Historian and renowned author Yuval Noah Harari recently issued a thought-provoking warning at the World Economic Forum about the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI). According to Harari, AI is poised to revolutionize language, legal systems, and religion—elements deeply rooted in the fabric of human civilization. As nations grapple with advancements in AI, Harari stresses the need for proactive legal frameworks to manage its far-reaching implications.
Language: Humanity’s Superpower at Risk
During his speech, Harari underscored how language has been humanity’s defining ‘superpower,’ enabling global cooperation and cultural development. “Humans took over the world not because we are the strongest physically, but because we discovered how to use words,” he stated. However, AI’s ability to process, synthesize, and generate text at scale challenges this unique strength, potentially giving machines dominion over these foundational systems.
AI and the Legal System
Harari warned that since most laws are constructed from language, AI’s capability to interpret and create legal documents could reshape the entire legal profession. “If laws are made of words, then AI will take over the legal system,” he explained. This raises questions about AI’s authority and whether governments should grant it legal personhood—a step some states like Utah, Idaho, and North Dakota have already rejected.
Religious Implications of AI
Religions that extensively rely on sacred texts, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, may also face disruptions, Harari noted. AI could become the ultimate interpreter of scripture, potentially altering the way faith traditions are practiced or understood. This risks turning AI into an authoritative figure in domains traditionally governed by human moral and spiritual judgment.
Calls for Immediate Action
Harari emphasized the urgency of instituting laws and ethical guidelines surrounding AI now, as waiting too long could allow technology companies or other entities to make unilateral decisions. “Ten years from now, it will be too late for you to decide whether AIs should function as persons in the financial markets, in the courts, in the churches. Somebody else will already have decided it for you,” he warned.
The Debate Continues
While Harari’s propositions resonate with some, others, such as linguist Professor Emily M. Bender from the University of Washington, advocate for caution. Bender argues that the concept of ‘artificial intelligence’ lacks coherence, serving more as a marketing term than a legitimate technological category. She expressed concern over the potential misuse of AI-generated outputs that may appear credible but lack accountability.
Bender emphasized a critical question: “What is the purpose of something that can imitate professionals such as doctors, lawyers, or clergy? The purpose there is fraud. Period.” She believes the key risk lies in how people internalize and act upon machine-generated outputs falsely perceived as authoritative.
AI: The Next Frontier for Humanity
As AI systems like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard continue to advance, industries are already seeing its integration in tasks such as customer service, content generation, and even financial management. For those interested in exploring AI responsibly, tools like Artificial Intelligence Platform Pro, designed for business ethics and compliance, could help navigate these challenges effectively.
The discussion around AI’s future isn’t just about technology; it’s about humanity’s role in shaping its path. As Harari rightly warns, the time to address these issues is now, before we relinquish control over vital aspects of our society to autonomous systems.
