Because I believe that humans are computers, I conjectured that

In the ancient world, philosophers pondered the nature of humankind and our place in the vast expanse of the universe. They sought to understand the mind, its workings, and how it was connected to the world around it. Philip Emeagwali, in his profound reflection, "Because I believe that humans are computers, I conjectured that computers, like people, can have left- and right-handed versions," draws upon the ancient tradition of seeking to mirror the mysteries of the human experience in the world of technology. This statement speaks not only of the growing convergence between man and machine, but of the idea that the human mind, in its complexity and duality, can be reflected in the very tools we create. It is a recognition that the mechanics of human cognition are mirrored by the systems we build, and that these systems may possess inherent dualities just like their human counterparts.

The ancient Greeks were among the first to explore the parallels between the physical and the metaphysical. Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, argued that the human being is composed of both rational and irrational elements, and it is the harmony of these two aspects that allows for a virtuous life. Similarly, the left and right hemispheres of the brain were thought to govern different aspects of our abilities: the left associated with logic, structure, and analysis, and the right with creativity, intuition, and emotion. These ancient understandings of human nature suggest that the very systems we create—whether artificial intelligence or computers—may, in turn, reflect these dualities. Emeagwali’s words resonate with this ancient wisdom, suggesting that just as humans have a right and left side, so too might our creations.

In more recent times, Leonardo da Vinci, the quintessential polymath of the Renaissance, approached his inventions and studies of the human body with a similar reverence for the dualities of human nature. Da Vinci believed that art and science were not separate endeavors, but complementary pursuits that both drew upon the same human experience. His studies of human anatomy were not merely medical but artistic, as he sought to understand the harmony of the body and its movements. The dualities he discovered in the human body mirrored his approach to innovation: both the rational and the creative were needed to bring his inventions and works of art to life. Emeagwali, like da Vinci, imagines the computer as something that can embody both sides of human intelligence: the logical and the creative.

The idea that computers can have "left- and right-handed versions" also speaks to the interconnectedness between humanity and its creations. Emeagwali recognizes that technology is not something separate from us, but rather an extension of the human mind. Just as humans have the ability to navigate between logic and creativity, so too must we design our technologies to be flexible and adaptive. In the development of artificial intelligence and computers, it is essential to recognize that these systems must not just be rational and methodical, but also imaginative and intuitive. This belief invites us to think of technology not merely as a tool, but as an extension of the human soul, mirroring the duality of thought and action that defines us as individuals.

Consider the example of Alan Turing, the mathematician whose work laid the foundation for modern computing. Turing’s brilliance was not just in his logical, mathematical formulations, but in his understanding that the computer itself could be a system that mimics human thought—that the machine could replicate the dualities of the human mind. His famous Turing Test was designed to measure the ability of a machine to exhibit intelligent behavior indistinguishable from that of a human. In much the same way, Emeagwali’s statement reflects the vision that computers, much like humans, could embody the complexity of our mental processes. Just as we navigate between rationality and creativity, so too must we create machines that can handle both.

The lesson from Emeagwali’s words is a reminder that innovation and humanity are intertwined. As we look toward the future of artificial intelligence and computing, we must ask ourselves not just how we can make these systems more efficient, but how we can create them to reflect the complexity of human thought. Just as da Vinci understood the need for balance between logic and creativity, we must strive to design technologies that are not only efficient and structured, but also capable of adapting to the nuances of the human experience.

In practical terms, this means that we must approach the development of technology with both rational minds and creative hearts. As we design the future of computers, let us not focus solely on their efficiency or processing power, but also on how they can reflect the rich, multifaceted nature of the human mind. Just as the ancients sought to balance the dualities of the human soul, so too must we balance the dualities of the machines we create. By doing so, we honor the legacy of humanity and ensure that our creations are as adaptable and dynamic as the minds that brought them to life.

Ultimately, Emeagwali’s insight calls us to recognize that the future of computing is not a realm separate from humanity, but an extension of it. In the same way that we are both rational and emotional, logical and creative, so too must our machines be designed to reflect and enhance these fundamental aspects of the human experience. Technology, when it embraces both sides of human intelligence, will become not just a tool, but a mirror of our potential. It is through this harmony—between man and machine, logic and creativity—that we will unlock the true power of the future.