When transitions intensify and accelerate, new seminal voices appear. For AI, that’s Ethan Mollick, a professor of management at Wharton. He takes a clear-eyed look at how this new technology is changing our lives and how we can best adapt. Avoiding the hype and focusing on the practical, Mollick outlines a path that everyone can benefit from. His book (more details here and below), as well as his blog One Useful Thing, is very much worth the read.
Ethan Mollick’s “Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI” is a fascinating exploration of how AI can enhance our professional and personal lives. Mollick encourages us to see AI not just as a tool, but as a partner—a co-worker, co-teacher, and coach. He uses numerous real-world examples to show the profound impact AI can have on business and education, making the case for why we need to master the art of working alongside smart machines.
Mollick’s approach is both optimistic and realistic. He recognizes AI’s immense potential while urging us to stay grounded and ethical in its application. He stresses the importance of maintaining our human identity and judgment even as we embrace AI’s capabilities. His writing is engaging and thought-provoking, offering a clear vision of how AI can help us create a better future without overshadowing our humanity.
Central to Mollick’s message is the idea of “co-intelligence”—working in harmony with AI to boost our productivity and creativity. He envisions a future where AI not only takes over mundane tasks but also inspires innovation and strategic thinking. His practical advice is aimed at helping individuals and organizations thrive in this new era of AI integration.
Mollick outlines four key rules for effective co-intelligence:
- Always invite AI to the table: Include AI in your processes, experimenting to find where it excels and where it needs human support.
- Be the human in the loop: Keep yourself involved in AI-driven processes. Your guidance and oversight are crucial, even as AI becomes more autonomous.
- Treat AI like a person (but tell it what kind of person it is): Interact with AI as if it were an alien person. Assigning it a persona can make working with AI more intuitive and productive.
- Assume this is the worst AI you will ever use: Recognize AI’s current limitations as temporary. Stay open to advancements and continually adapt to new developments.
These principles are about fostering a collaborative relationship with AI, ensuring it serves as a valuable partner in achieving our goals. Mollick’s insights provide a practical and hopeful roadmap for navigating the complex world of AI, making his book a must-read for anyone looking to embrace the future with confidence and curiosity.
For more details on Ethan Mollick’s “Co-Intelligence,” you can check the sources here and here.