AGI – Embracing Technology Without Losing Humanity

The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do.

By Ashutosh Kumar

Just a few years ago, it was nearly unimaginable to see AI-driven robots on production lines, AI-powered chatbots revolutionizing enterprises, or large language models (LLMs) becoming part of everyday life. The tech revolution has certainly unleashed AI’s potential, delivering advancements with unprecedented scale and efficiency. But what needs to be seen is can the human ingenuity drive a notch up to make Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) a reality.

For the nonstarters, the much-hyped AGI depicted as an AI tool, powered with the magic of human cognition, has sparked both excitement and skepticism. On one hand, it promises a revolutionary leap, automating tasks with ease and transforming industries. On the other hand, it has met with criticism as well. As industries face potential shutdowns, professionals worry about job displacement, governments grapple with data privacy and surveillance issues, and individuals are anxious about the pervasive intrusion of technology into personal space.

Unlocking AGI: The Role Of LLMS Shaping The Future

Despite the mixed response, there is a growing acceptance of AI usage, as the upside seems to be a lot more lucrative. The purported AGI models are expected to replicate human-like intelligence that can handle any task independent of any intervention. A significant step towards that direction is the discovery of Large Language Models (LLM) based on advanced machine learning models such as GPT-3, GPT-4 or Meta AI or Gemini or the upcoming Grok1-4 that are programmed to understand and generate human language through textual, audio and visual means.

LLMs are trained on a huge volume of data ranging between a million and billions of parameters. No wonder, in most of the cases such models function like a universal human cognition, replying to every question on any topic with greater speed and precision, which is free to use and simple to grasp.

Gauging the speed and accuracy at which AI models are being trained, on global datasets that vividly represent the pattern of human cognition, it’s only a matter of time (maybe another 50 or 20 or 10 years) that an integrative model can mimic the collective human cognition. It might be a great idea to have a robot assistant on call providing prompts knowing exactly when you’re hungry, ordering the exact quality and quantity of food required as per your diet plan, and place a delivery order online. 

AGI’S Impact: Routing From Routine To Reflection And Purposeful Living

Right of the bat, clerical and repetitive jobs can be performed at ease by AI. A lot of man hours will be released as AI takes over such tasks. Perhaps the real problem confronting anyone regarding the rise of AGI is the insecurity one feels deep within. Maybe it’s time to return to the drawing board—to relearn, upskill, and pivot! The rise of AI might be a wake-up call for humanity to rethink common lifestyle choices: taking a job just to make ends meet instead of adding value to the marketplace, choosing a career because it’s popular rather than following one’s true interests, spending idle time scrolling instead of building productive habits—and the list continues.

The rise of AI and the future AGI would shake people from the slumber of sleepwalking through life, because the (job) risk is imminent. To pivot from existing to living, one must take a break from the busyness of life and find space for deep self-reflection. That’s when we can craft a meaningful life driven by the spirit to contribute, devise means to harness our innate and inherent talents. 

The greatest fear as humanity we should have is not that robots would one day replace all of the global workforce; that might as well be the case to a significant degree—perhaps the futuristic new normal. The more insidious danger lies in how AGI could potentially manipulate and exploit the already distracted and fragmented human mind. This risk represents a potential crisis where the balance of power shifts dangerously towards a few entities with immense data and control—like major tech companies (such as Open AI or Google’s Gemini—who could wield AGI to influence, distort, or control public thought and opinion.

This isn’t a speculative fear; it is an emerging reality. Historical instances illustrate this threat vividly:

· Election Manipulation: During the 2019 American elections, AI-driven tools were used to spread misinformation, impacting voter perceptions and potentially swaying election outcomes.

· Historical Fabrication: Google Gemini’s manipulation of historical facts demonstrates how AI can distort our understanding of past events, further complicating our grasp of reality.

· Cultural Influences: The rise of movements like “wokeism,” influenced by digital algorithms, shows how AGI-driven platforms can shape and sometimes polarize social and cultural narratives.

These examples highlight the danger of AGI systems being used not just for automation or efficiency but as tools for profound psychological and societal manipulation. If AGI systems are not governed by rigorous ethical standards and transparency, there is a risk that they could become instruments of control and coercion, deeply affecting individual autonomy and democratic processes.

The focus must, therefore, be on developing AGI with a robust ethical framework to prevent it from becoming a means of control by a select few. Ensuring that AGI advancements are aligned with principles of fairness, accountability, and transparency is crucial in preserving the integrity of human thought and society.

Synergy Or Sacrifice? The Role Of Human Values In Shaping AGI’S Impact

Our day-to-day life will not be the same once AGI takes the center stage of human civilization. But the pertinent question that needs to be asked is, are we willing to sacrifice human ingenuity, creativity, aspirations, quest for inner connection at the altar of AGI? Or are we willing to optimize our functioning by leveraging the power of technology?

