Focus on the things that will not change with AI.
This article is part of my Magna Carta 2.0 book research
“History is only the register of crimes and misfortunes.” Voltaire
“What is history but a fable agreed upon?” Napoleon Bonaparte
“History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.” Karl Marx
History is a continuous redesign and process of storytelling. As we redesign humanity with the power of AI the Stories between humans, nature, the planet and the universe are more relevant than ever. This process keeps being rebooted as we move in history and it accounts as the register of a lot of fables and crimes, misfortunes and special effects of repetition and the concepts we create: epics, comedy, tragedy and farces.
Looking at history we should look at the things that will not change with AI as a super important paradigm. Looking at this we can create better patterns and charters and prepare ourselves for the tech and AI massive disruption upcoming. With this we can also create and design a better magna carta for humanity as AI takes central stage in our lifes and society.
So let us research and look at the things that don’t change with AI.
If we elaborate a list of the things in human history, in any civilisation, empire that never changed in human society we will find a common set of patterns. Specifically, if we research and elaborate what are the things that will not change even with all disruption coming from technology and all potential artificial intelligence advances we will find many paradigm changes for humanity.
“What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again. It’s like the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same.” Ecc 3:15
Focusing on things that don’t change is indeed a wise approach. Here’s a list of elements that have remained largely constant throughout human history, across civilizations and empires, and are likely to persist even in the face of technological disruptions and AI advancements.
Elements That Have Remained Largely Constant Throughout Human History
Across Civilisations and Empires
1. Human Nature, wellbeing, healthcare basics: Fundamental aspects of human behavior wellbeing, healthcare, and psychology, such as the need for social connection, love, fear, ambition, and curiosity, have remained constant.
2. Human intelligence Social Hierarchies: Every civilization has developed some form of social hierarchy, whether through class, caste, or other distinctions.
3. Governance and Laws: Systems of governance, from monarchies to democracies, and the creation and enforcement of laws, have always been a staple of organized societies.
4. Social Economic Systems: Trade, barter, and commerce have been essential activities in all major empires, evolving into more complex economic systems over time.
5. Human Conflicts and War: Competition for resources, territory, and power has consistently led to conflicts and wars across civilizations.
6. Spiritual belonging, Religion and Belief Systems: Spirituality and religion have been integral to human societies, providing moral frameworks and community cohesion.
7. Cultural Expressions, sports, artistic expressions: Art, music, dance, and storytelling have been ways humans express their identities and values across all empires and societies.
8. Family and Kinship Tribal Structures: The family unit, in various forms, has always been a fundamental social structure.
9. Education, continuos learning and Knowledge Transmission: The methods of passing knowledge from one generation to the next, through formal or informal education, have been critical to societal development.
10. Agriculture, supply chains, and Food Production: Cultivation of land and domestication of animals for food production have been constant practices necessary for survival.
Specific to the Biggest Empires in History
1. Roman Empire:
- Engineering and Infrastructure: The focus on building roads, aqueducts, and cities was central to the empire’s strength.
- Military Organization: A highly structured military with a clear chain of command.
2. Mongol Empire:
- Nomadic Culture**: Despite their vast empire, the Mongol’s nomadic roots influenced their governance and military tactics.
- Trade Networks: The establishment and protection of trade routes, such as the Silk Road.
3. Portuguese, Spanish and British Empire:
- Maritime Dominance: Naval power was crucial for control over territories.
- Cultural and social economic values
- Legal Systems: Implementation of British legal systems and governance structures in colonies.
4. Chinese Empires (Various Dynasties):
- Centralised Bureaucracy: A merit-based civil service system.
- Cultural Continuity: Confucian principles and cultural practices maintained consistency through dynastic changes.
On the other hand, what were the things that persisted in history? Likely to Persist in the Face of Technological Disruptions and AI Advancements are these things:
1. Human Interaction and Relationships: Despite digital advancements, the need for human interaction, relationships, and emotional bonds will persist.
2. Ethical and Moral Questions: Fundamental questions about right and wrong, justice, and ethics will continue to challenge societies.
3. Creativity and Innovation: Human creativity in arts, science, and technology will remain a core driver of progress.
4. Community and Belonging: The need for belonging to a community, whether physical or virtual, will remain.
5. Cultural Identity: Cultural heritage and identity will continue to be important, even as societies become more globalized.
6. Leadership and Vision: The need for strong, visionary leadership in guiding societies and organizations will endure.
7. Adaptation and Resilience: The ability to adapt to changes and challenges will remain a constant human trait.
8. Education and Learning: Lifelong learning and education will continue to be essential for personal and societal development.
9. Health, Wellbeing, Sports Physical activities: The focus on health, wellness, and medical care will always be a priority for human societies.
10. Economic and financial Exchange / Transactions: The principles of economic exchange and the need for resources will continue, albeit potentially in new forms.
Reverse engineering we could simplify all the things that never changed in history as:
Basic human needs — health, wellbeing, sports:
- Food, water, and shelter
- Sleep and rest
- Physical and emotional security
- Sports and wellbeing
Social structures:
- Family units (though their forms may vary)
- Community formation
- Hierarchies and power dynamics
Emotions and psychological traits:
- Love, fear, anger, joy, sadness
- Desire for belonging and acceptance
- Curiosity and the drive to learn
Communication:
- The need to express thoughts and feelings
- Storytelling and narrative sharing
Conflict and cooperation:
- Competition for resources
- Alliances and group dynamics
- Belief systems:
- Search for meaning and purpose
- Spiritual or philosophical frameworks
Problem-solving and innovation:
- Adaptation to environmental challenges
- Tool creation and use
Art and creativity:
- Self-expression through various mediums
- Appreciation of beauty and aesthetics
Reproduction and child-rearing:
- Biological imperative to continue the species
- Nurturing and protecting offspring
Ethical and moral considerations:
- Balance Concepts of right and wrong
- Improve Justice and fairness
Urgency of self-improvement and personal data management optimis:
- Personal growth and development
- Pursuit of knowledge and skills
Longevity, Death and legacy:
- New longivity and extension of life
- Awareness of mortality
- Desire to leave a lasting impact
Business new social economic models — Trade and exchange:
- Bartering and economic systems
- Value attribution to goods and services
- New business models and strategies around
- Celebration and ritual:
- Marking significant life events
- Cultural traditions and customs
These elements are deeply rooted in human nature and society, and are likely to persist regardless of technological advancements. Even as AI and other technologies reshape many aspects of our lives, these fundamental aspects of human existence are likely to remain constant.
Conclusion
Focusing on the things that will not change is a paradox that can create a new paradigm. These unchanging elements are a way to redesign a wise approach towards a Magna Carta 2.0 because they provide a stable foundation upon which humans and its societies can build on fundamental values, concepts and adapt to the continued winds of change.
In 1849, the French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karrwrote “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose” — the more things change, the more they stay the same. In other words, despite apparent changes or advancements in society, certain fundamental aspects or patterns remain unchanged over time.
While technology and AI are and increasingly will undoubtedly radically transform many aspects of life, these core elements will guide human behavior and societal organization through any transition. Understanding and leveraging these constants can help ensure that progress is balanced with stability.
