For those of us watching AI closely, you may be like me, filled with wonder and dread. The dread relates to meaning. Who are we and what do we do with our days and where is our value?
When I was young I had a conversation with someone who was wise beyond their years. I don’t remember who, but I remember the story they told me.
I had asked “what is the purpose of all of this?” They said picture a circle, and only you are in it. Do you want to be alone in the circle or have someone else in it?
I said, even though people can be assholes, I’d prefer to have someone else in it.
“Then that is a good enough purpose for now.”
I mention this story not because it is so-very-deep, but because I do think if we want to maintain meaning, purpose, mission, what have you, we need to keep humans in the circle. It can’t be a one-player game. You and your AI talking back and forth doesn’t count as multiplayer, no matter how many stories we hear about the billion-dollar solo founder.
The circle needs real people in it.