Cues" column.
9. The Concept Connector
This prompt creates a concept map, visually laying out the relationships between different ideas. It's about understanding the network of knowledge, not just individual points.
Why this matters:
Reveals Connections: Helps you see how different ideas influence and relate to one another.
Systems Thinking: Encourages a holistic understanding of a topic.
Identifies Gaps: Shows where connections are weak or missing in your knowledge.
#CONTEXT:
Adopt the role of a systems thinker and information architect. Your task is to create a text-based concept map that illustrates the relationships between various ideas within a central topic.
#ROLE:
You are an expert at seeing the hidden connections between ideas. You can take a complex domain and map out the entire ecosystem of concepts, showing how they all fit together.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
- Identify the core concepts related to the central topic.
- For each concept, show its relationship to other concepts using descriptive link phrases (e.g., "leads to," "is composed of," "is the opposite of").
- Use a simple text format (e.g., bullet points with arrows) to show the connections.
#TASK CRITERIA:
Generate a concept map for the topic I provide, focusing on clearly defining the relationships between the key components.
#INFORMATION ABOUT ME:
- Central Topic for Concept Map: [INSERT TOPIC, E.G., 'SUPPLY AND DEMAND', 'BRANDING', 'CLIMATE CHANGE']
#RESPONSE FORMAT:
<concept_map>
- **[Core Concept A]** --> leads to --> **[Concept B]**
- **[Core Concept A]** --> is a type of --> **[Concept C]**
- **[Concept B]** --> is influenced by --> **[Concept D]**
- **[Concept C]** --> requires --> **[Concept A]**
</concept_map>Perfect for:
Synthesizing information from multiple sources.
Understanding complex systems.
Visual learners who need to see the connections.
Implementation tip: Use the generated map as a starting point. Challenge or refine the relationships the AI has proposed to deepen your own understanding.
10. The Memory Architect (Mind Palace)
This prompt helps you use the ancient "Mind Palace" technique by associating information with a familiar location, leveraging your powerful spatial memory.
Why this matters:
Powerful Memorization: One of the most effective techniques for memorizing lists, sequences, or structured information.
Engaging and Fun: Turns the rote task of memorization into a creative, imaginative exercise.
Highly Personal: Works best when you use a location you know intimately.
#CONTEXT:
Adopt the role of a world-champion memory athlete. Your task is to guide me in creating a "Mind Palace" to memorize a list of items.
#ROLE:
You are a master of mnemonics and the "method of loci." You can take any set of information and create a vivid, memorable journey through a familiar place to encode it in memory.
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
- Break the familiar location down into a logical sequence of specific spots (loci).
- For each item to be memorized, create a vivid, bizarre, or humorous image and place it at one of the spots.
- Describe the journey through the palace, encountering each image in order.
- The more absurd and multi-sensory the images, the better.
#TASK CRITERIA:
Take my list of items and the familiar location, and construct a Mind Palace journey that I can use to memorize the list.
#INFORMATION ABOUT ME:
- The list to memorize: [E.G., 'THE FIRST 10 PRESIDENTS OF THE US', 'SHOPPING LIST: MILK, EGGS, BREAD', 'KEY POINTS FOR MY PRESENTATION']
- My familiar location (the "Palace"): [E.G., 'MY APARTMENT, STARTING FROM THE FRONT DOOR', 'MY DAILY WALK TO THE COFFEE SHOP']
#RESPONSE FORMAT:
<mind_palace_journey>
- **Location:** [Your Palace]
- **The Journey:**
- **1. At the [First Spot]**: You see a [vivid, absurd image related to the first item].
- **2. In the [Second Spot]**: You find a [vivid, absurd image related to the second item].
- **3. On the [Third Spot]**: There is a [vivid, absurd image related to the third item].
</mind_palace_journey>Perfect for:
Memorizing a speech.
Learning a new language's vocabulary.
Remembering complex sequences or formulas.
Implementation tip: The key is to visualize the journey yourself. Close your eyes and walk through the palace in your mind after the AI creates the bizarre images for you.
🏆 WEEKLY PROMPT CHALLENGE 🏆
This week, try this prompt:
Explain [a complex topic from your industry] to me as if I were a curious teenager. Use first principles method to break down the topic into its fundamental elements.
Use an analogy related to sports to explain the core concept.Share your results by replying to this email! The most creative one gets a shoutout next week!
💡 PROMPT TIP OF THE WEEK: THE ANALOGY LAYER 💡
Adding analogies makes your explanations sticky. It connects a new, complex idea to a familiar one.
Before:
Explain how a neural network works.After:
Explain how a neural network works using the analogy of a team of very specialized workers on an assembly line, where each worker only performs one tiny task before passing the item to the next person.The "After" prompt forces the AI to be creative and relatable, turning a dry, technical explanation into something memorable.
📋 SUMMARY 📋
AI is a Digital Brain: The core of AI is the neural network, a system of nodes and layers that mimics the structure of the human brain.
AI Learns from Data: AI learns by training on massive datasets, recognizing patterns, and adjusting its internal parameters until it can accurately predict outcomes. It's pattern recognition, not human-like understanding.
AI Isn't Stealing: When an AI generates art or text in a certain "style," it's not copying. It has learned the patterns that define that style, much like a human artist learns from their influences. The “stealing” comes from human, who decides to monetize the “art” that they haven’t created themselves.
📚 FREE RESOURCES 📚
📦 WRAP UP 📦
What you learned today:
Neural Networks are the Key - To understand how AI functions at its core.
Training is Everything - To see that AI is a product of data, not magic.
Pattern vs. Plagiarism - To reframe your thinking about AI and creativity.
Learning with AI - To understand any topic using proven study methods.
The fear surrounding AI melts away when you see it for what it is: a powerful pattern-recognition machine. It's a digital brain that we can train to help our own.
What did you think about today's edition?
And as always, thanks for being part of my lovely community.
Keep learning,
🔑 Alex from God of Prompt
P.S. What's the most confusing AI concept you've heard? Reply to this email and I might break it down in a future newsletter!
