5 Abilities to Survive in the AI Era, According to a Neuroscientist | Professor Kim Dae-sik's 5 Classic Book Recommendations

Professor Kim Dae-sik introduces Homer's Odyssey as a primary recommendation for understanding humanity in the AI era. Odysseus's ten-year journey home after the Trojan War, filled with unpredictable challenges and unknown territories, symbolizes humanity's current trajectory into the uncertain future of AI. The professor emphasizes that like Odysseus, who possessed remarkable flexibility and resilience, humans in the AI age need these qualities to navigate an unpredictable world. Odysseus's journey signifies that the process, not just the destination, holds the true meaning of life.

The second recommendation, Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot, explores the human condition of waiting for an entity that never arrives. This play resonates with the idea that humans, unlike animals, can create their own 'Godot' or goals, which can be a source of both greatness and unhappiness. The discussion highlights the importance of one's attitude while waiting and how the absence of a clear destination compels individuals to find meaning in the process. It emphasizes that setting personal goals and having something to look forward to is a unique human ability.

Max Frisch's Homo Faber is presented as a critique of excessive rationalism and technological hubris. The protagonist, an engineer who explains everything through mathematics and probability, embodies the Silicon Valley mindset that believes all problems can be solved through technology. Professor Kim warns that this perspective, which often dismisses the human element and societal impact, is dangerous in the AI era. He points out that creating AI based solely on cold logic could lead to a machine intelligence that lacks empathy for human struggles, emphasizing the need for humility and a broader understanding beyond technical solutions.

Borges' Fictions, particularly the story 'The Library of Babel,' challenges our perception of reality, suggesting that everything, including our experiences, might be a simulation or a fabricated narrative. The discussion extends to the simulation hypothesis, where our existence might be a copy rather than an original. This book prompts a reflection on whether we are mere NPCs (Non-Player Characters) or active players in our lives. Professor Kim stresses that recognizing others as 'players' with their own rich inner worlds, rather than treating them as NPCs, is crucial for fostering empathy and building a humane society, especially in an age of rampant fake news.

Concluding the recommendations is Homer's Iliad, which begins with Achilles' rage. Professor Kim links this ancient tale to contemporary society, especially in South Korea, where anger is often expressed through the misfortune of others. He argues that this often leads to a 'coliseum' mentality, where people derive satisfaction from the downfalls of public figures. However, the Iliad offers a different solution through Achilles' eventual act of compassion towards King Priam. This act of empathy, recognizing the shared humanity and sorrow, is presented as an alternative to endless cycles of vengeance and a crucial lesson for navigating our anger constructively in the AI era.