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:
- (39)
Imagine sitting down for six hours of back-to-back college final exams for nine days in a row with Mental strategies. That’s what playing in a professional chess tournament is like, according to chess grandmaster Maurice Ashley. The only difference is in chess, “the finals fight back,” Ashley tells CNBC Make It. And no matter how […]
- December 15, 2023
- (15)
Michelle Curran: A Beacon of Leadership, Motivation, and Teamwork In the dynamic landscape of leadership and motivation, certain individuals emerge as beacons, guiding others through the intricacies of teamwork and motivation. Among these luminaries stands Michelle “Mace” Curran, a name synonymous with excellence in leadership, motivation, and teamwork. With a background steeped in military expertise […]
- April 26, 2024
- (24)
Beyond the Bio: What Event Planners Really Need to Know Before Booking a Keynote Speaker “It’s not just about credentials. It’s about connection.” When organizing an event, selecting the keynote speaker can feel like scanning through a sea of shining bios and polished headshots. You’re presented with bestselling authors, award-winning professionals, and thought leaders who’ve […]
- June 20, 2025
- (9)
Empowering Voices: Celebrating Women’s Month San Diego 2024 In the vibrant city of San Diego, Women’s Month serves as a poignant celebration of the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women across diverse fields. As the month unfolds, what better way to honor this spirit than by highlighting and celebrating the impactful Women’s Month keynote speakers […]
- March 4, 2024
- (3)
Chris Bertish Captains Log July, 2022 26° 50.56 N, 134° 27.03 W Pacific Ocean Storms of the mind / Taking the on-ramp – SuperHighway bound / First signs of the Trades or not! Decoy.. / De-stinkify day- Swim day / Tech issues- backups & redundancies / The gift -Mind & shape shifting / The shuffle! / […]
- December 21, 2022
- (10)
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
- (19)
Understanding the Distinction: Customer Experience vs. Customer Service with Dan Gingiss. In today’s competitive marketplace, businesses often tout their “excellent customer service” as a hallmark of their brand. However, what many fail to recognize is that customer service is only one facet of a much broader and increasingly crucial discipline: customer experience (CX). While Understanding […]
- April 21, 2025
- (16)
Ouch!’Death by PowerPoint.’ That’s the commonly used term. Yet Mr Gates’ programme itself is not inherently evil and why you can do better without slides. Jim Nelson, a man who served as a translator between the American and Russian troops in Bosnia, tells a story about the Russians watching with bemused fascination as their unlikely […]
- December 23, 2022
