In the realm of human existence, where technology and tradition intertwine, the question of what makes us human takes on a new dimension. This is not merely a philosophical inquiry but a practical one, especially in the face of rapidly evolving AI capabilities. I had the privilege of engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with Professor Hideo Mabuchi, a physicist and ceramicist, who offered a unique perspective on this question. What makes us human, he posits, is not just about our intellectual prowess or physical capabilities, but our ability to engage in the creative process, to make as a form of searching, and to find our own voice through craft.
Mabuchi's journey into the intersection of physics and ceramics is a testament to the power of curiosity and the importance of the arts. He explains that the creative cycle, which involves seeking, making, relating, reflecting, teaching, and writing, is a process that allows us to discover and shape our understanding of the world. This cycle is not just about the final product but the journey itself, the friction that forms the clay, and the balance that must be struck during the throwing of clay.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Mabuchi's work is his ability to bridge the gap between the hard sciences and the arts. He explains that the study of electron microscopy has contributed to his understanding of woodfire ceramics surfaces, revealing the link between surface color formation and igneous petrology and volcanology. This is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary thinking and the importance of the arts in shaping our understanding of the world.
However, Mabuchi's perspective on AI is particularly intriguing. He suggests that the advent of capable AI should spur us to rethink the 'human' in terms of what makes us so much more than machines and what makes living about so much more than conventional economic productivity. In a Darwinian race of finding the remaining niches that will allow us to survive whatever comes out of this AI arms race, Mabuchi believes that we must rediscover our humanity in the face of AI.
What makes us human, Mabuchi posits, is not just our intellectual prowess or physical capabilities, but our ability to engage in the creative process, to make as a form of searching, and to find our own voice through craft. This is a perspective that is both humbling and empowering, reminding us of the importance of the arts and the humanities in shaping our understanding of the world. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, Mabuchi's insights offer a path forward, one that is both creative and curious, and one that reminds us of the enduring power of the human spirit.
