Yuval Noah Harari on AI and Human Intelligence

In a riveting discussion, historian and philosopher Yuval Noah Harari addresses the paradox that humanity faces with its intelligence: Although we have advanced technologies and immense knowledge, we continue to engage in self-destructive behaviors. Through his latest book, Harari poses the challenging question: 'If humans are so smart, why are we so stupid?' His exploration emphasizes that the core problem lies not in human nature but in the quality of information available to us. While humans possess a genuine inherent goodness, bad information can lead to disastrous choices. He argues that despite our capacity for accumulating vast amounts of data, the proliferation of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and delusions has only escalated. Harari warns against the assumption that more data equals truth, contending that misinformation can nurture mass hysteria and drive social and political movements. Through analogy, he compares the rise of AI to the invention of writing—each serving as revolutionary technologies with the potential to greatly reshape society, but they also come with their share of dangers if poorly designed and implemented. Ultimately, Harari advocates for the need for more responsible information management and the Christ-like responsibility to both educate and inform society, ensuring that democracy can thrive in this digital age.