Greek Myths XS: Ammon's-Ra's View on AI

The god Thoth was for the Egyptians what Hephaistos was for the Greeks. He invented the arts and crafts needed for everyday life, like calculation and astronomy, but also draughts and dice. When he had created something that he was especially proud of, he would show it to supreme god Ammon, who would generally compliment him with his ingenuity. Except for once, when Thoth had shown him how to take notes. He had actually invented writing: “This will make the Egyptians wiser!” But Ammon was not amused. “Dear Thoth, this shows that a creator cannot judge objectively. You attribute a quality to letters which they cannot have. This invention will create forgetfulness, because people will trust written characters instead of their memory. Disciples will be hearers of many things without learning anything.  They will appear omniscient and will generally know nothing. They will be tiresome company, having the show of wisdom without the reality.” Makes you wonder what Ammon would have tought about AI, doesn’t it?

Thoth, relief, Temple of Ramses II, Abydos, Egypt

Thoth in the Book of the Dead, Papyrus of Ani, British Museum, London, UK