Technology is exponential but humans are not

  • Author: Gerd Leonhard
Reading time: 2 min
  • Word Count: 361
Read the news article

“Technology is exponential but humans are not and can do great things, but it does not WANT to do great things – it does not want anything” says Apple’s CEO Tim Cook (a quote I have often used in my talks). Technology is a tool not a purpose – see my ‘carpenter and the hammer example’ (video).

“BOTH BIOTECH AND AI ARE DUAL-USE TECHNOLOGIES, MEANING THEY CAN BE WIELDED FOR BOTH BENEFICIAL AND MALIGN PURPOSES. THAT MAKES THEM FAR MORE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THAN NUCLEAR WEAPONS, ESPECIALLY SINCE SOME OF THE MOST EXTREME RISKS — LIKE, SAY, A DANGEROUS VIRUS LEAKING OUT OF A LAB — COULD BE ACCIDENTAL, NOT PURPOSEFUL.”

VIA AXIOS FUTURE

Technology is exponential but humans are not

While it is very hard to define a universal set of ethics or norms and every country has different rules around data privacy and surveillance, it has become clear that we need to find ways of putting collective digital privacy rights in place.

The EU sis drafting an AI regulation in which rules would set limits around the use of artificial intelligence in a range of activities, in “an attempt to regulate an emerging technology before it becomes mainstream” according to The New York Times.

As I wrote in chapter 2 of my book “Technology vs Humanity” “Technology is exponential and has no ethics, and therefore its imminent entry into our most private lives and biological processes must be negotiated as a top civic and corporate priority”.

“Digital Ethics is really about this issue of keeping humanity alive and not putting the machines inside absolutely everything”

In this Tedx Talk back in 2014 (!), I point out the fact that “The power of technology had already surpassed the scope of our ethics”… That was back then but look at it now…Technology is exponential

I think technology is now on the verge of becoming unlimitedly powerful, especially after the Covid-19 crisis that served to accelerate their uses and applications of digital technologies in response.

We are entering very an era in which it’s no longer merely “data is the new oil” but ‘data is the new plutonium’.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Speaker Listing

Was this article helpful?

Further articles you may enjoy:

  • (14)

The Role of a Virtual Emcee, a guide is the one steering you on the right course – a firm hand halting you from treading where you shouldn’t, and it’s the instructions researched and tested to provide you with the best results too. Therefore, a guide is also intrinsically necessary for the optimization of an […]

  • January 3, 2023
  • (3)

Authentic Leadership Building Trust, Connection and Productivity in Corporate Culture Authentic leadership is more than a buzzword; it’s a powerful approach to building trust, enhancing communication, and fostering a culture where people feel safe, valued, and genuinely engaged. At its core, authentic leadership is about leading with integrity, self-awareness, and transparency. It doesn’t mean being […]

  • October 28, 2024
  • (41)

In an era where customer expectations are higher than ever, many Retail Businesses Are Failing at Customer Service and experience. Despite technological advancements and increased competition, the quality of customer interactions has seen a noticeable decline.​ The Failing at Customer Service Quality Recent studies highlight a troubling trend: customer satisfaction is at a decade low. […]

  • April 22, 2025
  • (41)

Wildlife motivational speakers are unique in the world of keynote speakers. They draw from the wonders of nature and their experiences in the wild to inspire and motivate audiences. These speakers often possess backgrounds as conservationists, wildlife experts, adventurers, and environmentalists. Their messages are not only about protecting the planet but also about leadership, resilience, […]

  • August 15, 2024
  • (14)

Make Your Email Subject and Content Fun, Compelling, Curious, and Commanding To Get Quicker Responses that Pay Off! By Joy Baldridge Have you ever been surprised or frustrated by how few return emails you receive when reaching out to your prospects and customers/clients? Responsiveness is at an all-time low. Everyone is overwhelmed and inundated with emails. […]

  • December 19, 2022
  • (19)

Captains Log 13th -17th June 29 05’474 N 128 01’447W Pacific Ocean Milestones-The waterline/ Hatches & rouge waves/MOB take 2 -Injuries /Slow is pro / It’s all shifting / Maslow’s hierarchy of Needs / Story of the clever turd! / Shifting spaces / Into the light.. Breakthrough/ Flicker on! / Shifting goalposts/ Threading the needle/ […]

  • December 21, 2022
  • (15)

Celebrating African American History Month: A Spotlight on Black Keynote Speakers and Their Impact February is a month dedicated to honoring the rich heritage, achievements, and contributions of African Americans. African American History Month, also known as Black History Month, serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of the African American […]

  • January 31, 2024
  • (42)

Why Speakers Inc is the Top Speakers Bureau in California and Orange County When it comes to selecting the perfect speaker for an event, the choice can significantly impact its success. In the competitive world of event planning, the right speaker can captivate an audience, spark meaningful conversations, and leave a lasting impression. This is […]

  • August 6, 2024

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

AI Assistant
Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.