Will AI Replace Humans
The consensus among many experts is that a great number of professions will be totally automated in the next five to 10 years due to the growth of artificial intelligence.
Among AI's biggest benefits, many experts believe, is its ability to save humans from having to perform tedious repetitive tasks that are part of their overall duties so they're free to focus on more rewarding projects — or just take some much needed time off.
The development of AI, leaves many people wondering:
Will super-intelligent computers take over the planet one day, leaving the humans who built them with little use?
Will robotic servants bring in a golden age of human leisure and prosperity, or will they bring an era of peace and prosperity to humanity?
With all the benefits which may result from harnessing the power of AI, there is one vital human need which it can never replace. That is the ability and desire to rise above one's limitations and connect with something or someone greater than one's self.
Computers and robots, despite their immense capabilities, are inherently limited by their design. They can never intentionally act differently or contrary to the way they are programmed.
Human beings, on the other hand, along with virtues and vices, are tasked with the mission to rise above our limitations and find meaning and purpose by connecting with others and revealing the Divine energy in our selves and in the world around us.
It is precisely because of our human frailties and unpredictability that makes our relationships and accomplishments so special.
In this week's Torah portion, Vayeishev, we learn about Joseph's journey from being a favored child of his father, to being sold by his own brothers as a slave and eventually being thrown into prison under false charges by his master.
Despite the immense challenges and suffering he faced, he never despaired. When he recognized that two fellow prisons, courtiers of Pharaoh, looked upset, he reached out and asked, “Why do you appear downcast today?”-Genesis 40:7
Joseph had suffered horrible humiliations, we would expect that he would have become absorbed in his own pain, angry at the world.
Yet Joseph did not become bitter. He remained sensitive to others and to his Divine mission in life. Not only did he perceive the anguish of the courtiers, he reached out to help them.
What gave Joseph the ability to focus on others rather than on himself, was his awareness and his trust that everything that happened to him came from G‑d. To Joseph, the fact that G-d had orchestrated events in such a manner that he should notice a creation of G-d in need of help indicated that it was his duty to help them.
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.
We see here the unimaginable results one small deed can engender. Science has recognized that a minor occurrence in one corner of the world can have an enormous effect upon the entire world; the same is true of our spiritual activities and good deeds—one small deed can change the world.
As we light the candle of the Menorah, let us keep in mind the power of one “small” light. Let us become the light of someone's life. Let us kindle the light of others so that they too can share their light with someone else in need.
So no, AI will never replace humans, for only a human being can kindle the light of our souls.
However, the amazing developments of AI enables us to set the stage for the dawn of a new era for civilization.
One of the fundamental beliefs of Judaism is that the world was created with a purpose to transform it and reveal its inner beauty and ultimately usher in the era of redemption (Moshiach).
The coming of Moshiach will complete G‑d's purpose in creation: for human beings to make a home for G‑d in this world—that is, to reveal the inherent beauty and spirituality in the material world.
As Maimonides states, “In that era, there will be neither famine or war, envy or competition for good will flow in abundance and all the delights will be freely available as dust. The occupation of the entire world will be solely to know G-d."
In the messianic era there will be great advances in technology, allowing a high standard of living. Food will be plentiful and cheap, money will be readily available in abundance.
People will no longer strive for materialism in and of itself. We will no longer need to busy ourselves with trivial matters in order to support ourselves. Instead, we will have the time and inspiration to dedicate ourselves to the things which really matter and busy ourselves with pursuits which bring us true joy and fulfillment. We will recognize the ultimate purpose of our lives and utilize everything the world has to offer for positive ends.
