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:

  • (3)

Unveiling the Hottest Trends in Event Entertainment: Elevate Your Corporate Event with Speakers Inc In the ever-evolving landscape of event planning and entertainment, staying ahead of the curve is essential to delivering memorable and impactful experiences for attendees. From corporate conferences to gala dinners, the demand for innovative and engaging entertainment options continues to grow. […]

  • March 15, 2024
  • (18)

Upskill Your Workforce with AI: The Keynote Speakers Leading the Charge In today’s digitally charged world, artificial intelligence isn’t just a trend, it’s a transformation. The real question facing businesses isn’t if they should embrace AI, but how fast they can reskill and upskill their teams to stay relevant in an AI-first economy. Corporate learning […]

  • July 23, 2025
  • (2)

The most important question for leaders today is: “How can we lead with empathy and adaptability in a rapidly changing world?” In today’s dynamic and unpredictable environment, leaders face unprecedented challenges—from technological disruptions and global crises to shifting workforce expectations and evolving customer demands. Empathy and adaptability have become critical leadership qualities that enable leaders […]

  • January 23, 2023
  • (35)

Do you have to be a manager or executive to Being A Leader? No! Leading others is a choice. It isn’t about your title. Many people with executive titles are terrible leaders, and many people without a fancy title are outstanding leaders. More than your title, being a leader is about influencing change and inspiring […]

  • December 13, 2022
  • (52)

Meet Bronwyn and Duncan Hesketh chat with Duane Rockwell about who Speakers Inc and WeSpeak Global are, the history, why they do what they do and  more. Bronwyn Hesketh always said that she has THE coolest job on the planet. She gets to work with extraordinary human beings on a daily basis, connecting them with audiences […]

  • January 2, 2023
  • (33)

Empowering Minds: The Impact of Motivational Speakers in Atlanta, Georgia Introduction: Atlanta, Georgia, a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and innovation, has become a focal point for individuals seeking inspiration and motivation. Within this dynamic cityscape, motivational conference speakers have emerged as catalysts for change, guiding audiences towards personal and professional growth. In this article, […]

  • January 26, 2024
  • (8)

Speakers Inc, San Diego has available to present Employee Engagement and Business Culture Speakers to open or close your next Salt Lake City, Utah event or conference. Speakers Inc, San Diego is a leading speaker platform that brings you excellent employee engagement and culture speakers that delivers keynotes over 500 times per year. Our culture […]

  • January 17, 2023
  • (11)

LGBTQ History Month 2024 in the USA is a powerful time of celebration, reflection, and advocacy, honoring the achievements and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. Held annually in October, it offers an opportunity for individuals and organizations to recognize the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, as well as acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced […]

  • October 14, 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

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.