There are a lot of scary warnings about artificial intelligence flowing through our media streams. They say humans may be wiped out by AI in ten, no – five, well, maybe just two years. The world is responding with panic reminiscent of “The War of the Worlds” broadcast of 1938, which vividly described a fictional alien invasion of New Jersey. I don’t know enough about AI to offer any commentary, but these warnings are all too familiar to cancer patients.
My mom and boyfriend were both told that they had five years to live when they were diagnosed with metastatic cancer. News like that convinces you to spend the time you have left as wisely and maybe as indulgently as possible. Do you crave ice cream every night after dinner? Then eat it, just not a huge bowl. Have you always wanted to see the northern lights in Alaska? You need to make it a priority. Don’t wait until you’re 72 and arthritic – do it as soon as possible! Have you been thinking of patching things up with a family member or friend after a big disagreement? Do it sooner rather than later. Have you always wanted a hedge of chubby yellow David Austin roses? It’s not a waste of money if it makes you happy every time you look out the window.
Maybe someday, ironically with the help of AI, most cancers will be curable. But until then, millions of patients around the world have to listen to bleak predictions about the time they have left. They’re also an inspiration to live courageously, squeezing as much joy as they can from each day. None of us are getting out of here alive, so the AI doomsday news is just one more reminder that it’s foolish to procrastinate happiness.
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