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:

  • (44)

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
  • (18)

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses are increasingly turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Artificial Intelligence: Revolutionizing Customer Service. AI technologies, such as chatbots, machine learning, and natural language processing, are transforming the way companies interact with their customers, leading to more efficient, personalized, and satisfactory service experiences. This article explores how AI is […]

  • July 19, 2024
  • (2)

In this article you will discover 7 emotional management techniques . A person with poor emotional management in the workplace, or even in personal life, can have consequences such as being fired or failing to maintain a stable relationship. At work, those who do not have an awareness of their emotions are often someone who has difficulty appreciating and being appreciated […]

  • January 15, 2023
  • (32)

Booking a Keynote Speaker in 2025 when the world of events is evolving—fast. Whether you’re planning a leadership summit, corporate offsite, or global conference, your keynote speaker is no longer just an opener, they’re a catalyst for engagement, transformation, and brand alignment. So what are the biggest trends influencing how event planners when Booking a […]

  • April 6, 2025
  • (11)

Embracing Digital Leadership: The Journey of Erik Qualman, aka “Equalman” Erik Qualman, widely recognized as “Equalman,” stands as a beacon of digital leadership and transformation. His work, which spans keynote speaking, bestselling authorship, and digital expertise, has profoundly influenced the realms of social media and digital transformation. Equalman’s journey is a testament to the power […]

  • July 12, 2024
  • (45)

Angela Gargano: Building Strength From the Inside Out, On Stage and in Life when you hear “four-time American Ninja Warrior,” what comes to mind? Grit, determination, and jaw-dropping athleticism. Now add in motivational speaker, biochemist, and fitness coach, and you get Angela Gargano who is a powerhouse of strength, strategy, and soul. But Angela is […]

  • May 7, 2025
  • (7)

Desiree-Anne Martin believes in the inherent ability of anyone to change. Her mantra is that there is hope, always, and she is a Change Catalyst and Inspirational Speaker. Desiree-Anne is a prize-winning published author and poet. Her writing on racial identification, GBV, the myths of parenthood, sex and feminism has appeared in numerous print anthologies […]

  • January 2, 2023
  • (27)

Sara Sutton Fell, the founder of 1 Million for Work Flexibility, and CEO and founder of FlexJobs, shares tips on how to negotiate workplace flexibility. Workplace flexibility is not just an issue that impacts working women; working men are also eager for solutions that help them balance work and home, and a new survey from Working […]

  • January 12, 2023

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.