Rethinking Humanity: The Evolution of Work and Existence in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Heed the Wait Calculation: Strategy from Ethan Mollick

As we continue to evolve and push the boundaries of artificial intelligence (AI), a crucial question arises: what does it mean to be human? In his insightful commentary, Ethan Mollick posits that many tasks, once considered essential to our existence, have become functionally obsolete. This notion extends far beyond job displacement, as AI has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of life.

One of the most compelling arguments presented by Mollick is the concept of cognitive and physical labor becoming redundant. He notes that AI can already accomplish tasks such as pitching manure or changing diapers – not exactly tasks that evoke images of futuristic utopias, but crucial responsibilities nonetheless. As AI’s dexterity advances at a rapid pace, we must acknowledge the impending shift in our understanding of what it means to be human.

This reevaluation is essential because, much like the quote attributed to Mollick, “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 new landscape necessitates a fundamental shift in our perspective. The notion that AI can supersede our physical and cognitive capabilities challenges the very essence of humanity.

Moreover, Mollick underscores the importance of recognizing that all work done over the past few decades has become superfluous. With the advent of advanced technologies like ChatGPT and its successors, much of the “cognitive work” we previously performed could have been accomplished more efficiently and effectively using AI. This realization is both unsettling and empowering.

It’s crucial to acknowledge these changes and adapt our approach to this new reality. The wait calculation, in essence, must be reevaluated.

Source: www.forbes.com