Human libraries: Yes, they exist!

Strange yet indigenous that’s what I can say about the idea of setting up human libraries where you can ‘borrow’ humans. Or, you don’t have to take pains to read an entire book to know or understand someone or something. Instead, a person can sit down and explain to you in the most palatable language possible. The concept was devised based on the idea of knowledge sharing which has been around since time immemorial. Simply put, it's a library of people, or it replaces books with people who can kick-start engaging conversations.

Will the concept of ‘human books’ work? It works, says many. The idea first originated in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2000. It soon became a worldwide movement for social change. If you are wondering what is the aim of setting up human libraries, here is the reason why the concept is taking the world by storm – It helps people learn to appreciate and respect others, understand social barriers, learn positivity and hopefulness from human books and human experiences. Australia is the first country to have a permanent human library.

People volunteer to become ‘books’ and make their experiences openly available, especially on topics that are difficult or time-consuming to explain. Or, you get books that speak from the heart. How does it work? If you are wondering how to borrow a ‘human book’’, let me share the information that I gathered from a handful of posts on human libraries. It’s just like any other normal library. You can go through a catalogue, choose a ‘book’ on a certain topic, and get a fixed amount of time with ‘it’ to ask questions freely, and will get honest and interesting answers in return.

It’s been 17 years since the first human library was launched. Today, you can find human libraries in more than 70 countries including the United States. Many believe that human libraries are the next big thing. Wondering why? We need them in today’s polarized world with numerous quick-to-judge people. It’s time to confront stereotypes, get rid of fears, embrace diversity, and feel more secure and forward-looking.

When it comes to sharing a life story, it’s beneficial for both the narrator and listener, or when it’s kind of cathartic for the narrator, the listener gets a good, inspirational, must-remember message.

Can ‘human books’ be more interesting and informative than the printed ones, e-books, and audio books?

Should we fear the rise of Artificial Intelligence?

Aren’t humans the smartest creatures on earth, or are we getting replaced by AI-powered machines? The trepidation of artificial intelligence taking over the world is worrying many people, and some numbers from a recent survey are adding fuel to the fire. AI will outperform humans in just 45 years, that’s the core finding of a recent survey that I read today. 352 machine learning experts were asked to predict the future of AI, and here is what they had to say:

According to the survey, conducted by University of Oxford and Yale University, most of the current jobs are expected to get automated in the next 100 years. From transportation to science, heath, and finance, every aspect of our life will get significantly transformed and reshaped by AI. But when it comes to chances of AI performing all human tasks better than us, the possibility is 50 percent. Will AI create catastrophic outcomes that lead to human extinction? Will humans succumb to machines? There is a miniscule 5% chance, says the survey.

As per the report, AI will outperform humans in many tasks like driving trucks (by 2027), translating languages (by 2024), and writing high school essays (by 2026, and carrying out surgeries (2053). Can robots be trained to drive or perform surgeries? Perhaps yes, but how can they think and write like humans and publish books by 2049 as they survey says? I doubt. That said, artificial intelligence tools can enhance proofreading, but writing from scratch and writing in an interesting and effective manner is something only humans can do.

Everywhere you go; people are talking about automation replacing humans. Admittedly, it is frightening, especially if you have any technique based jobs that AI robots and tools can easily handle.

In short, AI will benefit us in many ways, and pose many challenges as well. Should we fear or hope about the future of AI? I think it should be a mix of both.

AI will definitely eliminate some jobs, but will create new careers as well. AI can revolutionize several areas like security, agriculture, healthcare, and environment. But AI technology cannot match up to the kind of cognitive thought process that humans possess. In other words, AI can never infuse the artistry and unique human abilities to cater to specific or changing needs, or, no AI-powered human-like robot can exist with all versatilities that we possess.

We, humans, can understand and use concepts in permeable ways, tailor an accepted norms to suit a specific need, try related concepts, or brainstorm and find innovative ways and ideas. No AI-powered robots or machines can do all these perfectly.

Can a machine come up with ideas? It can give valuable insights that trigger ideas, but it’s up to us to translate the insights and connect the dots to create a perfect idea. Simply put, we humans will surely have a leg up on AI.

That said, no matter what the impact will be and however fast it will happen, there’s no denying that AI-powered robotics workforces will soon become a reality. But, can they completely surpass humans? I don’t think so.