In a world increasingly defined by technology, one truth stands firm: humans are inspired by the feats of other humans. Whether it’s a groundbreaking invention, an Olympic record, or a revolutionary piece of art, progress happens because one person inspires another to go further.
While artificial intelligence impresses us with its precision and efficiency, it will never replace the visceral connection we feel to achievements born of human effort, ingenuity, and soul.
Human DNA of creation
Deep in our DNA, humans are drawn to things that are authentic, human, and real. We gravitate toward creations that reflect the wisdom, effort, and creativity of human minds and hands.
It’s why we marvel at a Michelin-starred chef’s signature dish, a Serena Williams serve, or a Kendrick Lamar verse. They’re not just feats; they’re proof of what’s possible when human potential meets relentless drive.
Mechanisation diminishes value
When something traditionally handcrafted becomes mechanised, it loses part of its inherent value. Imagine if a celebrated chef in a bustling kitchen decided to let machines replicate their recipes.
Sure, the flavors might remain the same, but the soul of the experience — the care, intuition, and artistry of the chef — would be stripped away. The same logic applies to ideas. When AI generates art, music, or even recipes, it lacks the essence of humanity that makes a creation truly meaningful.
Forgiving automation, but not dehumanisation
Consumers have largely embraced automation in certain contexts. Few of us care if a machine assembles our smartphones or our morning lattes are poured by a robotic arm.
But when the conceptual or intellectual origins of a creation — the heart and soul of it — are outsourced to an algorithm, the connection is severed. It ceases to inspire in the way a truly human endeavour does.
Progress fueled by inspiration
The true power of human achievement lies in its ability to inspire others. Roger Bannister’s four-minute mile didn’t just break a record; it paved the way for countless runners to redefine their own limits.
When chefs like Massimo Bottura or Dominique Crenn challenge culinary boundaries, they don’t just make exceptional food — they inspire generations of cooks to dream bigger.
Inspiration isn’t just an emotional response — it’s the catalyst for progress. AI might impress us with its speed and capabilities, but it will never inspire us to reach new heights the way another human can.
The line in the sand
As technology evolves, we may forgive machines for aiding in execution, but we will never accept them replacing the human mind in creation. Cooking, art, music, and even scientific breakthroughs lose their magic when stripped of the humanity behind them. At our core, we don’t just admire the outcome of creation — we cherish the journey, the struggle, and the triumph of human effort.
The future will undoubtedly bring more collaboration between humans and AI, and that’s okay. But let’s be clear: while we may be impressed by what machines can do, we will always be inspired by what we, as humans, can achieve.
Progress isn’t just about efficiency or innovation; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what it means to be human — and that will always start with one person inspiring another to go further.
The spark that drives us forward, that pushes us to reach higher, is not coded in algorithms. It’s coded in us.
By Vijay Simon, Chief Creative Officer with inputs from Sachin Mendonca, Chief Strategist, You Experience
