news 
Heed The Wait Calculation: Strategy
In a thought-provoking piece, Ethan Mollick presents an intriguing idea – what if the fundamental premise of work as we know it is about to collapse? The notion might seem radical, but let’s dive deeper into his argument.
Mollick posits that many tasks humans were performing in the past have become functionally obsolete. This isn’t just a question of job displacement or robots taking over human jobs; rather, he suggests that our understanding of what it means to be “human” is about to undergo a seismic shift.
The analogy used by Mollick, taken from his book series “The Stars are Legion,” speaks volumes – “When a fish came on land, it ceased to be a fish. When a human travels into the reaches of space, they cease to be human.” This statement highlights that there is a point at which our fundamental nature as a being changes.
In the context of AI advancements, this raises the question: What does it mean to be fully human if we can enhance our senses and capabilities with technology? Are these augmented humans still truly human? This train of thought is crucial in understanding Mollick’s larger argument about work and the future.
He also stresses that the notion of progress being driven by continuous cognitive effort may need reevaluation. By highlighting his own experiences working on AI-related projects, he posits that the same cognitive work done over the past few decades could have been accomplished much faster with today’s technology. The paradox is stark – while we did the heavy lifting to discover these technologies, we didn’t have to wait so long for them to become available.
However, Mollick doesn’t stop there. He goes on to emphasize another critical point: AI can already perform physical tasks that were once exclusive to humans. As the author points out, AI robots are capable of pitching manure or changing a diaper. This may not be as flashy as advanced language processing capabilities, but it’s equally crucial.
The conclusion is inescapable – we’re rapidly closing in on a point where AI can excel in both cognitive and physical tasks. It’s no longer just about the “what” (AI doing tasks), but also the “when.” With advancements moving at lightning speed, Mollick warns that we might see significant changes in as little as months.
In conclusion, this piece is not just about the potential impact of AI on our lives; it’s a clarion call to reevaluate what work means and where the future is headed.
Source: www.forbes.com
