The Enduring Resilience of Human Creativity in the Age of AI
In the not-so-distant past, concerns arose that professional chess, as we knew it, was on the brink of obsolescence. The advent of IBM’s Deep Blue, which defeated then-world champion Garry Kasparov, left many questioning the relevance of human players. With machines continually improving, it seemed inevitable that we would be left in awe of chess-playing machines that transcended human comprehension.
However, that future did not come to pass. Machines did become stronger, but humans persisted in playing and watching human vs. human chess matches. The appeal of chess engines like Deep Blue and Stockfish, while formidable, was marred by their cold, calculating nature. They lacked the spark of human genius, resulting in a dearth of insight and inventiveness.
Fast forward to circa 2020, a time when AI, exemplified by AlphaZero, began to play chess with an uncanny creativity and intuition. The New York Times described AlphaZero’s style as “romantic” and “attacking,” raising questions about what humans could bring to the game. Yet again, humans continued to enjoy chess, if not more so, and AI only served to enhance our overall chess experience.
Given this evidence, it begs the question: Why do we fear that AI will render human creativity obsolete in fields such as writing and artistry? Will AI, which may someday write better than Shakespeare or paint better than da Vinci, truly mark the end of human creativity? As we explore this notion, we must confront our unease about an impending loss.
However, this fear appears unfounded when we consider that in the domain where AI has undoubtedly surpassed humans, we still relish human involvement — chess. Surprisingly, chess is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. While online competition could partly explain this trend, the fact remains that humans are no longer the best chess players, yet our fascination with the game endures.
This paradox of AI-driven obsolescence of human creativity is intriguing. Looking ahead, it seems inevitable, but in hindsight, it appears nonexistent. One explanation could be our affinity for imperfection. AI, while impressive, is constantly striving for a kind of flawlessness that is too alien and artificial for us. We prefer witnessing humans, despite their flaws, engage in activities that generate suspense, excitement, and the anticipation of the unexpected.
This preference for the human touch extends to writing and artistry, particularly when the goal is to entertain, surprise, and engage. A personal essay by a fellow human with relatable experiences and emotions often resonates more deeply than something perfectly written. Similarly, art, as Leonardo da Vinci famously said, is “never finished, only abandoned.” Creativity thrives in the space between greatness and perfection.
Yet, there’s more to the story. Humans simply prefer other humans. Our attachment to human endeavors goes beyond a fascination with imperfection; it’s rooted in our innate affinity for our own kind. We find joy in watching world-class athletes, reading essays by brilliant authors, and witnessing chess mastery because they are fellow humans.
When we watch chess mastery play, we subconsciously recognize that players shares the human condition, making us identify with him as our peer. They astound us with his exceptional skills. It’s creates lasting interest and excitement.
Consider another example: a viral artwork generated with the assistance of AI. Initially, people appreciate it, but once they discover its AI origin, they often dismiss it. The reason behind this change in perception lies in the distinct rules governing humans and AIs. AIs, unconstrained by human limitations, are like amoebae, capable of taking any form in our imagination. We appreciate human accomplishments more because they operate within the same rules as us.
This principle extends to other entities, such as animals. We don’t compare Usain Bolt to cheetahs or Michael Phelps to dolphins because they operate under different rules. We enjoy watching humans achieve remarkable feats because they adhere to the same limitations we do.
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Ultimately, AI cannot make humans obsolete because humans possess a unique affinity for one another. We appreciate the shared human experience, with its imperfections and all, more than the pursuit of perfection for its own sake. AI, despite its undeniable capabilities, cannot compete with the fundamental bond between humans. It’s this simple truth that ensures human creativity endures.
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All the best, Aliya!
