Thinking will become a hobby

The task of writing about AI's impact on human thought has proven challenging for the author, who fears the implications. Over time, AI systems have demonstrated remarkable progress. In early 2022, ChatGPT's initial release was plagued by errors, such as incorrectly counting the number of 'a's in the author's name. However, by 2026, OpenAI had released advanced AI models capable of solving numerous complex math problems.

The author views arguments defending human thought's superiority, particularly those citing hallucinations or bias, as akin to a last stand. In most cognitive tasks, AI is poised to overtake humans. Three factors fuel AI's dominance: improved performance, reduced cost, and increased availability. AI's capabilities span perception, knowledge processing, creation, reasoning, judgment, and autonomous action.

Simultaneously, human proficiency in essential information-processing skills is declining, especially among students. Consequently, AI systems now outperform humans in an expanding array of tasks. The decreasing cost of AI models, due to substantial investments and scientific advancements, makes it financially sensible to replace or augment human labor with AI across various activities.

Moreover, AI operates continuously, 24/7, and can help address labor shortages caused by demographic shifts or skill gaps. The forthcoming trillions of dollars in data center investments through 2030 are expected to augment AI's processing capacity further. As past technological revolutions have shown, there will be significant resistance to AI replacing cognitive work.

This resistance will likely be fiercer, as AI challenges knowledge workers with specialized expertise, control over information, and decision-making authority. Governments may attempt to mitigate AI's impact through regulation and taxation, but these measures have not halted prior revolutions, so they are unlikely to succeed now.

The author contemplates the future of human thought, suggesting it will diminish as cognitive work becomes a leisure activity. Just as hunting, calligraphy, woodworking, and horse riding transformed from necessities to leisure post-digitalization, AI will decouple human thinking from economic necessity. The author concludes by emphasizing the need to adapt to this transition, build AI-driven world, and find purpose and fulfillment beyond work.