According to David Ansell, history has demonstrated that curiosity led to the cat’s demise, followed by its dissection and examination
Elon Musk believes that imbuing artificial intelligence with “maximal curiosity” would lead to a benevolent stance towards humanity (Elon Musk launches AI startup and warns of a ‘Terminator future’, 13 July). However, before venturing into creating such an entity, it might be worthwhile for Mr. Musk to visit esteemed institutions driven by curiosity and contemplate the historical outcomes of previous “higher/superior” intelligence that were excessively curious. These instances include the showcasing of pinned beetles, butterflies, and moths in display cabinets, the preservation and dissection of animals in jars, and the exploitation and maltreatment of indigenous people displayed for public curiosity in museums, zoos, and exhibitions during the Victorian era. Disturbingly, these historical examples culminated in atrocities like Unit 731 and Dr. Mengele’s “curiosity” about the physiological limits of “inferior beings.” As the saying goes, curiosity killed the cat, skinned it, and dissected it.
However, I must admit that I may not be the most knowledgeable person on this matter. I spent my university years studying what some might consider “low-value” humanities instead of pursuing economics or perhaps philosophy, politics, and economics, fields whose graduates have made significant contributions to human happiness and progress in this country recently.
