sapientbreeze

An old problem is wright large once again: whole generations fear being replaced. It has happened before, and it will happen again: another revolution is taking place in our current era. This time, Artificial Intelligence is being rapidly developed and deployed across industries all round the world. For many, the obvious fear takes hold: will I be rendered obsolete, and ultimately replaced?

For those of you in the grip of this fear, know that you are certainly not alone. Many are fearing the same. This happens naturally for some, but during revolutionary changes in society, it happens at scale. First it was farms and then cities… later it was machines and then industry. Coal and then oil, and of course computers and related advancements in circuit technologies. Breathe deep, this has all happened before, and it will happen again.

Ultimately, this will change the way humans live… make no mistake. However, it doesn’t have to break you, nor does it have to render you obsolete. This is actually a common fear in disguise: the fear of change. It’s perhaps scarier, since most people don’t understand the underlying technology that we call “AI”. This is not going to get deep into that explanation, but it’s important to understand that these are not new ideas. Generative AI is essentially an application of neural networks, which have been around for decades. What we lacked was the computing technology and power to attempt what is being done now across the world.

So breathe: these are not thinking machines, nor is this the beginning of SkyNet. Instead, we have a similar revolution as when computers came to be: old ideas that have brough more advanced capabilities. The fear is warranted in that you should not continue like these changes are not taking place. That is the proverbial ostrich sticking it’s head in the ground (yes it’s true this metaphor is technically inaccurate, but it tracks). The answer? Embrace change.

Fear is your guide warrior. Always. In all things, don’t ignore it… embrace it. The Path is one of action: stop living in fear, and get yourself informed on what this is and what this isn’t. Get your hands on some tools and learn. The future is not going to consist of robots doing everything, but rather humans will be capable of doing what 5-10 would have before. From music to coding to business management and everything in between. Do nothing, and you will be replaced by someone who is eagerly embracing the changes taking place.

If that’s a daunting prospect, know that it’s okay to be afraid and overwhelmed by all this. What’s the most important step one can take? Always the next step. So crawl, inch your way into this new world if that’s what you can manage. So long as you are moving forward, the speed is irrelevant. Be patient with yourself, and find someone to confide in with your fears and doubts. Share the burden, and fight on warrior. No machine can replace the hearts of man- put your heart in everything you do, and know no fear, for nothing can stop you.