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)

In the realm of event planning, the synthesis of logistics and emotion; practicality and inspiration, defines the fine balance that meeting planners must navigate. Tasked not only with orchestrating flawless execution but also with crafting experiences that resonate with attendees long after the event concludes, meeting planners recognize the pivotal role of Transformative Influence of […]

  • March 5, 2024
  • (19)

Can a Business Learn from a Keynote Sales Speaker in today’s competitive business environment, staying ahead of market trends and customer behavior is no longer optional it’s essential. That’s where a keynote sales speaker can become a game-changer for your organization. These professionals don’t just inspire they deliver real-world strategies, tested insights, and powerful motivation […]

  • November 19, 2025
  • (8)

On a recent flight, at almost every stop along the way, the airline I had chosen reminded me that I was flying with “the best” So can you over-compliment your CX team. Airport signage told me…the CEO appearing on the pre-flight safety video told me…the flight attendant announcements told me…well, you get the picture. The […]

  • December 23, 2022
  • (3)

Something about the past seems much more romantic than the future so Are you more attracted to the PAST or the FUTURE?. Maybe it’s because the past is a time we can look back on with nostalgia, or perhaps it’s because the future is an unknown quantity. Whatever the reason, it seems like many people […]

  • December 22, 2022
  • (22)

Hi, I’m Zion Clark. My journey has been filled with challenges that have tested my limits physically, mentally, and emotionally to Building Unbreakable Mental Strength to Overcome Life’s Challenges . One thing I’ve learned through it all is that mental strength is what separates those who give up from those who keep pushing forward, no matter […]

  • November 3, 2024
  • (4)

Is Complacency Putting You Risk? Lessons From a Fighter Pilot Flying taught me a valuable lesson about life: complacency can cause serious problems for ourselves and those around us. In this newsletter, share a personal story about the dangers of complacency including the following topics: Complacency Consequences What leads to complacency? Signs Complacency is Creeping […]

  • August 6, 2023
  • (46)

A Generational Keynote Speaker helps today’s diverse workforce, the generational gap is one of the biggest challenges organizations face. From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, each generation brings a unique set of perspectives, work styles, and values. This diversity can be an incredible asset, but it also comes with communication hurdles, differing expectations, and sometimes […]

  • November 6, 2024
  • (17)

Speakers Inc is available to offer you our LGBTQ Pride Speakers who offer Inspirational Leadership keynotes to open or close your next leadership and medical event or conference. Speakers Inc is a leading All American Speakers Bureau for motivational speakers that delivers keynotes over 400 times per year. Our LGBTQ and Pride Speakers are available […]

  • December 21, 2022

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

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.