# Cognitive Decline or Sanity Incline?

> AI solves bureaucratic chaos by handling complex rules instead of human mental load.
- Title: Cognitive Decline or Sanity Incline? · Substack | Shortify
- Summary: AI solves bureaucratic chaos by handling complex rules instead of human mental load. AI reduces cognitive strain by automating rule-based tasks, freeing…
- Keywords: bureaucracy, cognitive load, rule automation, haskell, british nationality act, tax forms, three feet, technology, startups, Cognitive, Decline, Sanity
- Source: Substack — https://mdelcaro.substack.com/p/cognitive-decline-or-sanity-incline
- Author: Marcello Delcaro
- Published: 2026-10-11T20:03:47.865+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ai, bureaucracy, cognitive load, rule automation, haskell, british nationality act, tax forms, three feet, technology, startups
## AI shifts cognitive burden
Marcello Delcaro argues ai reduces mental strain by handling complex rule-based tasks instead of human cognition.

> i don't want to learn the rules. i want the game to be over
## Old ways of working
Delcaro compares pre-ai coding to typewriters, requiring manual effort to navigate complex systems.

> writing code before ai feels like what typing on a typewriter was in the 40s/50s
## AI handles rule complexity
ai drafts emails and solves bureaucratic rules like british nationality act 1981 applications.

> i can connect to my email inbox and say who the fuck do i need to talk to to get an answer for where this project is
## Tax form confusion
ai resolves tax form issues for people with three feet by accessing outdated forum posts and government pages.

> i forgot which form i need to fill out for claiming this special health benefit i remember it being a weird process because i have three feet
## Systemic rule fixes
ai identifies outdated rules and automatically updates processes to current government standards.

> if a step only comes from some dude in 2015 i see it right away and it gets thrown out
## Cognitive gain
delcaro claims ai frees mental capacity for creative activities like journaling and socializing.

> i personally don't want to learn the rules i just want the game to be over so i can go back to my life
## Key takeaway

AI reduces cognitive strain by automating rule-based tasks, freeing mental capacity for creative pursuits.