Relying entirely on AGI systems for critical thinking, questioning, and analysis can lead to significant challenges, especially the risk of widespread misinformation. AGI, while powerful, lacks the nuanced understanding and ethical considerations that are intrinsic to human judgment. Therefore, it is crucial that AGI programming be guided by foundational values such as transparency, honesty, and impartiality. These principles ensure that AGI systems prioritize truth over the often-tempting allure of social approval, and they acknowledge the inherent limitations in delivering absolute answers.

Incorporating these human-centered values into AGI fosters a partnership where technology and humanity complement each other. AGI can excel in processing vast amounts of data and offering solutions to complex problems, but it is human wisdom that provides the necessary context, moral guidance, and ethical oversight. This synergy creates a more dynamic and engaging world, where technology enhances human decision-making rather than replacing it. By doing so, we can navigate the complexities of our world with greater clarity and integrity, ensuring that AGI remains a tool for positive progress rather than a source of unchecked power.

Learning From The Past – For Guidance Ahead

In the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, the ace archer Arjuna wielded the brahmastra, a weapon of unparalleled power, often regarded as more formidable than today’s nuclear weapons. This weapon, programmed through sacred mantras, was capable of self-propelling toward its target, continually mapping the landscape to ensure destruction. Yet, the brahmastra wasn’t a mindless tool; it required the archer’s intervention. Arjuna, or the “programmer” in modern terms, could withdraw the brahmastra mid-flight if needed. However, if the target wasn’t hit and if the archer failed to recall the weapon, it would turn against the archer, claiming their life. This ancient narrative offers a powerful metaphor for the risks associated with AGI. If humans fail to monitor and control AGI’s autonomous functions, the very technology we create could turn against us.

Recent incidents involving AI—such as failures in driverless cars, ethnic biases in medical diagnoses, and deadly crashes linked to automation failures in flights—highlight the very real dangers of unchecked technology. These incidents serve as warnings that, despite the promises of AGI, there is a need for caution in its everyday usage.

In the context of ancient technologies, invoking the brahmastra wasn’t so simple to acquire. It required the archer to lead a disciplined, spartan lifestyle, cultivating both spiritual and intellectual capabilities to wield such divine technology responsibly. Similarly, the advancement of AI and AGI is not an ordinary achievement. These mechanical technologies possess the potential to impact humanity and nature on a scale never imagined. In a world where lifestyles are increasingly distracted by an overstimulated digital environment, the unchecked freedom to access and deploy powerful technologies can have disastrous consequences, particularly for younger generations. Therefore, it’s critical that we approach the use of such technology with a sense of responsibility and discretion.

This is reminiscent of the profound remark made by J. Robert Oppenheimer after witnessing the first successful nuclear test at the Manhattan Project. Quoting the Bhagavad-gita (11.32), he said, kalo ’smi lokah kshaya-krit pravriddhah: “Time I am, the destroyer of the worlds.” Oppenheimer’s reflection on the destructive power of nuclear technology underscores the dangers of premature curiosity and the reckless pursuit of external power without a deeper understanding of its implications.

Spiritual Wisdom Guiding Technological Curiosity

To channelize our curiosity toward positive outcomes, we must develop a comprehensive understanding of our existence, encompassing functional, philosophical, and spiritual dimensions. Functionally, we are driven by an innate desire to act in the world, as noted in ancient wisdom texts like the Bhagavad-gita (7.2). The underlying philosophy guiding these actions is the pursuit of significance through meaningful work. However, when we delve deeper into our motivations, we find that the ultimate drive is to serve—a desire that is rooted in spiritual wisdom. This wisdom suggests that at our core, we are all wired to serve a higher purpose, often interpreted as a divine calling.

When this quest for service is misdirected, it can lead to selfish pursuits such as power or status and the use of unethical means to achieve them. Spiritual wisdom, therefore, provides the guardrails of humility and responsibility, guiding our curiosity and innovation in a way that benefits humanity. It encourages us to transcend the narrow mindset of “me and mine” and to focus on the broader, eternal aspects of existence, as highlighted in the Gita (13.32)—a perspective that recognizes life’s continuity beyond the physical body.

This spiritual vision is essential as we navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AGI and other advanced technologies. Without it, our advancements could lead to net-negative outcomes, driven by a vulnerable mindset prone to exploitation and manipulation. By grounding our technological pursuits in a deeper understanding of our purpose and responsibilities, we can harness the power of AGI to create a future that is not only innovative but also aligned with the greater good of humanity.


Ashutosh Patnaik is a senior associate working in an MNC. He holds a master’s degree in finance. Besides work, he is an avid reader and writer in the genre of contemporary-cum-devotional subjects and a frequent contributor to BTG.