As the old saying goes, ‘it’s all in the tools’. Human progress over millennia has been powered by our species’ never-ending fascination with creating new and improved ways of making life easier. Every step forward since day one can be linked to some ingenious tool or apparatus we’ve invented; from fire and domesticated animals, to smartphones that fit snugly into a pocket. Our relationship between human beings and technology is truly remarkable – it’s enabled us not only to dominate land but also space itself!
Our obsession with tools can be traced back to the early days of human civilization. As hunter-gatherers, our ancestors used simple tools such as stones, sticks, and bones to hunt, gather food, and protect themselves. Over time, these tools became more sophisticated, leading to the development of agriculture, metalworking, and other advanced technologies of today.
The invention of the wheel, for example, revolutionized transportation and allowed humans to move goods and people over long distances. The printing press enabled the mass production of books and other printed materials, democratizing access to knowledge and information. The steam engine powered the Industrial Revolution, transforming manufacturing and transportation and leading to unprecedented economic growth.
Each of these tools was designed to amplify a specific human capability, whether it was strength, speed, accuracy, creativity, or intelligence. They enabled us to do things that were previously impossible, opening up new possibilities for human achievement and progress.
- Microscopes – Amplify Vision: The microscope is a perfect example of a technology that amplifies human vision. It allows us to see things that are too small to be seen with the naked eye, enabling us to discover microscopic organisms and structures that were previously unknown. With the help of microscopes, we can examine the tiniest details of cells, bacteria, and viruses, leading to groundbreaking discoveries in medicine, biology, and other scientific fields.
- GPS – Amplify Navigation: The Global Positioning System (GPS) is another technology that amplifies human capabilities. It helps us navigate accurately, find our way, and reach our destination faster and with greater precision. GPS technology has revolutionized the way we travel, making it easier to find our way in unfamiliar territory, track our location, and even plan our routes to avoid traffic and congestion.
- 3D Printing: 3D printing is a technology that amplifies human manufacturing capabilities. 3D printers can create complex objects with intricate shapes and designs that would be difficult or impossible to produce with traditional manufacturing methods. This technology is being used in a variety of industries, including aerospace, healthcare, and automotive, to produce customized and innovative products.
- Radio: The radio was invented in the early 20th century, and it allowed people to communicate over long distances without having to physically travel. This technology amplified human communication skills, allowing people to connect with others across vast distances in real-time.
- Submarines: Submarines can travel deep beneath the ocean’s surface and remain there for very long periods of time. They amplify human exploration and scientific capabilities, allowing us to study the ocean and its inhabitants in ways that were previously impossible.
- Machine Looms: Machine looms revolutionized the textile industry by amplifying human manufacturing capabilities. Before machine looms, textiles had to be woven by hand, which was a slow and time-consuming process. With the invention of machine looms, textiles could be produced on a large scale, making clothing more affordable and accessible to people.
- Calculator: Calculators amplify human mathematical capabilities. Before the invention of calculators, complex mathematical calculations had to be done by hand, which was prone to errors and was a time-consuming process. With calculators, complex mathematical calculations could be done quickly and accurately, making it possible for people to solve more complex problems.
- Internet: The internet amplifies human communication and information-sharing capabilities. With the internet, people can communicate with others all over the world in real-time, access information on virtually any topic, and share their own ideas and knowledge with others.
- Computer: The computer is a complex technology that amplifies a variety of human capabilities, including analytical and computational skills. Computers are used for everything from analyzing large data sets to creating complex simulations and animations.
But now, starting with the advent of computers, the boundaries of what this technology can achieve have constantly been expanding across domains. One such application of “Machine learning” has shown the ability to process massive amounts of data to uncover latent patterns and project into future predictions.
The evolution and confluence of these technologies into “Artificial Intelligence” which is at its nascent beginnings, begs asking though how important is this ongoing obsession of pushing boundaries of technology.
It’s a fascinating pursuit for humans to attempt creating Artificial Intelligence, as we ourselves struggle to even understand the nature of human intelligence. We may not be able to completely measure or define it, but that doesn’t stop us from recognizing its great power and potential — after all, humanity has reached remarkable heights due largely in part to our intelligent minds!
The development and regulation of AI is a complex issue that requires a deep understanding of human intelligence from the core. While we may be able to create machines that can perform certain tasks better than humans, we still cannot fully comprehend the intricacies of human intelligence. We cannot simply create a machine that is “intelligent” and expect it to function seamlessly in our society. Strong understanding of “Intelligence” is essential to guide the development and dissemination of such powerful technology to benefit humanity at large.
While the external world and technologies that create it have changed over ages, the core nature of human intelligence has prevailed over time. While not fully understood in modern sciences, there has been constant introspection and revelations across generations. In next series of articles, we will explore how “Intelligence” has been understood across various domains, from different perspectives. We will study and deconstruct the “Vedic Wisdom”, how ancient Sages and Rishis have deconstructed it, from Brain to Consciousness.
Stay tuned…….
