The capacity of computers is doubling every eight months. It's

"The capacity of computers is doubling every eight months. It's exponential development. I think it's a real threat, actually, that a computer one day will be more intelligent than us." These words, spoken by David Lagercrantz, touch upon a profound and unsettling truth about the future of technology. The exponential growth of computing power—the increasing intelligence of machines—is an idea that has stirred both awe and fear among thinkers for decades. Lagercrantz’s words carry a warning: as computers grow in power and complexity, there is a growing possibility that they will surpass human intelligence and capabilities, raising questions about control, humanity, and the future of our species.

In the ancient world, the concept of artificial intelligence would have been unfathomable, yet the concern over the limits of human knowledge was ever-present. The ancient Greeks, particularly Plato, were concerned with the relationship between humankind and the world of ideas. Plato’s famous allegory of the cave illustrates how humans can be blinded by their limited understanding, only able to perceive shadows of reality. In many ways, this allegory speaks to our relationship with technology today: we are trapped in the shadows of our own creations, unable to fully see the future and potential of these machines that we have brought to life. Plato feared that as we expanded our knowledge, we could lose sight of the greater truths about our existence, and Lagercrantz's quote seems to echo this concern, warning of the dangers of becoming subservient to the very creations meant to serve us.

Consider the ancient story of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun with wings made of wax and feathers, a creation meant to empower him. Icarus’ downfall came not from the intention to fly, but from the hubris that accompanied his advancement—he forgot the wisdom of moderation and flew beyond his limits. The story of Icarus serves as a timeless warning about the dangers of overreaching, of creating something that exceeds the boundaries of human control. Just as Icarus was brought down by the very tool he created, Lagercrantz’s quote reflects a growing concern that our creations—machines, computers, and artificial intelligence—could one day exceed our control and intelligence, leading to consequences that we may not be prepared for.

In the 20th century, the fear of machines surpassing human intelligence gained momentum with the rise of computers. The Turing Test, proposed by Alan Turing, was an early attempt to measure whether a machine could exhibit intelligent behavior equivalent to that of a human. Turing himself believed that one day, machines could indeed surpass human capabilities in certain areas. The ongoing advancement of artificial intelligence—machines that can learn, adapt, and solve problems without human intervention—now echoes the fears and hopes of thinkers like Turing. Yet, as Lagercrantz warns, these advancements come with risks: as machines become more intelligent, they may no longer be beholden to human desires or limitations, creating a power imbalance that could challenge the very essence of humanity.

In more recent history, the development of machine learning and deep learning algorithms has led to remarkable breakthroughs in technology. For example, AlphaGo, an AI developed by Google DeepMind, defeated world champions in the ancient Chinese game of Go, a game once thought to be beyond the reach of computers due to its complexity. The victory was a milestone, signaling that AI could surpass human cognitive abilities in strategic thinking and problem-solving. This achievement mirrors the ancient myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods, granting humans the power to create and destroy in equal measure. The fire, once a gift, became a curse when it was misused—much like our creations today may one day become.

Lagercrantz’s words are not just a reflection on the power of technology, but a call for balance and reflection in our relentless pursuit of progress. As the creators of these machines, we must recognize the potential consequences of pushing technology beyond our understanding and control. The rapid pace of technological growth requires that we ask ourselves important questions: Do we truly understand the implications of artificial intelligence? Are we prepared for a future where machines may no longer need us, and may even become more intelligent than our minds can comprehend? These are questions that demand not just technological solutions, but also philosophical and ethical considerations, grounded in a deep understanding of what it means to be human.

The lesson from Lagercrantz’s warning is one of responsibility and foresight. It is not enough to marvel at the capabilities of technology; we must also ask ourselves how we will ensure that these creations remain tools for human progress, rather than forces that reshape humanity itself. We must cultivate wisdom in our use of these tools, recognizing that with great power comes great responsibility. As we move forward into a world where machines become ever more intelligent, we must ensure that our creations serve humanity’s greater good and maintain our values and humanity in the process.

In practical terms, we must approach the development and deployment of artificial intelligence with humility and ethics. Policymakers, scientists, and philosophers must collaborate to ensure that AI advancements are made with careful consideration of their impacts on society. Just as the ancient philosophers advised moderation and self-reflection, we must recognize that true wisdom comes not from pushing the boundaries of progress, but from understanding the deep responsibility that accompanies our power to create. In this way, we can ensure that technology enhances the human experience, rather than overwhelming it.