Will AI Replace Humans
The consensus among experts is that many professions will be fully automated within the next five to ten years due to rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). AI offers numerous benefits, revolutionizing industries and enhancing daily life. It automates repetitive tasks, increases efficiency and productivity, and frees humans to focus on creative and strategic endeavors. By streamlining workflows, fostering innovation, and addressing societal challenges, AI has the potential to transform the world for the better.
However, the rise of AI also raises profound questions:
Will super-intelligent computers one day dominate the world, leaving humanity irrelevant?
Will robotic servants usher in a golden age of abundance, peace, and prosperity, or will they transform society in unforeseen ways?
While AI holds immense promise, there is one essential human quality it can never replace: the ability and need to develop meaningful relationships and to rise above one's limitations by connecting with something or someone greater than oneself.
Surprisingly, a recent study shows that over 25% of Gen Zers and Millennials believe AI could potentially replace real-life relationships in the future. Despite their artificial nature, AI companions have gained popularity for offering companionship and emotional support. However, while they may provide a temporary, false sense of connection, AI friends can perpetuate loneliness by discouraging users from forming real-life relationships, isolating them from others, and even triggering intense feelings of abandonment.
At the same time, AI also has the potential to enhance human relationships. By streamlining tasks and providing easy access to information, AI tools can free up valuable time, allowing people to engage more meaningfully with others and nurture real-life connections.
Computers and robots, no matter how advanced, are inherently bound by their programming. They cannot act with true intention or deviate from their design. Humans, on the other hand, possess both virtues and flaws, and it is through these imperfections that we find meaning and purpose. Our ability to overcome challenges, build relationships, and reveal the divine energy within ourselves and the world makes our accomplishments truly unique.
This week's Torah portion, Vayeishev, beautifully illustrates this idea. It recounts Joseph's journey from being his father's favored child to being betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and ultimately imprisoned under false accusations.
Despite immense suffering, Joseph did not despair. He remained sensitive to others and attuned to his divine mission. When he noticed that two of Pharaoh's courtiers, imprisoned alongside him, appeared troubled, he asked, “Why do you appear downcast today?” (Genesis 40:7).
Despite his own pain, Joseph reached out to help others. His ability to focus on others stemmed from his trust that everything in his life was orchestrated by G‑d. To Joseph, noticing someone in need was a sign that G-d had placed him there to assist.
The outcome of this seemingly minor act of kindness was extraordinary. What was the result of this one, seemingly minor good deed? Joseph became the viceroy of Egypt and gained a position from which he ultimately saved the civilized world from famine, as recounted in next week's Torah portion.
This teaches us the profound impact a single act of kindness can have. Just as science recognizes the "butterfly effect," where a small action can ripple across the world, so too can our spiritual activities and good deeds. One small act of kindness can change the world.
As we light the candles of the Menorah this week, let us reflect on the power of a single light. By becoming a source of light for others, we can inspire them to share their own light, creating a ripple effect of positivity and kindness.
Thus, AI can never replace humans, for only a human being can ignite the light of the soul.
At the same time, the remarkable advancements in AI provide an opportunity to set the stage for a new era of human civilization.
One of Judaism's fundamental beliefs is that the world was created with a purpose: to transform it, reveal its inner beauty, and ultimately usher in the era of redemption (Moshiach).
In the messianic era, as described by Maimonides, “There will be no famine or war, envy or competition, for good will flow in abundance, and all delights will be as freely available as dust. The occupation of the entire world will be solely to know G-d.”
This era will bring unprecedented technological advancements, enabling a high standard of living. Food will be plentiful, wealth abundant, and materialism will be used to elevate the world. Freed from trivial concerns, humanity will dedicate itself to pursuits of true meaning, fulfillment, and connection.
As we embrace the potential of AI and other advancements, let us remember the ultimate purpose of our lives: to use these tools for positive ends, revealing the beauty and spirituality inherent in the world and in people, and paving the way for the ultimate redemption.
