In the ever-evolving narrative of human innovation, the dawn of AI represents a pivotal chapter. As we reflect on the past, Göbekli Tepe stands out as a monumental site where, over 10,000 years ago, humanity first gathered to share collective knowledge. This ancient gathering place marked the transition from a nomadic lifestyle of hunting and foraging to the birth of civilization through shared understanding.
In today’s world, AI, with its unparalleled ability to analyze vast datasets and optimize production processes, might seem poised to surpass its predecessors. It could even evolve far beyond the humble transistor-based calculators of the past. Yet, no matter how sophisticated AI becomes, I foresee no future different than its roots as a tool designed to serve humanity remain unchanged. Let me put your fears about AI to rest with a powerful example: Göbekli Tepe. This ancient site is solid proof that AI will never surpass its human creators. Human civilization was built on survival instincts that sparked seemingly unnecessary collective behaviors and irrational actions—like gathering some sort of knowledge in one place, even when everyone was an independent hunter and forager. These traits, rooted in our instinct for survival and collaboration, are what set us apart from any machine. Beyond self-preservation or protecting the Earth, AI lacks self-awareness and exists solely to serve human purposes. This lack of consciousness means our so-called ‘machine rivals’ hold no accountability or true autonomy in the grand scheme of things. In fact this is the critical point, where if AI gives the recipe for an explosive when asked, although it seems that the responsibility goes to the AI or the criminal legal entity but it is very obvious the accountability lies with the technology owner such as Gemini AI or ChatGPT OpenAI or so on. With an extended meaning, the word "robot" with referencing to its etymological root that was coined into literature by Karel Čalpek may still perfectly fits to its meaning, instead of Artificial Intelligence.
The real challenge emerges when we consider AI’s potential role in managing our planet’s resources and energy production without human intervention. Could there be a future where machines, independent of human oversight, govern our environmental and economic systems?
This question underscores the need to focus not just on AI’s capabilities but also on its relationship with humanity and the natural world. Imagine a future where AI facilitates communication between humans, animals, and plants, fostering a deeper understanding of our ecosystem. Such advancements could be as revolutionary as the discovery of Göbekli Tepe, where the accumulation of knowledge sparked significant progress in philosophy, science, and technology. Just as those early advancements set the stage for human development, today’s AI must evolve to not only serve human needs but to harmonize with the planet’s ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable future for all.
Referencing Sources:
1) Brian Haughton, Archaeologist, Author and researcher of books on ancient civilizations, 04/May/2011, https://www.worldhistory.org/article/234/gobekli-tepe---the-worlds-first-temple/
2) Chelsea Follett, Managing Editor of HumanProgress.org, 03/Feb/2022, https://humanprogress.org/centers-of-progress-pt-31-gobekli-tepe-religion/
3) Karel Čalpek, 1920, A Play named "Rossum's Universal Robots", https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karel_%C4%8Capek
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