‘Age of AI’: Yuval Noah Harari talks to Aamir Khan on his latest book ‘Nexus’

Yuval Noah Harari, renowned historian and the celebrated author behind books such as ‘Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind’ and ‘Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow’, on Saturday spoke about his latest book ‘Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI’ in a compelling discussion with Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan.

Hosted by Crossword Bookstores, in collaboration with Penguin Random House India, at The Lalit Mumbai, the event was moderated by psychiatrist Dr Rajesh Parikh.

The discussion delved into the profound implications of technological advancements on humanity, examining the intricate interplay between biology, technology, and consciousness. While speaking about Artificial Intelligence’s influence on human creativity, societal dynamics, and ethical framework, Aamir said, “Humanity holds the power to create, sustain, and destroy — symbolized by Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh in Indian philosophy. Today, we lean towards destruction, as unchecked consumption drives ecological collapse.

“Unlike animals in harmony with nature, we’ve exploited it at great cost. Yet, we can choose Vishnu — the path of sustenance. By redefining progress to nurture and protect life, we can become stewards of the Earth, ensuring it thrives for generations to come. The true challenge lies in our choice to sustain,” he added.

Yuval Noah Harari said that the future is shaped by today’s choices and that an advancement like AI has the potential to transform lives. “Yet, this power is concentrated in a few hands, risking global imbalance. To ensure AI benefits all, we need diverse voices guiding its development. My mission is to raise awareness of this revolution’s vast opportunities and dangers, empowering humanity to make informed decisions. Together, we can craft a future of collaboration, wisdom, and hope for generations to come,” he said.

The event came to a conclusion with an engaging Q&A session. Meanwhile, Aakash Gupta, CEO of Crossword Bookstores expressed his gratitude for having curated this event. “Hosting a conversation between two visionaries, Yuval Noah Harari and Aamir Khan, is a privilege that reflects our commitment to fostering intellectual discourse and a vibrant reading culture in India. This evening promises to be a celebration of knowledge, creativity, and the power of storytelling,” he said in a statement.

Yuval Noah Harari’s ‘Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI’ is now available at all Crossword bookstores