A Warning

A French philosopher and critic of artificial intelligence, Eric Sadin, has issued a warning about the growing gap between humanity's technological capabilities and its ability to understand or control them, a concept he ties directly to the work of German philosopher Günther Anders. In his latest book, The Desert of Ourselves, translated into Spanish and published by Caja Negra, Sadin argues that the rise of AI threatens to erode uniquely human traits such as sensitivity, imagination, and understanding. He draws heavily from Anders' seminal work, The Obsolescence of Man (1956–1980), which introduced the term "Prometheic slope," describing how humans create technologies far more powerful than their capacity to comprehend or manage them. Sadin builds upon this idea, framing the launch of ChatGPT in 2022 as a pivotal moment in history, one that marks the beginning of a shift where machines increasingly take over cognitive, intellectual, and creative tasks once reserved for humans. Sadin’s critique extends beyond theoretical concerns. He has actively organized protests against major international gatherings focused on AI, including the official global summit hosted by the French government in February 2025. His opposition to AI is rooted in both philosophical and political stances, positioning him as a vocal critic of the optimism surrounding Silicon Valley’s ideology. Unlike many who view AI as a tool for progress, Sadin sees it as a force that risks rendering human qualities obsolete. He warns that as AI systems become more capable of performing complex tasks, these abilities, once central to the human experience, are likely to atrophy or disappear altogether. The debate around AI’s impact mirrors earlier conflicts in the mid-20th century, particularly the disagreement between physicist Max Born and Günther Anders regarding the use of nuclear energy. While Born advocated for peaceful applications, Anders called for a complete ban. Today, similar divisions exist among those discussing the future of AI. Some emphasize its potential benefits, while others, like Sadin, highlight its risks. This divergence reflects a broader societal struggle between embracing technological advancement and safeguarding human values. Sadin’s arguments have drawn attention from both supporters and critics. His book, priced at $37,000, has sparked discussions in academic circles and among activists concerned with the ethical implications of AI. The publication of The Desert of Ourselves coincides with increasing public scrutiny of AI’s role in society, especially following high-profile events such as the 2025 Paris AI summit. Critics argue that Sadin’s perspective is overly pessimistic, suggesting that the benefits of AI, such as improved efficiency and innovation, should not be dismissed outright. However, proponents of his views stress that the long-term consequences of delegating critical functions to machines remain uncertain and potentially dangerous. The controversy surrounding Sadin’s warnings underscores the complexity of navigating the relationship between technology and humanity. As AI continues to evolve, questions about its impact on employment, creativity, and even consciousness will grow more pressing. Governments, corporations, and individuals must grapple with whether to embrace AI’s promises or heed cautionary voices like Sadin’s. The outcome of this debate could shape the trajectory of human development in the decades ahead. Sadin’s influence is evident in the growing movement of intellectuals and citizens who question the unchecked expansion of AI. His work has inspired a new wave of critical discourse, challenging assumptions about the role of technology in shaping the future. Whether his warnings will lead to meaningful policy changes or remain confined to academic debates remains unclear. What is certain is that the conversation around AI’s role in society is intensifying, driven by figures like Sadin who see it as a defining issue of our time.