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:

  • (30)

    THE NEUROSCIENCE OF GENEROSITY is an interesting beast. As a charity CEO, I have seen it expressed in many different ways. The best kind of generosity comes with warmth and good old NSA – no strings attached. This kind of generosity is glorious to witness and is the backbone of charity work all over the […]

    • January 16, 2023
    • (42)

      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
      • (21)

        Corporate Events for 2025 have always been pivotal in fostering professional connections, enhancing brand presence, and sharing groundbreaking ideas. In 2025, this industry is experiencing transformative changes fueled by technology, sustainability, and evolving attendee expectations. Below, we explore the top trends redefining corporate events this year. Emerging Trends in Corporate Events for 2025 1. Hybrid Events […]

        • January 8, 2025
        • (16)

          The Power of Storytelling: Why It’s the Most Booked Skill in Keynote Speaking Today In 2025, one speaking skill continues to stand out across every stage, industry, and audience: storytelling. While expertise and credentials remain important, the ability to tell a compelling story has become the most booked and valued asset in keynote speaking today. […]

          • December 17, 2025
          • (5)

            If you’re a sports fan like I am, this is a great time! March Madness launches shortly YOUR highlight reel — but today, eyes are on the free agents signing new contracts in the NFL. All-day long, sports networks are showing highlight reels of a player’s performance. However, when you examine who gets paid the […]

            • December 13, 2022
            • (3)

              Unveiling the Top Conference Entertainers Las Vegas, 2024 Las Vegas, a city synonymous with glitz, glamour, and entertainment, continues to captivate visitors with its dazzling array of performances and shows. In the realm of conference entertainment, Las Vegas stands out as a premier destination, offering a plethora of talented performers to elevate any event. As […]

              • March 27, 2024
              • (15)

                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
                • (11)

                  As a keynote speaker on the topics of leadership, connection, resilience, and relationships, I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about empathy versus compassion over the past year and Why Leaders Must Choose Compassion Over Empathy. In fact, in my virtual presentations on personal connection, I quickly became aware of the buzzwords associated with […]

                  • January 18, 2023

                  Speakers Inc.

                  Connecting you with the perfect speaker.

                  We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.

                  Find the Perfect Speaker

                  Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.

                  © 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.