Exploring the "Why" Behind AI and Legacy Building
Written on
Chapter 1: The Importance of Purpose in AI
In the realm of artificial intelligence, Simon Sinek emphasizes the necessity of identifying the underlying "why" before embarking on any venture. His influential book, "Start with Why," posits that the most impactful enterprises possess a clear, authentic purpose that drives them forward. To create a product or service that resonates deeply with customers, it’s vital to forge an emotional connection through a well-defined mission.
While preparing for my presentation at The Global Diwan conference in Monaco—a gathering of influential leaders from East and West—I found myself reflecting on the significance of my topic. After numerous discussions on AI, I sought to reconnect with the reasons why this subject matters, particularly concerning the preservation of arts, culture, and heritage.
Reminding Ourselves of Our Purpose
In our technology-saturated world, constant exposure can lead to desensitization. AI, being a hot topic at every conference and corporate meeting, often overwhelms our minds. It's crucial to remember our purpose in this context. Products built with a clear intention are inherently superior. Sinek cites Apple as an exemplary case; their "why" transcends mere device creation, focusing instead on challenging norms and encouraging innovative thinking. As users, we often feel a unique connection to this ethos.
This brings us to a fundamental question: Why do we develop new technologies?
Historically, the term "technology" stems from the Greek words for art and discourse. Originally, it encompassed the discussion of various arts, expanding over time to include a plethora of ideas and processes. The instinctive answer to why we create new technologies is to enhance systems and improve our surroundings. However, we must delve deeper: we pursue technological innovation to extend our legacies.
Understanding Our Fear of Mortality
Ernest Becker’s book, "The Denial of Death," offers profound insights into our motivations for innovation. Becker argues that our drive to create and innovate is rooted in our fear of mortality. It’s not merely about efficiency; it’s about leaving a lasting impact on the world. Companies like Apple exemplify this by focusing on a deeper “why” that resonates psychologically with consumers.
When discussing the surge in AI and technological advancements, we must recognize that we are expressing our desire to leave a lasting mark, to construct not just technology but enduring legacies. Becker categorizes this drive into three forms of heroism:
- Cultural Heroism: Aligning with lasting cultural values fosters a sense of timelessness.
- Personal Heroism: Achieving recognition allows individuals to carve out significance in the face of oblivion.
- Transference of Heroism: Associating with iconic figures or ideologies lends us a sense of eternity.
In today’s technology-driven landscape, this intrinsic motivation propels our advancements:
- Space Exploration: A collective effort towards immortality, representing cultural heroism.
- Biotechnological Developments: Personal heroism in science, pushing back against physical limitations.
- Digital Legacies: Blending personal and cultural heroism by creating enduring online identities.
The Role of AI in Arts and Heritage
As I prepared for my talk, I pondered the significance of art and culture. These elements are essential human experiences. The potential for AI to replicate or enhance creativity is particularly compelling, prompting us to reflect on our unique capabilities.
Why do we seek to employ AI in preserving arts and heritage? The answer lies in our desire for self-preservation. We express our identities through art, stories, and societal contributions, hoping to leave a part of ourselves for future generations.
AI stands as a powerful ally in this mission. Its ability to analyze, replicate, and innovate offers unprecedented opportunities to safeguard our cultural heritage—from Renaissance masterpieces to ancient languages. Rather than losing these treasures to time, we can share and celebrate them across generations.
The RePAIR Project
In A.D. 79, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius devastated Pompeii, leaving behind fragmented remnants of a once-thriving Roman city. The significance of Pompeii extends beyond its tragic fate; it offers invaluable insights into ancient aesthetics, social norms, and daily life.
The Italian Institute of Technology’s RePAIR Project (Reconstructing the Past: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics meet Cultural Heritage) exemplifies the fusion of robotics, AI, and archaeology to restore Pompeii's architectural features. Achieving this solely through human labor would be nearly impossible, requiring vast resources and time.
If successful, this project could revolutionize the restoration of countless cultural artifacts previously deemed irreparable. The motivation behind utilizing advanced technology in this context transcends mere technical applications; it is about connecting with our shared history and ensuring that the lessons of our ancestors inform future generations.
This endeavor highlights our fundamental desire to remember and honor the civilizations that came before us. The RePAIR Project serves as a powerful illustration of how a compelling "why" can inspire innovative solutions to complex challenges and engage a wide audience in the importance of cultural preservation.
Understanding the "Why" Behind AI Adoption
There are numerous misguided motivations for adopting AI technology—such as following trends, succumbing to leadership pressure, or fearing obsolescence. While these reasons are common, they lack the depth needed to create meaningful and impactful products and services.
Identifying the right motivations, however, significantly increases the likelihood of success. This requires honest introspection about the reasons for embracing AI, guiding the strategy for the next several years.
Here are some thought-provoking questions organizations should consider to clarify their "Why" for adopting AI:
- Why do we exist?
- What is our core mission and purpose?
- How does AI align with our fundamental values?
- What specific problems can AI address for us?
- How can AI enhance our mission fulfillment?
- Why should our stakeholders care about AI?
- What external changes make AI adoption timely?
- What distinguishes our ability to leverage AI effectively?
Ultimately, the identified purpose must be communicated clearly, both internally and externally, to resonate emotionally with a broader audience.
I encourage you to subscribe to my Substack, where I continue to explore the intersection of technology and philosophy.
In this insightful video, Simon shares his thoughts on the true purpose of AI and its implications for businesses and society.
This full conversation on leadership in the AI era delves into how organizations can navigate the complexities of technological advancements.