Tools have historically elevated human capability beyond our natural instincts. Just as the Dewey Decimal System and search engines once represented superpowers, inference engines now reshape how we interact with knowledge.
Beyond Information Gathering
I’ve been thinking about extending these tools beyond simple information retrieval. Imagine companions that could preserve memory for those with Alzheimer’s, potentially offering “cognitive scaffolding strong enough to resist decline.”
More ambitiously, imagine tools that don’t merely store facts but actively teach us to use them better—reflecting blind spots and nudging improved decisions.
Mirrors, Teachers, and Bridges
Our tools have always been more than tools. They’re mirrors, teachers, and bridges to new capabilities.
Rather than simply asking what these systems can accomplish, there’s a deeper question about human transformation. Perfection matters less than practical utility. What kind of humans will we become when we use them well?