Can AI Make Humanity Wiser?
Redefining AI’s Role: From Precision to Power in Decision-Making
AI’s ultimate goal isn’t to deliver perfect answers. The real challenge? Using AI to elevate humanity’s ability to make better decisions. AI shouldn’t just solve problems—it should transform the way we think. Ready to stop settling for answers and start mastering the art of judgment?
Liz B. Baker - Richmond, VA
Cassie Kozyrkov’s article in Medium, “Strawberry’s Paradox: When Perfect Answers Aren’t Enough,” offers an eye-opening perspective:
As AI grows more sophisticated, the real challenge shifts from obtaining perfect answers to mastering the nuances of decision-making.
This is where my philosophy comes into play—I believe AI can transcend its role as a mere tool for efficiency and become a transformative companion that teaches us to become better decision-makers.
An Opportunity to Bridge the Gap
Kozyrkov highlights a critical gap in today’s AI dialogue:
“The more our tools do for us, the less we seem to understand about what we’re really asking them to do.”
This observation resonates deeply, but I see a remarkable opportunity here.
What if AI could help us bridge that gap instead of widening it? By leveraging AI as a coach, we can create personalized, iterative learning experiences that elevate our decision-making abilities.
A Personal Story: From Family Lessons to AI Integration
Growing up, my mother ingrained in me the fundamentals of decision-making: always consider the source, critically analyze information, and compare different perspectives. These are skills that traditionally take years to hone, but AI can expedite this process—guiding us through complex scenarios and helping us cultivate critical thinking.
In fact, I’m already doing this: I’ve set ChatGPT’s custom instructions to help me become a better leader with every interaction. By sharing my ambitions and challenges, I’ve transformed AI into a true thought partner, offering guidance and insights tailored to my needs.
Imagining a New Role for AI
Imagine an AI that not only provides answers but also challenges us to refine our thinking, helps us recognize cognitive biases, and encourages ethical considerations in our choices. An AI that embodies values like compassion, justice, and critical thinking.
This isn’t a far-fetched vision—it’s happening now.
AI, as a thought partner, can help us unlock deeper insights and train us to think more strategically, a skill especially crucial in leadership where judgment can have far-reaching impacts.
Reaching New Heights in Leadership with AI as a Partner
Kozyrkov suggests that the speed of thought might be the ultimate bottleneck for the future of AI. But I believe AI can help us overcome this limitation.
By serving as a thought partner, AI can help us reach insights that were previously beyond our grasp. In leadership, the quality of judgment and decision-making can change the course of organizations and communities.
With AI’s assistance, we can refine our cognitive processes, making decisions that are not only swift but also deeply informed.
AI as a Tool for Human Liberation, Not Just Efficiency
I aspire to use AI not just to augment human capabilities but to empower individuals to achieve both personal and collective excellence. AI can be a tool for liberation, teaching us the best of humanity and fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As Kozyrkov eloquently puts it,
“Leaders, prompting is not new... It’s the art of knowing what you need done.”
With AI as a partner, we can refine this ancient skill—not just for efficiency but for effectiveness and excellence.
Building a Future Where AI Reflects Human Values—But Which Ones?
We can teach AI to reflect the values of compassion, justice, and critical thinking, helping us build a world where technology amplifies our humanity, not just our productivity. This is the future I’m committed to—one where AI is a true partner in our quest for wisdom, understanding, and transformative change.
But the challenge goes beyond the technology itself—it’s rooted in cultural worldviews and ideology.
What I hold sacred—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, along with unalienable rights for all mankind endowed by their Creator—are not universally accepted. My world view is complex, it’s multi-faceted, and it defines my biases (Biases Are Neither All Good Nor All Bad) and the lens through which I see the world. Yet, I am fully aware that these values are not the prevailing ethics in every corner of the globe.
What about regimes that do not hold these truths to be self-evident?
What about powers that seek to oppress and control rather than uplift and empower?
As we develop AI, we must confront these questions head-on.
We must ensure that the systems we create are not just tools, but partners in safeguarding and promoting core values that advance human dignity, freedom, and the potential for every individual to thrive. It’s a monumental task, but it’s a commitment we must uphold if we truly wish to see AI as an ally in building a better, freer, and more just world.
Thanks for Reading!
If you’re passionate about leveraging AI and strategic leadership to drive transformative impact, I’d love to work with you. Here’s how we can collaborate:
Executive Coaching: Ready to unlock your leadership potential? I offer personalized coaching sessions designed to help leaders navigate complex challenges and elevate their decision-making skills. Gen-AI training included.
Workshops & Consulting: From AI strategy to organizational transformation, my workshops and consulting services are tailored to empower your team with the tools and strategies needed for sustainable success.
Speaking Engagements: Looking for a thought-provoking speaker to inspire your audience? I deliver keynotes and talks on the intersection of AI, leadership, and innovation.
Let’s connect and explore how we can shape a future where technology serves humanity. Reach out to me on LinkedIn or visit Nimbology for more details.
Liz B. Baker is the Founder of Nimbology and serves as the Community Engagement Chair on the Board of Directors for AI Ready RVA. She specializes in leadership + AI consulting, driving transformative impact across Fortune 500s, SMBs, nonprofits, and startups. Connect with Liz on LinkedIn to explore how AI can elevate your organization.