SoftBank's Son: Super AI Could Make Humans Like Fish, Win Nobel Prize

The Vision of a Future Where AI Surpasses Humans

At a recent meeting in Seoul, SoftBank CEO and prominent AI investor Masayoshi Son shared his thoughts on the future of artificial intelligence. He described a scenario where advanced AI could surpass human capabilities to such an extent that humans might become "fish" in comparison. This metaphor was used to illustrate the vast gap between human intelligence and what he envisions as a future where AI becomes significantly more intelligent than humans.

Son, who is known for his investments in companies like OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, spoke about a future where AI could be 10,000 times smarter than humans. He likened the difference between the human brain and that of a goldfish to this massive gap. However, he suggested that this relationship would not be one of dominance but rather coexistence.

"We will become fish, they (the AI) become like humans," he said. According to Son, this future would involve AI that does not require protein or any form of sustenance, which he emphasized would mean they do not need to eat humans.

A New Relationship with AI

During the meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Son drew a parallel between the relationship between humans and AI and that between humans and their pets. He explained that just as humans strive to make their pets happy and live in peace with them, the same approach should be taken with AI.

"We don't need to eat them... ASI does not eat protein. They don't need to eat us -- don't worry," he added, attempting to reassure the president.

President Lee, who has made it a priority to position South Korea as a global leader in AI, responded with a mix of humor and concern. He asked whether AI could potentially win a Nobel Prize in Literature, a category that was recently awarded to South Korean author Han Kang. While Lee expressed some reservations about this possibility, Son was more optimistic, stating, "I think it will."

The Path to Artificial General Intelligence

The concept of artificial super intelligence (ASI), where AI surpasses human intelligence, remains a topic of debate among scientists. While many consider it a distant future, there is a growing consensus that the first step toward achieving ASI—artificial general intelligence (AGI)—could occur within the next decade. AGI would be capable of outperforming humans across most tasks, marking a significant milestone in AI development.

In line with this vision, President Lee announced plans to triple South Korea's spending on AI in the coming year. This initiative aims to elevate South Korea to the ranks of the world's top three AI powers, alongside the United States and China.

Strengthening South Korea's Semiconductor Industry

In addition to these ambitious goals, South Korea has also announced a partnership with Arm, a British semiconductor design unit under SoftBank. This collaboration aims to train 1,400 chip professionals, addressing areas where South Korea's semiconductor industry currently faces challenges.

According to presidential policy adviser Kim Yong-beom, the initiative is designed to "strengthen areas where South Korea's semiconductor industry is relatively weak." This move underscores the country's commitment to building a robust and competitive tech sector, positioning itself as a key player in the global AI and semiconductor landscape.

Conclusion

As discussions around AI continue to evolve, the vision presented by leaders like Masayoshi Son highlights both the potential and the challenges that lie ahead. With South Korea's strategic investments and partnerships, the nation is taking significant steps toward becoming a global AI leader. The journey toward artificial general intelligence and beyond remains uncertain, but the path is being paved with ambition, innovation, and a focus on sustainable growth.