How AI Will Shape Humanity’s Future - Yuval Noah Harari

Summary

In this interview, historian and bestselling author Yuval Noah Harari discusses the rapid pace of technological change and its impact on the future. Harari emphasizes that while every generation perceives change, the current technological revolution is unprecedented, with AI being a unique force capable of making independent decisions and creating new ideas. He warns of the dangers of entrusting power to something we don't fully understand. Harari also touches on his new book for children, 'Unstoppable Us,' which explores the concept of fairness and the role of stories in shaping human conflicts and injustices.

Takeaways

• 📚 Yuval Noah Harari is a historian, philosopher, and bestselling author known for his book 'Sapiens'.
• 🌍 Harari views history as the study of change and its relevance to the present and future, rather than just the past.
• 🚀 Harari has shifted his focus to the future, particularly the impact of technology, which he believes is changing at an unprecedented rate.
• 🌟 Every generation feels they are experiencing rapid change, but Harari asserts that this time it's real, with uncertainty about the future unlike any other point in human history.
• 🤖 Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a significant focus of Harari's, who sees it as a potentially dangerous technology due to its ability to make decisions and create new ideas independently.
• 🧠 Harari emphasizes that AI is different from previous technologies because it can operate beyond the limits of human imagination and organic biochemistry.
• 📖 Harari's new book, 'Unstoppable Us,' targets young readers to discuss the concept of fairness and the role of stories in human conflicts.
• 🌐 The world's conflicts are often about the stories people believe, which Harari suggests can be changed through dialogue and finding common ground.
• 📚 Harari's work encourages readers to understand the power of stories and the potential for change in human societies.
• 🌈 Harari's perspective offers a hopeful outlook on resolving conflicts by changing the narratives that drive them.

Q & A

What is Yuval Noah Harari's perspective on the study of history?

Yuval Noah Harari views history not merely as the study of the past, but as the study of change, focusing on how things change and its relevance to the present and future.

How does Harari describe the pace of technological change in the current generation?

Harari believes that this generation is experiencing an accelerated pace of technological change, unlike any before, to the point where no one can predict what the world will look like in 20 years.

What is Harari's stance on the potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI)?

Harari sees AI as extremely dangerous because it is the first technology that can make decisions and create new ideas independently, which is a significant departure from previous technologies.

How does Harari differentiate AI from previous technologies?

Harari explains that while previous information technologies like the printing press and television were about copying and disseminating human ideas, AI can create entirely new ideas not bound by the limits of human imagination.

What is an example of AI creating new ideas, as mentioned by Harari?

Harari cites the game of Go, where AI has developed new strategies that no human had ever imagined, showcasing AI's ability to create beyond human thought.

What is the main message of Harari's new book 'Unstoppable Us'?

The book aims to convey that the world's conflicts and injustices are often rooted in the stories we believe, rather than objective realities, suggesting that changing these stories could potentially resolve conflicts.

Who is the target audience for Harari's book 'Unstoppable Us'?

The book is intended for children aged eight to twelve, addressing the concept that the world isn't fair and exploring the nature of conflicts and stories.

How does Harari relate the concept of fairness to historical conflicts?

Harari argues that conflicts are often about the stories people believe in, such as who is favored by God or who has rightful claim to certain lands, rather than tangible resources.

What does Harari suggest as a solution to conflicts based on stories?

Harari suggests that by changing the stories we believe in, we might be able to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence, by finding a common story that all parties can agree on.

How does Harari view the role of stories in human history?

Harari believes that humans are storytelling animals and that the major conflicts and injustices in the world are ultimately about the stories we tell ourselves and each other.

What is Harari's opinion on the future relevance of traditional skills?

Harari points out that today, unlike in the past, nobody knows what skills to teach young people that will still be relevant in 20 years due to the rapid pace of change.