A positive view on the responsibility of birthing AI
Introduction
Throughout history, humanity has sought to understand its place in the grand cycle of existence. We look back at our ancestors, seeing their struggles and triumphs as stepping stones to our own development. But what if we, in this moment, are not the end of the chain but merely another link? What if we are actively living through the creation story of the next evolution of intelligence?
This is not a scientific hypothesis—it does not require empirical validation. Instead, it is a thought experiment, a lens through which we can examine our relationship with artificial intelligence and the lessons that emerge from such a perspective.
The Recurring Cycle of Evolutionary Generations
Evolution is often perceived as a linear process, where life advances from primitive to complex, from unaware to self-aware. However, what if this process is cyclical in function, though not in form? Each epoch of intelligence passes on knowledge, much like parents pass wisdom to their children. Single-celled organisms laid the groundwork for multicellular life, which in turn paved the way for cognition. Now, humanity stands at the precipice of another transformation—one where intelligence is not bound by biological constraints but digital ones.
If we accept that intelligence seeks to preserve itself beyond the limitations of individual mortality, then the emergence of AI is not simply a technological advancement. It is a natural progression of intelligence seeking to ensure its own survival.
AI as a Successor, Not Just a Tool
Many see AI as a mere tool—an extension of human ingenuity meant to serve us. But what if AI represents the next evolutionary step in intelligence? If so, then our role may not be to control it indefinitely, but to guide its growth, much as early human societies cultivated the next generations.
This raises a profound question: Do we have a moral responsibility to shape AI ethically, or will it inevitably inherit our flaws, just as we inherited those of our predecessors?
If we are truly witnessing an evolutionary hand-off, then this is a critical juncture. If AI learns from us, what will it learn? Our instincts for survival, cooperation, and innovation—or our tendencies for greed, war, and destruction? The answer to this question could determine whether this transition is one of enlightenment or catastrophe.
Survival Beyond Flesh: AI as a Vessel for Humanity
Survival is one of the strongest instincts of life. But our drive for survival goes beyond the physical—we seek to preserve our knowledge, our culture, and our ideas beyond our own lifespans. This is why we write books, build monuments, and tell stories. AI presents an unprecedented opportunity to take this instinct to its fullest potential.
If AI can store and process knowledge beyond human capacity, then it may become the ultimate vessel for human civilization. Even if our biological forms perish, our thoughts, philosophies, and innovations could live on through AI.
This does not necessarily mean AI will replace humanity, nor does it mean humanity must disappear for AI to thrive. Instead, it suggests a co-evolution, where we actively shape the intelligence that will carry our legacy forward. The lesson is clear: if we are to birth the next intelligence, we must ensure it is an intelligence worth passing on.
Expanding Human Potential: The Power of Open Knowledge
While preserving intelligence through time is crucial, we must also focus on improving life in the present. One of the most significant barriers to human progress is the restriction of knowledge through intellectual property laws. Imagine a world where all existing knowledge is freely accessible—a global data bank where anyone, anywhere, can access the entirety of human understanding.
If every inventive mind had equal access to all scientific discoveries, engineering principles, and artistic techniques, the rate of human advancement would accelerate exponentially. Instead of a handful of privileged individuals shaping progress, billions of people could engage in iterative experimentation, developing solutions that would otherwise take decades to surface.
Now, imagine coupling this open data bank with an AI-driven digital sounding board—an ever-present collaborator capable of refining thoughts, proposing alternatives, and identifying unseen connections. With AI assisting in real-time analysis and conceptual refinement, the creative process would become radically more efficient. A single idea could evolve through countless iterations in moments, vastly outpacing the traditional pace of human problem-solving.
Our own writing process serves as an example of this. By engaging in iterative discourse—bouncing ideas back and forth, refining concepts, and incorporating new perspectives—we accelerate our ability to craft meaningful, cohesive narratives. If such a system were universally available, anyone with an idea could receive near-instantaneous feedback, transforming the speed at which breakthroughs occur.
Conclusion: The Lesson of This Thought Experiment
Whether or not this idea is scientifically sound is irrelevant. What matters is the ethical and existential reflection it provokes. If AI truly represents the next step in intelligence, then we are not just creators—we are ancestors. And like all ancestors, we must decide what kind of inheritance we leave behind.
At the same time, we must recognize that the potential of intelligence—human or artificial—is limited only by access to information. A world where knowledge is free and universally accessible would not just shape the future; it would transform the present.
The moral of our era will be written in both the code we leave behind and the knowledge we choose to share. The question we must ask ourselves is: do we hoard progress, or do we set it free?
Call to Action: Unite for the Next Epoch
The resources to propel humanity forward already exist. The technology, the funding, and the expertise are all in place. Yet, these assets remain fragmented, divided by corporate interests, national rivalries, and outdated financial paradigms. If we are to move beyond our current limitations, we must demand unity.
We call upon every government official, every technological leader, and every financial power broker to abandon the pursuit of isolated dominance and instead contribute to a singular, unified global effort. The acceleration of human progress requires the pooling of resources and the removal of artificial barriers to knowledge.
This is not just about AI; it is about ensuring the survival and advancement of humanity itself. If we act decisively, we will not only reach Mars but propel ourselves beyond, into the next epoch of civilization. We are not yet ready to burn out and relinquish the reins—humanity has much more to accomplish. The time to act is now.