February 21st 2025.
I feel incredibly grateful to have attended the AI Action Summit in Paris, where the focus was on steering AI towards a more socially beneficial path. In a time where there is a constant push for AI acceleration from Silicon Valley and even the US government, it was refreshing to have an opportunity to discuss what we truly want from this technology. During one of my speeches, I emphasized the importance of identifying what is valuable and worth amplifying within human societies. What sets us apart, and has contributed to our success as a species, is our ability to come up with solutions to problems, big and small, our willingness to try new things, and our drive to find meaning in our efforts. We possess not only the capacity to create knowledge, but also to share it. Of course, our journey as humans has not been without its challenges - our capabilities, machines, and knowledge have at times caused harm. However, our constant curiosity and eagerness to share information are what make us who we are. For over 200,000 years, technology has played a central role in our story.
From the earliest days of using stone tools to the present, we have continuously built solutions to overcome our challenges. From oral storytelling and the invention of writing, to the printing press and the internet, we have constantly improved our ways of sharing knowledge. In the past 200 years, we have also made great strides in experimenting and communicating our findings. The scientific process has allowed us to establish facts and build upon the advancements of previous generations. This has contributed to the spectacular growth we have seen in most countries over the past two centuries. While this economic development has resulted in significant inequality between and within countries, it has also led to improved health and prosperity for people around the world. AI has the potential to continue this trend by complementing human skills, talents, and knowledge, and enhancing our decision-making, experimentation, and application of useful knowledge.
Some may question the need for AI in this regard, as we already live in an age of information abundance. However, it is important to note that while information is readily available, useful information is scarce. It can be a daunting task to find the specific information needed to solve a particular problem in a specific context and in a timely manner. It is practical knowledge, not just information, that makes factory workers more productive, allows electricians to handle new equipment and perform more complex tasks, enables nurses to play a more critical role in healthcare decision-making, and overall, allows workers of all backgrounds and skill levels to take on new and more productive roles. AI, if developed and used properly, has the ability to not only provide us with "a bicycle for the mind," but to truly expand our thinking and actions, without coercion or manipulation. However, we must also acknowledge that AI presents one of the greatest threats humanity has ever faced. The risk is not just that superintelligent machines may one day rule over us, but that AI may undermine our ability to learn, experiment, share knowledge, and derive meaning from our activities. If AI continuously eliminates tasks and jobs, centralizes information, discourages human inquiry and experiential learning, empowers a select few companies to control our lives, and creates a society with vast inequalities and status differences, it could greatly diminish us. It may even lead to the destruction of democracy and human civilization as we know it. These are the concerns that I fear we are currently heading towards. However, nothing is predetermined, and we have the power to shape our future. We can come up with better ways to govern our societies and choose a path for technology that promotes knowledge acquisition and maximizes human flourishing. We can also ensure that AI creates more good jobs and enhances capabilities for everyone, regardless of their education or income level. But first, we must recognize that this socially desirable path is not only possible, but technically feasible.
For AI to move in a pro-human direction, it is crucial for technologists, engineers, and executives to work together with democratic institutions. We must also listen to the voices of the five billion people who live in other parts of the world, not just those in the United States, Europe, and China. We desperately need more thoughtful advice from experts and inspiring leadership from politicians, who should focus on incentivizing pro-human AI through policy and regulatory frameworks. However, regulation alone is not enough. I hope that European AI companies and researchers can demonstrate that there are alternatives to the Silicon Valley model. To achieve this, European society must encourage a more socially beneficial direction for AI. European leaders will need to invest in the necessary digital infrastructure, design regulations that do not hinder investment or drive away talented AI researchers, and create financing mechanisms that will allow successful startups to scale up. Without a robust AI industry of its own, Europe will have little to no influence on the direction of AI globally. It is up to us to take action and steer AI towards a path that benefits all of humanity.
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