One of the big questions of our time is whether AI can improve AI without any human assistance. Here’s an X post from Yann LeCun, someone who is considered to have done useful work in AI:
He responds to the (admittedly absurd) reveal of the Tesla Roadster with “Cute demo, but totally impractical.”
Can we infer from this that Yann LeCun has never met or observed a fellow human? Most human purchases are, of course, impractical. Almost nobody needs a pavement-melting SUV. If “practical” sold cars, every car would be either a Honda Civic or a Toyota Sienna, depending on family size. (Our beloved Honda Odyssey would get the axe because, though it is more fun to drive than the Sienna, it uses more gasoline to accomplish a similar practical mission.)
If LeCun can be useful in AI without knowing the first thing about humans, should we infer that AI left alone will produce better AI?
In case the above tweet is memory-holed and with the bonus inclusion of a thoughtful response from Tesla’s CEO:
For us non-technology educated readers, what “useful work” has LeCun accomplished in SI?
Yeah, you’re supposed to say SI instead of AI this week, people. Maybe we should have that little talk.
As one in the permanent startup underclass, it is somewhat painful to see so much capital going to engagement projects instead of the desperate startups yearning to make next week’s payroll. Yet we realize the new economy is driven by engagement rather than solving problems.