Aamir Khan and Yuval Noah Harari at the event. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Yuval Noah Harari, renowned historian and author of books like ‘Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind’ and ‘Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow’, on Saturday talked about his latest book ‘Nexus: A Brief History of Information’. of. Networks from the Stone Age to AI in a compelling discussion with Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan.
Organized by Crossword Bookstores in association with Penguin Random House India at The Lalit Mumbai, the event was moderated by psychiatrist Dr Rajesh Parikh.
The discussion discussed the profound effects of technological progress on humanity, examining the complex interplay between biology, technology, and consciousness. Speaking about the impact of Artificial Intelligence on human creativity, social dynamics and ethical framework, Aamir said, “Humanity has the power to create, preserve and destroy – represented by Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh in Indian philosophy. Today, we are headed towards destruction, as uncontrolled consumption drives ecological collapse.
“Unlike animals who live in harmony with nature, we have exploited it at great cost. Still, we can choose Vishnu – the path of sustenance. By redefining progress to nurture and protect life, we can become stewards of the Earth, ensuring it continues to thrive for generations to come. The true challenge lies in our choice to survive,” he said.
Yuval Noah Harari said that the future is shaped by today’s choices and that advances like AI have the potential to change lives. “Yet, this power is concentrated in a few hands, threatening global imbalances. To ensure that AI benefits everyone, we need diverse voices guiding its development. My mission is to raise awareness of the vast opportunities and threats of this revolution, empowering humanity to make informed decisions. Together, we can create a future of cooperation, knowledge and hope for generations to come,” he said.
The program concluded with an interesting question and answer session. Meanwhile, Akash Gupta, CEO of Crossword Bookstores, expressed his gratitude for organizing the event. “It is a privilege to host a conversation between two visionaries, Yuval Noah Harari and Aamir Khan, which reflects our commitment to fostering intellectual discourse and a vibrant reading culture in India. This evening promises to be a celebration of knowledge, creativity and the power of storytelling,” he said in a statement.
Yuval Noah Harari’s ‘Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI’ is now available at all crossword bookstores
published – December 08, 2024 02:47 PM IST
