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.” 

Image by Pexels.

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?

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44 thoughts on “In an AI world, keep it simple stupid!”

    1. There are different variations of AI. I have issues where it’s confusing images or content to make it look like a person. But I’ve been a fan of some of the editing capabilities and where it’s helping me find some of my own files and data. Like most things, the devil is in the details.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I see, thanks Brian. My thing is never using AI in photography. That’s flat out cheating, there is no skill involved. But I do not like being fooled to see a photo of a person or people that is fake.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Kindness matters more than ever. The world keeps changing, but a good heart, real connection, and faith in God will always matter most.

    Liked by 3 people

  4. I see pros and cons for AI even though I was raised in the 1940’s and 50s. I thought computer technology was going to be the death of life as we knew it and in many cases it was. With change comes challenge. If we allow things to grab control of our minds, our dreams, our hopes and our faith, we are doomed, but great things can happen with new ideas and change. I guess we have to keep an open mind.

    Liked by 2 people

  6. I’ve never seen About Time, but I like the quote about finding someone who is kind. And your takeaway is just brilliant: Technology may continue to reshape how we work and live, but… Kindness, love, humility, and genuine human connection still define a good life.

    I’ve been required to adopt AI in my work and have mixed feelings, but I think you’ve presented the perfect way to approach it. Thanks, Brian.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes, agreed! I think some people will use AI as a crutch and others will use it as a lever, and I think that will make a difference. My boss was showing me use cases the other day, and it seems like AI may be able to help alleviate some of the tedious work, such as comparing two versions of a long file to identify changes. I think we just need to be smart and intentional with adoption.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Great line from the movie, Brian. AI can help keep things simple for sure. We used it to analyze data and propose a letter to our taxing district to fight a property tax increase. The bot not only found the best strategy but found an illegal move by the district. The result was a 38 % reduction in the tax base.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I am skeptical over AI too, but just today, I used it to suggest some social media topics or prompts for work, since I was stuck in a creative rut. I hate to admit it, but one of the ideas was so good, I took it and ran with it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s kind of like Star Wars and the force. In the hands of a Jedi master, it can be used for good. In the hands of Darth Vader …. Dun dun dun duh-da dun duh-da dun, all hell will be let loose. Ha ha. The force is strong with you. May the force be with you young padawan. ⭐️😎😎😎

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Hear hear to kindness, simplicity and keeping things real! These are the qualities that matter most to me too assuming keeping things real is the same as authenticity. I’ll also add generosity and curiosity.

    I’m still on the fence about AI and use it sparingly. I’m both intrigued and somewhat scared of it. I appreciate discussions about it. Thanks.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, I’m similar. Intrigued and scared. But, I saw what happened to those who were scared of the internet (newspapers.) They got decimated. They could have been a part of something great but put their head in the sand. I don’t want to be like that!

      Liked by 1 person

  11. As someone currently working in the AI literacy space, I definitely agree with you – where AI will add value is in simplifying our lives and the repetitive low-value tasks and free up time for higher value tasks. The key is to always keep the human at the centre of it. I do see AI like other major technological shifts that preceded it, like the Internet and social media, and the companies that succeed in the long run will be those that add value in simplifying lives for everyone.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Oh, what a wise post that cuts through so much of the hype, Brian!! I love, “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.” Yes, yes, yes!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m becoming a bigger proponent of AI … but the weird thing to me is that — at the same time, I’m becoming a bigger advocate for always remembering the people side of work, home, and life in general! Kind of ironic to me! 😎😎😎

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  14. Aside from love and kindness, relationships are so important to me. I value genuine connection. I used AI only for grammar. I love simplicity always. Beautiful piece, Brian

    Liked by 1 person

  17. AI is bringing a lot of progress. My only concern right now is Meta and their new smart glasses. I don’t trust that company, and wearing those glasses is going to be dangerous for privacy, in my opinion. We definitely need to be smart about how we interact with AI. The clip was powerful! I hope you have a great weekend, Brian.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Yes, AI is here. I feel like it leaped from Pandora’s box a bit before we were ready for it. It brings so much wonderful potential for good, but equally, if not more potential for evil.

    Liked by 1 person

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