Humans Are Underrated by Geoff Colvin

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi 

In this book, Geoff Colvin has delivered a brilliantly assembled counter-argument to the notion that technology is taking over the human race. With the advancement of machines, AI and robots killing us in the task and skill race of the functioning world, what chance do we have? Well, as Colvin explains, it may merely be a matter of reconnecting with our roots – the fundamentals of our human nature.

I love how technology is progressing. I suppose if it were my job that was going to be immediately impacted I might have a different outlook – like the tens of thousands of truck drives that are on the verge of being made unemployed by self-driving intelligent machines. Personally, I think it goes to show just how capable we are and with the way things are going, perhaps it’s just the shake up this world needs. It may assist us to reconnect with the true meaning of life. Finding true purpose.

Colvin takes us on a journey of how tech is shaping the modern world. Task and process skill is being replaced by faster, more efficient machines. No longer only process work and factory jobs under threat but with AI and computers that are capable of learning quicker and having access to a greater deal of stored memory. Lawyers, teachers, doctors and other such professions are at risk of being outsourced to machines like Watson, a question-answering computer developed by IBM.

How will the world survive if millions of jobs are wiped off the market due to machines? How will we upkeep the standard of living we’ve all become so used to? Will this be the end of the human race?

Some thought-leaders and researchers are very concerned that it might be. These questions plague modern day politics, business, educators and even those tech gurus involved in developing amazing tech innovations.

Colvin suggests we need not look at what they will replace us with doing and instead of asking these questions we could find greater answers in asking – what will machines be unlikely able to match us with? It reverts us back to our fundamental human design. To live into our genetic and biological interpersonal experience.

Humans are beings that not only rely on relationships and connection to survive but these same facets of the human condition allow us to thrive. Colvin explains with amazing clarity that the likes of empathy are something that machines may never beat us at. Other intangible facets considered difficult to forge would be feelings, emotions, understanding, and compassion.

It is these human traits that have allowed us to progress. The same ones that have put us at these very crossroads with tech. And while many of us have been too obsessed with focusing on left-brain tasks and skills the ability to bring back our interpersonal skill for all of us is very possible. In the closing chapters, Colvin outlines how.

Storytelling, team-work and belongingness, creativity and innovation, and the role women have to play moving forward are real. These are just a few of the subjects that Colvin highlights in this book. We haven’t come to where we are today without them and to continue on with gust they will once again become profoundly relevant.

I for one am excited. Who really wants to be locked into a meaningless life in work that machines could easily do? I for one would much rather have machines do the mindless work while I focus on connecting with others, sharing stories and ideas, spend more time creating and simply being human. That’s the life I want to live. How it will unfold, well I guess only time will tell.

If this book sounds of interest you can purchase Humans Are Underrated: What High Achievers Know That Brilliant Machines Never Will here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

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American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

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Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

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Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

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Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.