In an AI world, keep it simple stupid!

Every day AI seems to take on a bigger and bigger bite out of our world. Like many folks, I worry about AI’s power and where it’s taking us. I have concerns about it invading our homes and work. I have to admit though that I’m also excited to see how it can simplify life and dare I say it, even make us more efficient and productive.

Isn’t life all about change?

With that in the back of my mind, I sat scrunched forward listening to the speaker drone on and on about AI. He was brought in to talk about technology and to turn folks skepticism into a willingness to try. He might have had a good message, but I could see that he was starting to lose people. Heck, I was even starting to zone out.

Before I completely lost focus though, he said something surprisingly to the point and full of common sense: when everything becomes more complicated, it’s best to keep things simple.

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What matters most

To make his point, he played a scene from one of my favorite films, the romantic comedy About Time. In the scene, Bill Nighy offers a few quiet words about what truly matters in life. It’s one of my favorite moments in the movie because of its honesty and simplicity.

“I’d only give one piece of advice to anyone marrying. We’re all quite similar in the end. We all get old and tell the same tales too many times. But try and marry someone kind. And this is a kind man with a good heart. I’m not particularly proud of many things in my life, but I am very proud to be the father of my son.” 

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If you’re gonna be anything, be kind

In a world consumed by innovation, speed, and cold technology, the message from Nighy’s character feels even more meaningful. Technology may continue to reshape how we work and live, but the virtues and qualities that matter most in life remain unchanged. Kindness, love, humility, and genuine human connection still define a good life.

That simple reminder has value not only in working with AI, but in living a life well lived. At least to me.

What’s this mean for AI? Hell, I have no idea. Your guess is as good as mine, but here’s to kindness, simplicity and keeping things real. They make a big difference.

In this changing world, what matters most to you? What qualities have taken on even more importance for you?