Computers were invented long before the internet, world-wide-web started connecting them together in the 1990s, and that really made them a LOT more useful. All subsequent innovations, digital, big data, block-chain, machine learning and now Artificial Intelligence was made possible by computers, physical eco-system and data connecting together as ONE toward a common goal (e.g., online shopping, gaming, ingesting data to learn etc.)
Therefore, a logical conclusion can be that when things, people or data – connect for a common purpose – they can often create value that is greater than their parts.
We see this happen in a human body as well – each cell, tissue, organ has its own unique purpose, but the body functions optimally only when they work in unison. Therefore, thinking that the brain is more useful than say the large intestine and the excretion organs can be easily proven wrong by observing someone with chronic constipation or diarrhea.
So therefore, we can also now come to another conclusion, that while each individual unit in an ecosystem, business, or living body has its own function, it would not be beneficial to just focus on few (e.g., brain vs. rest of the organs, a visionary CEO vs. his employees etc.). So, this now starts to point to the power of a unified whole, or spiritually speaking – ADVAITA, and in that lies the key to how we can not only survive the age of AI, but thrive in it…
Our whole species has achieved wonderful feats when it TRULY connects for a common purpose for example, eradicating polio, smallpox, reach moon, mars etc. We also defeat evil by joining forces and making sacrifices. So, to thrive in the age of AI – we have to realize the power of connecting with each other, making the best of use of everybody’s capabilities – without looking down on certain jobs and skills – or considering anyone unworthy. Like our body analogy pointed out, even the most “unworthy” part of the body – if not functioning properly, or injured will make the entire body suffer, the same holds good for the world.
We may understand this at an intellectual level, but are we implementing what it means?
It would seem that most of us at an individual level, and sometimes even at a level of a country, seem to operate separately, pursuing our own personal or national goals – even if that is at the cost of other individuals or countries. In doing so, not only do we forgo the latent power of working as one, but we also bring about harm to the world as a whole.
Going back to our body analogy – what if one set of cells or tissues decided to go their own way and keep growing themselves with a disregard to their place or function in the body. The result may be very bad for the body (e.g., cancer) and eventually that tissue which was “winning” by relentless ambition and growth in the short run.
These “computers” and AI – in part are so powerful not only because of “connectivity” but also because they do not have “EGOs” or “self-wills” – they are put together for a purpose, and then they work single-pointedly towards that purpose. While it is easy for them to do this (because duh! they are machines), we can at least attempt to reign-in our “ego” – starting at an individual level but aspiring to also do that at a country level. We can then attempt to see the bigger picture – our world as one connected whole – and our role in it.
This realization can help us thrive not only in the age of AI, but also all future ages…