Tag: Hope

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What do you think is the future of AI?

I remember the first short story we examined in the English class at age 11. It was called, “Who Can Replace A Man?”

It’s a 1984, big brother, animal farm type story in which the automated farm machinery decide to rebel against the big central corporate computer that controls them. They set off on a journey through towns, hills and valleys, building confidence along the way.

As they near their destination they encounter a man, the only human mentioned in the story.

The man taps a few keys on their control panels, and they forget their quest and go back to what they’re good at – farming.

AI is a tool. Yes, it may cause big problems. But there’s always an ‘Off Switch’.

The Gift of Ice Cream

What’s a moment when a stranger completely restored your faith in people?

I’d taken my two teenage kids out for a meal. While we were waiting for our meal to be prepared we got talking with an older couple on the next table.

To be fair, my children are as frustrating as any others at home. But I’m proud of how polite they are outside. So, they got talking to this couple very politely, especially noting the ice cream sundaes that the couple were enjoying!

The couple paid and left while we were eating.

When we had finished, the children both commented that they were full and ready to leave. I went to the counter to pay and the waitress said, “Oh. The gentleman on the next table was so impressed with your children that he paid for ice cream sundaes for them.”

The children ate and enjoyed the ice cream.

And I learned that there are still good people out there.

Never Be Anxious

What’s a quote that perfectly describes your outlook on life?

Never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles.

It’s not always easy to live by this principle, but it gets me through most days.

Letting Go

What is your favorite quote?

Letting go of the pain is not about forgetting the past; it’s about remembering the future.