I've suggested that fire is our first technology. Its profound and transformative impact—to this very day—is so powerful that its mythical source is the divine. Let's start at that point where Prometheus stole fire from the gods and disrupted the divine order to challenge their authority. In some ways, it feels like it's happening again embodied as artificial intelligence.
AI emerges not merely as a technological advancement, but as a modern Prometheus. Like this mythic figure who stole fire from the gods to bestow upon humanity, AI has, in a sense, "stolen" knowledge—or rather, made accessible vast realms of information and insights previously beyond our reach. This act, much like that of Prometheus, has ignited a new spark of human achievement, heralding an era of unprecedented cognitive expansion and controversy. And building on the inspiring words of late President John F. Kennedy, the "technology torch" has been passed to a new generation.
Enlightenment and Disruption
AI, in its Promethean role, is a dual-edged sword, embodying both enlightenment and disruption. On one hand, it has democratized knowledge, broken down barriers to information access, and fueled innovation at a scale hitherto unimaginable. Individuals, businesses, and societies are empowered with data-driven insights, fostering advancements in every field from medicine to education. AI's contribution to human progress in this light is unequivocal, a true testament to its role as a catalyst of human potential.