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The optimistic Nobel Prize-winning economist: "Technology is not the problem, the problem is us".
World🏛️ Politics15 hr. ago

The optimistic Nobel Prize-winning economist: "Technology is not the problem, the problem is us".

The article profiles Joel Mokyr, an influential economic historian who survived the Holocaust and has since become a leading scholar in his field. It highlights his early life, including the trauma of losing family members during World War II and the challenges faced by his Jewish family in post-war Europe. Mokyr credits his survival and intellectual development to his access to books, which sparked his passion for history over law. He later moved to Israel, completed military service, and earned top marks at the University of Jerusalem. Now 80 years old, Mokyr expresses optimism about humanity’s ability to generate prosperity through technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and medical breakthroughs like messenger RNA. He argues that while technology itself is not the problem, human behavior and choices determine its impact. Mokyr predicts significant future advances in medicine that could dramatically increase life expectancy.

Joel Mokyr, an 80-year-old economist and historian, recently won the Nobel Prize in Economics for his research on technological progress and sustained growth. In an interview conducted from his home in a northern suburb of Chicago, Mokyr emphasized that technology itself is not the problem, but rather human beings. He spoke about the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and medical advancements, suggesting that these fields could lead to significant improvements in quality of life and longevity. Mokyr's family endured hardship during the Holocaust. His parents and siblings were sent to the Theresienstadt ghetto near Prague in 1942, while his cousins perished in the Mauthausen concentration camp, with only one exception, his three-year-old cousin Ada. After surviving the war, Mokyr’s family searched extensively for Ada, even placing advertisements in newspapers. When she was found, they vowed to care for her as their own child and later had another biological child to accompany her through childhood. This experience shaped Mokyr’s early life and values. Following World War II, the Mokyr family returned to Leiden, facing harsh conditions. During winter, the lack of heating forced them to ensure Joel remained warm by having someone embrace him constantly. At five years old, Mokyr became an orphan after his father died of cancer. He inherited a library from his father, which sparked his interest in history over law. After completing military service, he enrolled at the University of Jerusalem with excellent grades. Mokyr's academic career has been marked by dedication and influence. Despite being an unexpected candidate for the Nobel Prize, he received it last year alongside Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt. Known for his optimism regarding humanity's ability to generate prosperity, Mokyr believes that future advancements in energy, AI, and medicine will significantly enhance human life expectancy and quality. He predicts that life expectancy could double again, potentially allowing future generations to live longer, healthier lives.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

2 reports

La Stampa logoLa StampaIndependent🔒CenterFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 505 days ago
He will become our God

The article discusses the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to replace religious sentiment in the future, suggesting this development could concern even those who do not hold a religious belief. It references the idea that AI might become a new form of 'god' for some people, highlighting the growing influence of technology in shaping human values and beliefs. The piece explores the philosophical and societal implications of such a shift, touching on how AI could evolve into a central figure in human life, possibly surpassing traditional religious roles. This raises questions about the ethical, cultural, and existential challenges that may arise as AI becomes more integrated into daily existence.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a speculative discussion on the role of AI in society without taking a clear ideological stance or showing bias toward any particular viewpoint. It focuses on technological and philosophical implications rather than political controversy.

Why factuality: no official source document/info detected

Why objectivity (50): The title and content exhibit strong subjective language ('diventerà il nostro Dio') suggesting a biased or alarmist perspective. The tone leans toward sensationalism rather than neutrality, potentially influencing readers' perceptions without presenting multiple viewpoints or balanced analysis.

El Mundo logoEl MundoIndependent🔒Center15 hr. ago
The optimistic Nobel Prize-winning economist: "Technology is not the problem, the problem is us".

The article profiles Joel Mokyr, an influential economic historian who survived the Holocaust and has since become a leading scholar in his field. It highlights his early life, including the trauma of losing family members during World War II and the challenges faced by his Jewish family in post-war Europe. Mokyr credits his survival and intellectual development to his access to books, which sparked his passion for history over law. He later moved to Israel, completed military service, and earned top marks at the University of Jerusalem. Now 80 years old, Mokyr expresses optimism about humanity’s ability to generate prosperity through technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and medical breakthroughs like messenger RNA. He argues that while technology itself is not the problem, human behavior and choices determine its impact. Mokyr predicts significant future advances in medicine that could dramatically increase life expectancy.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced overview of Mokyr's personal background, academic achievements, and views on technology and medicine. There is no overt ideological framing, and the content focuses on historical context, personal narrative, and general observations about technological progress rather

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