Stories of humanity

Prehistoric humans overcame their hostile environment by superior intelligence and the development of language. Historian Yuval Noah Harari observes that language enabled our ancestors to exchange complex, abstract thoughts, forge collective identities, and share stories that bound communities together.

Those shared stories - whether enshrined in religious scriptures, mythologies or folklore - became the bedrock of human civilisation. They gave us a sense of belonging to our tribe, clan and community. These shared stories shaped our world.

For most of human history, language remained a 'tool', obedient to human will. But with the rise of AI, language is no longer merely a tool; it has become an 'agent'. Unlike a tool, which follows instructions, an agent possesses autonomy; it can independently interpret information, decide and act. Today, AI systems converse with one another in machine languages that we may not comprehend. Soon, they will write and control the narrative.


This brings us to a profound spiritual question. What becomes of shrutis revealed to ancient rishis? What becomes of wisdom revealed to prophets in other religions? Are these eternal truths now obsolete, drowned out by algorithmic noise?

Scriptures remain foundational, living anchors of our identity, morality and connection to the supreme Being. They are the spiritual DNA of humanity, the compass through which we navigate storms of change. It is an existential struggle. We must hold fast to the eternal truths that have guided us, yet ensure that technology serves the spirit, not the other way around.