---
schema: 1
type: term
title: '**executive function**'
description: >-
  **Executive function**: the capacity to start and drive projects on one's own
  initiative — the trait Tyler Cowen identifies as what gets rewarded in the
  long run as ChatGPT spreads through work
  [^7446bf59-fb6e-5e81-b79b-e25a61ea39de].
canonical: >-
  https://liquidgold.cc/channel/everyinc/explore/term/executive-function-94601cc21e5e
markdown: >-
  https://liquidgold.cc/channel/everyinc/explore/term/executive-function-94601cc21e5e.md
llms: null
parent: 'https://liquidgold.cc/channel/everyinc/llms.txt'
channel: everyinc
updated: '2026-10-23T22:12:35.346Z'
language: null
children: []
---


# \*\*executive function\*\*

Canonical: https://liquidgold.cc/channel/everyinc/explore/term/executive-function-94601cc21e5e

Parent: [Channel index](https://liquidgold.cc/channel/everyinc/llms.txt)

## Definition

**Executive function**: the capacity to start and drive projects on one's own initiative — the trait Tyler Cowen identifies as what gets rewarded in the long run as ChatGPT spreads through work [^7446bf59-fb6e-5e81-b79b-e25a61ea39de].

In this channel's material, *executive function* shows up in economist Tyler Cowen's argument about how ChatGPT reshapes work. His thesis is that in the **long run**, the rewards from AI go to **project-starters** — people with the ability to initiate, organize, and drive a project themselves — rather than to everyone equally. In the **short run**, though, he expects more egalitarian gains, with lower performers benefiting first [^7446bf59-fb6e-5e81-b79b-e25a61ea39de].