AI Think, Therefore AI Am?

Why AI? Three words. General... Purpose... Technology. In the course of history, about 24 other GPT's (funny, heh) have been discovered. From the invention of fire and the wheel to gunpowder and electricity, they have shaped humanity.

What is a General Purpose Technology?

General Purpose Technologies (GPTs) are not just any technological advancements; they are the game-changers, the ones that have the power to reshape industries and redefine the way we live. Think of them as the Swiss Army knives of technology—versatile, impactful, and transformative. They don't just serve a niche; they become the backbone of multiple sectors, driving economic growth and social change.

Examples of General Purpose Technologies and Their Adoption

Throughout history, we've seen several GPTs that have revolutionized our world. The wheel, for instance, wasn't just for carts; it led to the creation of gears, mills, and even clocks. Fast forward to the 19th century, and we have electricity, which lit up homes and powered industries. More recently, the internet has become the fabric that connects the globe, impacting everything from commerce to communication. The adoption of these technologies was never overnight. It took time, but once integrated, they became indispensable.

The Accelerating Rate of Invention and Adoption

What's fascinating is that the rate at which these GPTs are being invented and adopted is accelerating. It took millennia for agriculture to spread across civilizations, but it took just a few decades for the internet to become ubiquitous. This acceleration is partly due to the compounding nature of technology; each new GPT builds upon the last, creating a snowball effect of rapid innovation and adoption.

Artificial Intelligence: The Latest General Purpose Technology

Now, let's talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and what I think. It's not just a tool for automating tasks or analyzing data; it's a technology with the potential to redefine multiple industries, from healthcare to finance. You might think its adoption is slow, but that's a common misconception. Like any GPT, AI is in its installation phase, where the groundwork is being laid. The deployment phase, where we'll see mass adoption and transformative impact, is inevitable. It's not a question of if, but when. It is not a tool, it is a skill.

Real-Life Use Cases of AI Adoption

Today, AI is already making waves. In healthcare, algorithms are assisting in diagnostics and personalized treatment plans. In the automotive industry, AI is the brain behind self-driving cars. Even in our personal lives, AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT and generative tools like Midjourney are revolutionizing the way professionals and people at home create and enhance their ideas. These are not futuristic scenarios; they are happening now, and the potential for expansion is immense.

Conclusion: The Inevitable Proliferation of AI

In summary, Artificial Intelligence is not just another technology; it's the next General Purpose Technology. Its versatility and transformative potential make it a cornerstone for future innovations. While it may seem like its widespread adoption is slow, remember that we are just scratching the surface. As with any GPT, the ripple effects will be far-reaching and transformative. So, whether you're an entrepreneur, a technologist, or just a curious mind, keep an eye on AI. It's not just the future; it's the present redefining itself.

Economists Richard Lipsey and Kenneth Carlaw suggest that there have only been 24 technologies in history that can be classified as true GPTs. They define a transforming GPT according to four criteria:

The expanded list of technologies includes:

1. Domestication of plants - 9000-8000 BC
2. Domestication of animals - 8500-7500 BC
3. Smelting of ore - 8000-7000 BC
4. Money - 9000–6000 BC
5. Wheel - 4000–3000 BC
6. Writing - 3400-3200 BC
7. Bronze - 2800 BC
8. Iron - 1200 BC
9. Water wheel - Early Middle Ages
10. Three-masted sailing ship - 15th century
11. Printing - 16th century
12. Factory system - late 18th century
13. Steam Engine - late 18th century
14. Railways - mid 19th century
15. Iron steamship - mid 19th century
16. Internal combustion engine - late 19th century
17. Electricity - late 19th century
18. Automobile - 20th century
19. Airplane - 20th century
20. Mass production - 20th century
21. Computer - 20th century
22. Lean production - 20th century
23. Internet - 20th century
24. Biotechnology - 20th century
25. Nanotechnology - 21st century

Now think for yourself about the impact each of these General Purpose Technologies made on our society and the way we live today. Now project this onto Artificial Intelligence and let's wonder about the possibilities... and pitfalls it may bring us.

This article has been inspired by the book I am reading "The Coming Wave" by Mustafa Suleyman . Please take some time to read it if you want to know more.

Note: this article was co-authored by ChatGPT, but has been based on personal notes and curated content. The list may be different according to different sources.