The Age of AI and the Charm of Tradition

As we delve deeper into the Age of AI, an era that truly began to flourish in 2023 and continues to expand in 2024 and beyond, we find ourselves amidst a fascinating juxtaposition of the old and the new. This period is defined by our interaction with technology, notably through our personal arsenal of hundreds of custom GPTs, each exemplifying the pinnacle of machine intelligence and our personalization. Yet, in this whirlwind of technological advancement, there remains a steadfast appreciation for the old-school, particularly embodied in the charm of real Polaroid photographs as an example. These physical snapshots, untouched by the digital or diffusion models of the AI world, capture a rawness and authenticity that stands as a poignant counterpoint to the virtual.

This blend of eras is poetically reflected in the words of famous individuals who have pondered the intersection of the past and future. Albert Einstein once mused, "The measure of intelligence is the ability to change." This quote resonates deeply in an age where our intelligence is augmented by AI, yet our appreciation for simpler, traditional forms like Polaroids, a stick shift driven automobile, or piloting a small Cessna 172 remains unaltered, demonstrating our capacity for change while holding onto the essence of the past.

Another fitting statement is from Steve Jobs, who said, "Innovation is not about saying yes to everything. It's about saying no to all but the most crucial features." This perspective mirrors our current era, where amidst the abundance of digital and AI innovations, there's a conscious choice to preserve and cherish the simplicity and irreplaceable nature of something as timeless as a Polaroid photograph or the freedom to fly without being restricted by or dependent on anyone else.

These reflections capture the spirit of our times, where the old and the new coexist, not in opposition but in a harmonious balance. As we advance into the future starting with the year 2024, we carry with us the legacy of the past, creating a rich crucible of human experience that honors both the groundbreaking potential of AI and the enduring value of our simpler, traditional roots.

Further read

LLM, Us and Neuroplasticity

"Are you sure?": Unveiling the Quest for Human-Like Artificial Intelligence

Designers, creativity and AI

A LLM as a reflection of our inner most desires

Should AGI be a she, he, or a it?