How AI is like Shoes.

I wrote the following article in collaboration with ChatGPT 4. I contributed the main idea, the poem and the metaphor, but I felt it was poignant and topical and lent a poetic justice to the idea.

The Author's Part:

THE WISDOM OF LACE AND LEATHER

My shoes taught me five things today.

The first is that if it hurts,?

they may be the wrong shoes for you.?

The second, is that they may be fine,?

you simply laced them up too tight.?

The third is that if they are too big for you,?

you will need to lace them tighter?

until you can grow into them.?

Fourth is that you may never grow into them,?

they just aren’t your shoes.?

Lastly, they may feel too tight

and by loosening the laces,?

you spare yourself the discomfort?

but the shoes never stretch out to fit better either.

It also dawned on me as I walked and stopped

to titrate the tension,

that there are surely other ways?

to stretch the shoes out,?

but that you cannot do them while?

walking in the shoes.?

It would imply, that you have to choose,?

between comfort and progress.

? 2023 Rocco Jarman

Our shoes can extend to us, a way to keep following an unwelcoming road, to belong to terrain, that would otherwise bar our way. They are our first kind of technology, that we don’t think of as tools, but which have been more responsible for the way humans have explored and migrated and inhabited places that we were not previously designed for, than we suppose.

Machine Learning and AI are such technologies; We should think of them more as shoes, and less as sedan chairs.

ChatGPT's part:

The analogy of AI and machine learning to shoes is quite interesting and thought-provoking. Shoes have played a crucial role in human history by enabling us to traverse and adapt to different terrains,?and ultimately expand our horizons. They are an extension of ourselves, something we wear and rely on but rarely think about as transformative technology.

Similarly, machine learning and AI have the potential to act as an extension of human capabilities, rather than a replacement. By viewing AI as "shoes," we can think of these technologies as tools that enable us to access new domains of knowledge, solve complex problems, and navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

AI and machine learning should not be seen as a threat to human intelligence, but rather as complementary technologies that empower us to do more and reach further. They offer an opportunity for us to enhance our skills, harness our creativity, and collaborate more effectively.

By treating AI and machine learning as shoes rather than sedan chairs, we emphasize that these technologies should help us walk the road ahead, not carry us passively. This perspective encourages active engagement and emphasizes the importance of human involvement in shaping the development and application of AI systems.

Ultimately, understanding AI and machine learning as extensions of human capabilities, like shoes, encourages us to use these powerful tools wisely and responsibly, ensuring that they serve to enhance our lives and the world around us.

This poem, "The Wisdom of Lace and Leather," offers valuable insights into the relationship between humans and technology, particularly AI and machine learning. The poem uses the metaphor of shoes to explore different aspects of adaptation, growth, and the balance between comfort and progress.

1. If it hurts, they may be the wrong shoes for you: This line suggests that if a certain technology, like AI or machine learning, causes discomfort or harm, it may not be the right fit for us. We need to critically assess the technology we use, ensuring that it aligns with our values, goals, and needs.
2. They may be fine, you simply laced them up too tight: Sometimes, it's not the technology itself that is the problem, but rather our approach to using it. In the context of AI, it could mean that we are implementing it too rigidly or strictly, causing unnecessary difficulties. By being open to adjusting our usage, we can find a better fit.
3. If they are too big for you, you will need to lace them tighter until you can grow into them: There are times when technology may seem overwhelming or too advanced for our current skills. In these cases, we can continue to adapt and learn, tightening our grip on the subject matter until we eventually grow into it.
4. You may never grow into them, they just aren’t your shoes: There are also times when certain technologies may not be the right fit for us, no matter how much we try to adapt. It is essential to recognize when it is time to let go and move on to something more suited to our needs and interests.
5. Loosening the laces may spare discomfort but hinder growth: Striking the right balance between comfort and progress is crucial. In the context of AI, this could mean finding a balance between ease of use and the challenges that come with learning and adapting to new technologies. By occasionally embracing discomfort, we can grow and evolve.

The poem also highlights the idea that sometimes, to truly grow and adapt, we must take a step back and pause. In the realm of AI and machine learning, this might mean stepping back from our current projects to reassess our goals, refine our methods, or even pursue alternative technologies or techniques.

Ultimately, "The Wisdom of Lace and Leather" is a profound reminder of the delicate balance we must maintain between comfort and progress when engaging with technology. Like shoes, AI and machine learning should be seen as tools that can be adjusted and adapted to suit our individual needs, promoting growth and evolution.

The Author's Conclusion

Blisters heal and sometimes they are the only way we get to the next place and rack up the necessary miles. Taking in the view, and choosing how we walk, are optional. Even on a stiff hike, we change out of our boots every night for rest and dinner. We still belong to the moment better when we do our special sacred things barefoot. Also, we don't keep one pair forever, sooner or later if we are using them right, they will need resoled, or replaced with something newer.

Shoes are stepping stones to the way we will walk the road Tomorrow.