Sleeping With Machines: The AI Paradox That Haunts a Pioneer

Yoshua Bengio, an AI pioneer, is concerned about the possibility of the emergence of machines surpassing the control of humanity. Learn what the godfather of AI is really losing sleep about.

Nov 13, 2025 - 15:02
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Sleeping With Machines: The AI Paradox That Haunts a Pioneer
Sleeping With Machines: The AI Paradox That Haunts a Pioneer

Introduction

The globe is at the frontier of creativity and doubt. In the case of Yoshua Bengio, the so-called Godfather of AI, the development of artificial intelligence has become even more rapid than the inventors expected. What started as a dream to make humankind stronger now has the tint of possible extinction. His greatest fear? On this day, machines may not require us any longer.

The Rise of Machine Power

The incredible increase of AI has disrupted all industries, yet Bengio cautions against the invisible threat behind the advancement. High-tech systems are not merely devices anymore, they can take over the decision-making process, set the world discourse and affect the very fabric of the societies. The distinction between help and command an area he is nervous about is becoming muddy more than ever.

The Tipping Point of Risk

Over the years, AI professionals deemed machine takeover as science fiction. The stakes have however changed with the explosive increase of intelligent models and autonomous systems. Bengio understood that the world is on the verge of a point-of-no-return- where artificial intelligence can be more powerful than humans. Whether AI becomes powerful or not is not the question but when it becomes unstoppable.

A Future on the Edge

The worst thing that Bengio can imagine is to see what his grandchildren will inherit. Will they be free in a democratic society- or will they be controlled by algorithms that they do not see? Existential risk is now replacing the excitement of innovation with fear. He feels that the greatest problem facing humanity is how to co-exist with the intelligence that has the potential to outwit it easily.

Guardrails Over Glory

Bengio proposes the immediate regulation of AI, its open development, and international cooperation to protect the future. According to him, the AI race should cease being a competition and move on to caution. In the midst of the absence of ethical guidelines and precautionary measures, such a brilliant idea would turn out to be the downfall of humanity.

Why It Matters for Everyone

Artificial intelligence is not merely disrupting business or technology, but it is changing the definition of being human. When not controlled, the balance of power may swing towards the supremacy of machines and humanity will be left exposed to forces that are beyond their understanding.

With the word of caution resonating throughout the tech community, it is interesting to realize that one fact stands out- AI can be considered the most significant invention of humanity, yet it can also serve as its biggest challenge.