Generative AI through the Lens of Stoicism: Embrace or Threat?
For the past 3 years I have been studying Stoicism, the philosophy of stoics, how they see the world, how that way of thinking can be applied to life, business, technology.
As we march ahead in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), one can’t help but wonder how the great philosophers of the past would view this technological revolution. Let’s take a moment to view generative AI from the perspective of a Stoic philosopher. Stoicism, the school of Hellenistic philosophy, taught the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions. How would this ancient wisdom guide us in our AI-driven future?
Stoics believed in accepting the moment as it presents itself, understanding that everything is the product of the logos, or divine reason, that governs the universe. They espoused the cultivation of virtue and wisdom, striving for inner peace regardless of external circumstances. From a Stoic viewpoint, generative AI — an AI capable of creating content, art, or even ideas — could be seen as a new element of our reality, neither inherently good nor bad, but merely a tool subject to our use.
Take the example of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor and a prominent Stoic philosopher. In his time, the Roman Empire was experiencing rapid advancements in engineering and construction. He didn’t see these innovations as threats, but as tools for enhancing the quality of life. His stoic philosophy encouraged him to adapt and evolve with the changes of the world, harnessing their potential for the common good. A Stoic in the AI age might have a similar perspective, embracing generative AI as a tool for betterment rather than a threat.
However, a Stoic would also caution us against becoming too reliant or emotionally attached to AI. Epictetus, another well-known Stoic philosopher, reminded us that we should not place our happiness in things beyond our control. In the context of AI, this means acknowledging its potential and its limitations, using it as a tool but not becoming overly dependent on it.
Stoicism teaches us to focus on what we can control: our thoughts, our actions, and our reactions. Generative AI, with all its potential, cannot control these aspects of our lives unless we allow it to. The decision to use AI wisely, to leverage it for our benefit while retaining our autonomy and humanity, rests in our hands.
In conclusion, Stoicism can offer valuable insights as we navigate the uncharted waters of the AI age. Like any tool, generative AI can be used wisely or unwisely, depending on our actions and decisions. Therefore, the real question is not whether AI is a threat or a boon, but how we choose to use it.
As a parting thought, let me leave you with this bold statement: AI will change the world, but Stoicism reminds us that it’s we who hold the power to decide how that change unfolds. AI is a tool, and like any tool, its impact depends on the hands that wield it. So, let’s embrace AI, let’s harness its potential, but most importantly, let’s never forget our innate human virtues and wisdom that truly shape our destiny.
