Thomas Haigh's exploration of AI's history is a breath of fresh air for anyone tired of the usual hype cycle chatter. AI has always been sold on the promise of human-level intelligence, yet for decades, it was more smoke than substance. But here's the kicker: those so-called "failures" along the way actually paved the road for the tech we now rely on every day. It’s a reminder that progress in AI isn’t a straight line; it’s a zigzag dance between inflated expectations and slow, steady innovation.
As AI finally transitions from a brand of sci-fi dreams to a toolkit of real-world technologies, we need to maintain a balanced view. Let’s celebrate the breakthroughs, but also keep a critical eye on what’s feasible and what’s hype. After all, understanding the past cycles of overpromise and underdelivery helps us be smarter consumers and creators of AI today.
In short, AI's story is less a tale of outright triumph or failure and more about persistent evolution through trial, error, and rebranding. So next time you hear the AI hype train rolling, remember: this brand has been around since 1955, and it only got this far by pivoting and innovating continuously. Keep that in mind, and let’s appreciate AI’s journey without getting lost in the marketing buzz. Source: DH event registration: Artificial Intelligence: The History of a Brand
