Kevin Tilsner

Part of me wonders if we're making the same once in a lifetime mistake twice. Back in the day, we thought, naively, that if everyone had the tools, all the books in the world, and the opportunity to better themselves, we would live in a utopia of self enlightenment, and that it would mean an end to hostility, bigotry, and war. This was clearly not the case, even though nobody would argue about the facts. Instead, we learned that ignorance is a lifestyle choice. And that makes it a moral failing. An absolutely deplorable way to see the world and your place in it. We learned that people would rather be comfortable in established patterns, even toxic ones; rather than put in the effort to enlighten themselves and enrich the world. AI presents a similar opportunity. This time, it's around personal autonomy and freedom. The opportunity is fantastically asymmetric, and vastly out whack with the amount of effort that goes into these things. The first time in human history, or at least since the industrial revolution that we've seen a meaningful change in who controls the means of production. This too is inarguable. Even people who like the technology, can't or won't understand exactly how much power they have at the edges of their fingertips. It's a hell of a thing to watch. Everybody wants freedom. Everybody wants money. Everybody wants to make a dent in the world. Or so they say. But being an agent of change isn't easy, and I worry that most people, normal people would rather see a broken system continue despite their own hardships and inequities than invest the time needed for everyone to benefit in a fairer world. It seems obvious to me. We have the tools, and the time. And I worry that if it's like the last revolution, we'll see at least some positive change. But I don't think "normal" people will take full advantage of it. They're just not up to the job. I would love to be wrong about this.