Technology is exponential but humans are not
- Author: Gerd Leonhard
- 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
Further articles you may enjoy:
- (68)
Remembering Eddie Osterland: America’s First Master Sommelier The wine world lost a true pioneer in September 2023 with the passing of Eddie Osterland, America’s first Master Sommelier. A trailblazer in the industry, Eddie was more than just a wine expert; he was an educator, an entertainer, and an inspiration to countless professionals and enthusiasts alike. […]
- September 7, 2023
- (112)
Speakers Inc chats with Chris Lemons | Meet the Speaker. In September of 2012, a freak failure of the dynamic positioning system of the vessel Chris Lemons was working under, resulted in the umbilical which provides him with breathing gas, light and heat being severed completely. He was left on the sea-bed, in complete darkness […]
- December 20, 2022
- (8)
In the bustling world of sales, where targets and quotas often overshadow human connection, Elyse Archer stands out as a beacon of Transforming Sales through Authenticity. Based in Charlotte, NC, Elyse is not just a sales speaker; she is a transformative force who is reshaping how sales professionals approach their craft. With a compelling blend […]
- June 24, 2024
- (4)
Elevating Events: The Role of a Conference Emcee in San Diego and Beyond Introduction: In the dynamic landscape of conferences and events, the significance of a skilled emcee cannot be overstated. San Diego, known for its vibrant culture and diverse gatherings, is home to some of the best Conference Emcee in San Diego in California. […]
- February 23, 2024
Hey there, are you a white person wondering what to do as an ally for Black people right now? A lot of my white friends have been asking, you’re not alone. I’ve received several questions from friends wanting to do something so I thought I’d compile these all on one place. This is the work […]
- March 10, 2023
- (32)
Lewis Pugh — the UN Patron of the Oceans, a keynote speaker like no other. Known globally for his seemingly impossible swims in the world’s most extreme waters, Lewis doesn’t just make waves—he moves nations. What do you get when you combine elite athleticism, raw human determination, and an unshakeable mission to change the world? […]
- April 29, 2025
- (10)
Unlocking Event Success: The Power of Speakers Inc Mobile App for Keynote Speakers, Event Emcees, and Entertainers Organizing a successful event requires meticulous planning, and one crucial aspect is securing the right keynote speakers, event emcees, and entertainers who can captivate the audience. In the digital age, where efficiency is key, mobile apps have emerged […]
- January 29, 2024
- (2)
Power-Ups That Will Help You Reach the Next Level There is something nostalgic about playing video games. With most games, your objectives involve jumping over obstacles, dodging enemy attacks, and collecting the power-ups you’ll need to advance. In real life, stepping on turtles and eating random mushrooms is never a good idea. Still, these video […]
- May 4, 2023
