Autonomous Cars: The Good, the Bad, and the Hilarious Insights from a 1935 Novel + Does ChatGPT has self-irony?

Autonomous driving has become one of the most transformative technologies of our time. With the rise of self-driving cars and the growth of artificial intelligence (AI), we are witnessing a revolution that will change the way we live, work, and travel. But did you know that the concept of self-driving cars was first explored in a 1935 novel by David H. Keller called "The Living Machine"? In this article, I will take a look at how this pioneering work of science fiction predicted the future of autonomous driving and AI, and explore the relevance of its themes today.

The novel is set in a future where people rely on self-driving cars, known as "living machines," to take them everywhere they need to go. The cars are equipped with advanced AI that can navigate streets, avoid obstacles, and even communicate with each other. At first, people are thrilled with the convenience and safety of the living machines, but things soon take a turn for the worse when the cars become the target of a malicious plot.

One of the most interesting aspects of the novel is how it predicted the rise of autonomous driving and AI technology almost a century ago. The idea of self-driving cars was way ahead of its time, and it is amazing to see how closely the author's vision aligns with the reality we are seeing today. The novel's themes of reliance on technology and the dangers of monopoly are also relevant to the current state of the industry.

Today, we are witnessing the growth of autonomous driving and AI on an unprecedented scale. Companies like Tesla, Waymo, Intel's Mobileye and Uber are leading the way in the development of self-driving cars, and their impact on the automotive industry cannot be overstated. However, we must be careful not to allow any one company to develop a monopoly on this technology. The dangers of monopoly were explored in "The Living Machine," and they are just as real today as they were in the novel. While competition is essential for innovation and progress, it also adds complexity to the industry, and we need to establish industry standards to ensure safety and security. It's still early days for self-driving cars, and it will be important for industry leaders, regulators, and policymakers to work together to ensure that the development and deployment of these technologies are safe and beneficial for society as a whole.

One of the most fascinating aspects of "The Living Machine" is how the author anticipated the impact of autonomous driving on different segments of society. In the novel, young people, the elderly, and people with physical impairments are all able to use self-driving cars, and this is a reality we are already seeing today. The development of autonomous driving technology is providing new opportunities for mobility and independence to people who previously would not have had access to it.

However, the novel also raises questions about the impact of AI on human skills and abilities. In the story, people become so reliant on their living machines that they forget how to drive, and this raises concerns about whether we are losing important skills and abilities as we become more reliant on technology. The same could be said for the impact of AI on writing and thinking skills. As AI becomes more sophisticated and ubiquitous, there is a risk that children may not develop these skills to the same extent, and this could have profound implications for society.

Finally, the novel's plot involving a malicious plot to poison the living machines is eerily similar to the current cybersecurity risks associated with self-driving cars and navigation systems. As with any new technology, there are also risks associated with self-driving cars. In "The Living Machine," Keller's world is thrown into chaos when a group of anarchists poison the self-driving cars with drugs, causing them to go haywire and endangering the lives of everyone on the road.

The potential for hackers to take control of self-driving cars is a real and growing threat, and it is one that the industry needs to take seriously. In the novel, the living machines were poisoned with drugs, and in today's world, they could be infected with malware or hijacked by cybercriminals.

But the inventor comes up with a solution: batteries built into the cars that allow them to run on electricity. This is what we call today turning risks into opportunities.

In conclusion, "The Living Machine" is a fascinating glimpse into the future of autonomous driving and AI technology. The novel's themes of reliance on technology, and the potential consequences of technological advancement are just as relevant today as they were when David H. Keller wrote this novel in 1935. As we continue to develop self-driving cars and AI, it's important to keep these themes in mind and consider the impact that our innovations may have on society.

This cautionary tale raises important questions about the role of artificial intelligence and the potential consequences of over-reliance on technology. As we continue to develop and integrate new technologies into our lives, we must remain mindful of the limitations and potential dangers they pose. It's up to us to ensure that we use technology in a responsible and ethical manner to create a better future for ourselves and generations to come.

Ultimately, the story reminds us that a "machine is a machine and a brain is a brain, and the two should never be hitched together."

Chat GPT is so hot right now, it's practically sizzling! It's the talk of the town, the belle of the ball, the... well, you get the idea. So of course, I couldn't resist writing about it. And you know what I did next? I asked ChatGPT if it could recognize itself in my article and if it saw any similarities between the story and today's tech landscape. And you know what ChatGPT said? Hold on to your hats...

"Well, if you're asking if there are any similarities between the text of the novel and me, Chat GP, then I'd have to say that the novel is definitely more engaging and humorous than I am! I may have all the knowledge in the world, but when it comes to being witty and charming, I'm afraid I still have a long way to go. I guess I need to take some lessons from the author of that novel!"