I recently started reading The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman, a book that vividly explores how transformative technologies like AI, robotics, quantum computing, and biotechnology/genetics are reshaping our world. Suleyman’s vision is both fascinating and unsettling, painting a future where the open-sourcing of large language models (LLMs) and the commoditization of AI redefine the fabric of society. While the world is abuzz with speculation and hype around AI, I’ve realized that many of us have yet to internalize its true potential or understand its profound implications.
For me, this realization hit home when I used Windsurf.AI to co-create a fully functional utility program for testing and experimentation at work. I had a clear idea for a utility program that I can use for testing/experimentation at my work. And then I took the plunge of actually using the system instead of reading or watching yet another breathless post about AI.
Rediscovering the Joy of Creation
The 30–40 minutes I spent collaborating with the AI system were creatively fulfilling moments I’ve had in years. It reminded me of my college days at the College of Engineering, Guindy, where programming sessions often felt like an intense dialogue between me and the computer. This time, however, I worked on a higher level of abstraction—using natural language prompts - the code itself was written on Python and Flask, languages I’m not particularly familiar with—and yet managed to build a functional piece of software. What started as a nebulous idea in my head became a tangible tool that is now an integral part of my workflow.
This experience reignited my excitement for technology.
A Career-Changing Superpower
I’m convinced that learning how to leverage AI will become a defining career superpower in the years ahead. Organizations that effectively integrate AI into their workflows will undoubtedly shape the future—whether for better or worse remains to be seen. This raises an important question: how can we harness these technologies to create positive societal change?
One recurring thought I have is imagining myself working in domains like medical triaging, finance, or legal work—fields where I currently lack expertise—but doing so effectively because of AI augmentation. The idea feels both futuristic and entirely plausible. In areas where I lack proficiency, I expect to lean on AI systems more rather than becoming an expert myself. Herein lies under appreciated truth: the future won’t belong to those who know everything but to those who can ask better questions and demand higher-order outcomes.
A friend recently asked me how they could teach fresh graduates to integrate AI into their daily work. My advice was simple: stop relying on Google searches for surface-level answers. Instead, defautl to using tools like ChatGPT or Perplexity to ask deeper questions. For example, instead of searching for “top software for X,” have an intent to read a carefully compiled comparative study analyzing the major players in that space—complete with feature matrices and performance metrics. Once you have this intent, you can just ask AI for it. And it will give you.
The Future Is Bright—and I’m Loving It
The possibilities are endless. Just like the world around me, who are jumping to this space without taking a moment to reflect on its consequences, I am finding myself joining the hype bandwagon. I feel like i am beginning to sound like those out-of-breath vloggers. The future is here, and I couldn’t be more excited.
PS: AI fixed some typos/restructured some of the above text. <Wink> <Wink>
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