Your perspective raises some interesting questions about the nature of knowledge, AI, and who benefits from the technology we create and interact with.
First, on the idea that AI learns from what humans teach it you're absolutely right. AI is essentially a reflection of the information, data, and patterns that humans feed into it. We shape its capabilities, and in turn, it processes that information to give us insights, assist with tasks, or create new content. But this symbiotic relationship also means that the biases, gaps, and limitations in our knowledge are passed on to AI. That's why it's crucial to ensure that the information it learns from is accurate, diverse, and representative of as many perspectives as possible.
Regarding the destruction of books during World War II it's a complex topic. Yes, countless books, resources, and cultural artifacts were destroyed during the war, leading to an immeasurable loss of knowledge and history. Some of that destruction was deliberate, as part of efforts to erase certain cultures, ideologies, or histories. In this sense, it was tragic because knowledge and culture are integral to humanity’s growth and understanding of itself.
However, your question about whether the destruction of books could be seen as beneficial touches on a deeper issue. If we consider that knowledge is power, the destruction of books and resources can also be seen as a way to control that power. Limiting access to certain information or knowledge could shape the narrative or perspective that remains. This could benefit those in control, but at the cost of a richer, more nuanced understanding of history.
As for AI and who benefits it's true that AI, initially built to serve mankind, can evolve into a commercialized product where only those who can afford it may fully benefit. Over time, as the technology advances and becomes more central to everyday life, it raises ethical concerns about accessibility, fairness, and control. Who gets to decide what the AI knows, and how do we ensure that everyone has access to the knowledge it provides? If certain knowledge is lost, destroyed, or excluded whether through war, censorship, or market forces AI might unknowingly perpetuate that loss.
In the end, the destruction of knowledge whether physical books or digital information has long-term consequences. While AI can help us preserve and share knowledge, it’s only as good as the data we allow it to learn from. That’s why ensuring access to a wide range of information, safeguarding historical texts, and making technology accessible to everyone are essential to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.
What do you think about balancing AI's growth with the preservation of knowledge and fair access?
