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Harari warns against handing humanity’s future to AI

The bestselling historian argues that economic and political risks demand caution, urging that society not rely entirely on clever machines.

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Owen Mercer
Markets and Finance Editor
Published
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Source: The Economist · View original source
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Bestselling historian Yuval Noah Harari has issued a cautionary warning regarding the trajectory of artificial intelligence, arguing that humanity must not entrust its future to clever machines.

Harari’s comments, published by The Economist, highlight the significant economic and political risks associated with the rapid advancement of AI technology.

The historian’s perspective positions the debate around AI as a critical issue for investors and policymakers alike, suggesting that the technology’s impact extends beyond mere technological capability.

By emphasising the dangers of over-reliance, Harari suggests that the integration of AI into society requires careful management to avoid unforeseen consequences.

The warning underscores a growing concern that the benefits of AI may be overshadowed by structural vulnerabilities in both markets and governance.

While the specific details of these risks are not fully elaborated in the initial report, the core message remains that human agency must remain central to decision-making processes.

This view adds to the broader discourse on how institutions and individuals should navigate the perils of an increasingly automated world.

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