“In our lifetime, we live by brain, heart, courage, and home.”
— The Wizard of Oz
Spiritual Wisdom vs. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
About 30 years ago, I took an Artificial Intelligence (AI) course as a project requirement at work. On the first day of class, the professor engaged us in a discussion about the theory of intelligence and asked us to write a short essay on wisdom. I described wisdom as an invisible force—something not seen by the eyes, not heard by the ears, and not measurable on a nominal scale. Yet, it is crucial for the growth of a human being’s body, mind, and soul. Wisdom excels at problem-solving and fostering innovation. I concluded that AI and wisdom are incomparable and emphasized that without refined cognitive abilities, AI’s impacts would never surpass human accomplishments. My essay resonated with the professor, who later shared it with the entire class for their insights.
Years have passed since then, transforming me from an energetic young woman into a dignified grandmother. After changing jobs, my understanding of AI remained limited to that one course and a medical diagnosis program assignment. However, AI has advanced exponentially, profoundly changing our mindsets and lives, especially in how we interact with one another. This transformation is irreversible.
I remember a moment when I struggled with my smartphone, and my four-year-old granddaughter, with her tiny finger, effortlessly guided me through it, offering her help. Her radiant smile hinted at an uncharted future, one where technology becomes second nature.
AI has the ability to transcend human limitations of time and space, achieving feats far beyond our capabilities. As we age, our brain cells decline, and our memory deteriorates—these are the laws of human nature. However, computers, as machines, can be repaired, replaced, and continually enhanced. Their processing speed and accuracy far surpass human abilities. Non-living robots have gradually replaced many human functions, and while their contributions are significant, the potential negative impacts remain unknown. If we, as humans, cannot control technology, we risk being manipulated by it. Today, many people cannot imagine life without WiFi, the internet, and mobile phones.
This reminds me of the children’s movie The Wizard of Oz, where we indulge in the magic of make-believe. The Scarecrow gains a brain, the Tin Man receives a heart, the Cowardly Lion finds courage, and dreams come true over the rainbow. When the Scarecrow wishes for intelligence, the wizard imparts wisdom, telling him, “You don’t need another brain; you already have one. You can learn new things every day. Experience brings knowledge. Maintain your curiosity and learn humbly.” To the Tin Man, who yearns for a heart, the wizard says, “Heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.” To the Cowardly Lion, the wizard offers, “True courage is facing danger while you are afraid. You already possess that in abundance.” Finally, to the lost girl yearning for home, the Wizard advises, “Persist and never give up. Your dreams are in your backyard; you have never lost them.”
Life is a journey, not just a destination. Along this journey, we seek a wise brain to guide us forward. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” Proverbs 1:7, and “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding,” Proverbs 3:5. The Book of Proverbs extols wisdom and the correct application of knowledge. We need to both love and be loved. “We love because God first loved us” (1 John 4:19). God’s love empowers us to accept others and love ourselves.
This year has been extraordinary, marked by numerous natural disasters. We’ve come to realize that advanced technology cannot control the universe, and flawless AI cannot resolve the primitive sins of mankind. This world belongs to God. A profound understanding of this truth comes from experiencing it firsthand. Wisdom, love, courage, and friendship can only be achieved by returning to our spiritual home—our eternal home. The good witch of Oz said, “If you want to find the wizard, just follow the yellow brick road. Remember to keep the magical red shoes.” Perhaps we can follow the Lord’s footsteps and remember to read the Bible. May God’s word be a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path.