Trail Etiquette

I grew up camping and backpacking with my dad. Hailing from the high plains of Texas, there is a definitive moment when we would recognize that we were foreigners in a sacred place. With time, we would acclimate to being small.

Out of reverence for the outdoors, early he taught me what it meant to leave no trace. Pack out your trash. Don't break branches if you don't have to. Bury your toilet paper.

Once you acclimate to the wild, there is nothing more sacrilegious than finding a something from the outside world along the trail.

When traveling the way of the artist, what is trail etiquette for using artificial intelligence?

AI, like many other innovations over time, can be considered a tool. The hammer is a tool to extend our physical strength. The pen is a tool to visualize the thoughts of our mind. A musical instrument is a tool to express our heart.

Yet, not all innovations are created equal. Some have a bigger ripple effect than others. No matter the size, every innovation presents a bargain:

Now you can: ________

So you’ll no longer have to: ________

The trade off?

You’ll no longer be able to: ________

Now you’ll have to: ________

Guess this example:

Now you can: Travel much more efficiently and quickly

So you’ll no longer have to: Slowly wayfind through difficult terrain

The trade off?

You’ll no longer be able to: Wander and explore on foot

Now you’ll have to: Purchase and maintain an automobile

Yep - the interstate highway system.

Like a slab of asphalt being poured across the open country, there a highway being paved over the artist’s trail. In many cases, AI is less of a tool than it is a superhighway. It is faster, smarter, and more efficient.

This is a reminder to recognize what trail you are on. What is your destination? What tools are you using, are they extending your heart, soul, mind, and strength? Or replacing it?

Don’t leave trash. Realize how small you are. And know the stories that came before you. (Humans have long sought power beyond what is natural.)

Don't make a blind deal with innovation, know what you are giving up.

And above all, stay human.