Do you recall the tales of awe and surprise at the first sighting of an automobile?

This once revolutionary technology, commonplace today, utterly transformed the world. Much like the horse-drawn carriage being superseded by the car, another significant shift is on the horizon — the rise of artificial intelligence.

Just as automobiles reshaped society, reducing distances and speeding up life, AI promises to impact our world on an even grander scale. It is poised to liberate us from mundane tasks and challenge intricate problems beyond our current capacities.

Consider this: Cars granted us an unprecedented level of freedom and mobility. Similarly, AI stands to provide an intellectual liberation, taking over routine tasks and opening up time and space for human creativity and innovation. From advanced healthcare research to tackling climate change, AI is gearing up to address some of our most pressing issues.

However, like every tool, its benefit is contingent upon its use. If guided appropriately, AI can transport us to a future where we can focus on enriching the human experience, unburdened by monotonous chores or daunting problems. The journey to this future promises to be as transformative and exhilarating as the advent of the automobile.

So, prepare for an exciting ride — AI is at the wheel!

In “The Magnificent Ambersons,” Eugene Morgan reflects on the automobile’s impending legacy. This 1942 film is based on the book published in 1918.