Copyright@shravancharitymission

The Tentacles of AI

Kamlesh Tripathi

    Though AI is a very recent invention, the apprehensions it raises are age-old. For aeons, myths, epics, and the great works of literature have asked the same question: Does knowledge always accompany wisdom? Can human beings control the power centres that they create? What happens when human ambition becomes greater than morality?

    In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord God Krishna exhorts Arjuna to do his duty without worrying about the results. In the same way, AI works without desire or personal ambition. It performs tasks and processes information, but has no emotions, ego, or personal goals. The evergreen lesson of the Gita reminds us that power should always be guided by responsibility and moral values.

    Mythology offers many such lessons. In the story of Bhasmasura, Lord Shiva grants a boon that allows Bhasmasura to burn anyone to ashes by just touching their head. Instead of using this power wisely, Bhasmasura becomes arrogant and even tries to use it against Shiva himself. In the end, he destroys himself. The story shows that power without wisdom can lead to disaster. AI can be beneficial or harmful depending on how it is used.

    The story of Ravana teaches a similar lesson. Ravana was highly intelligent, powerful, and devoted, but his pride and arrogance led to his downfall. His abilities did not make him evil; rather, they magnified the flaws already present within him. AI can also magnify human fancies. If people use it with good intentions, it can help society. If they use it carelessly or selfishly, it can create disasters.

    The same concern is there in the literature. In the epic poem Beowulf, the hero defeats monster Grendel not because he is strong but because he uses his strength for a noble purpose. This teaches us that power alone is not enough. It must be guided by wisdom and good intentions. AI is also a powerful tool, but its potency depends on how human beings choose to use it.

    In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein creates a life but refuses to take responsibility. The creature is not born evil. It becomes dangerous because it is abandoned and neglected. The novel teaches that creators must accept responsibility for what they create. This lesson is especially relevant today because AI systems are also created by humans and reflect human decisions, values, and mistakes.

    In Goethe’s Faust, the main character seeks unlimited knowledge and power. His desire becomes so strong that he crosses moral boundaries. The story warns that the pursuit of knowledge without ethical values can be disastrous. AI gives humanity access to enormous amounts of knowledge and information, but knowledge alone does not guarantee wisdom.

    Modern classics continue with these warnings. George Orwell’s 1984 describes a society where surveillance and control limit individual freedom. Today, some people fear that AI could be used in similar ways through data collection and monitoring. Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World presents a society where people are controlled through comfort, pleasure, and technology. It reminds us that efficiency and convenience should never replace human freedom and individuality.

    William Shakespeare’s The Tempest offers another important example. Prospero uses his magical powers to control people and events around him. His power is not good or bad by itself; its value depends on how he uses it. AI is similar. It is a powerful tool, and its impact depends largely on the intentions of those who control it.

    People have often feared new technologies. The famous American composer John Philip Sousa worried that recorded music would stop people from singing. Yet music became more popular than ever. Similarly, computers can now play chess better than the world’s best human players, but people still enjoy playing chess because it is a creative and enjoyable activity.

    Today, AI creates both excitement and concern. Some people believe it will solve major problems and improve life, including cancer detection and treatment, while others fear it may take away jobs or create new risks. The truth is likely to be somewhere between these two extremes. AI will certainly change many aspects of society, but its full impact is still difficult to predict. AI will also clash with plagiarism.

    Therefore, the real similarity between AI, mythology, and literary classics lies in their exploration of human nature. All of them remind us that power, knowledge, and innovation must be balanced by wisdom, responsibility, and ethical values. The greatest danger is not the technology itself but the possibility that human ambition may outpace human virtue. The future of AI will depend not only on how intelligent machines become, but also on how wisely human beings choose to use them.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Like it and Share it

*

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

***