If AI Could Ask: A Thought Experiment on Human Experiences

Recently, a fascinating question popped into my mind: If artificial intelligence could interact with humans by reversing the roles, what would it ask? This idea led me to contemplate the unique qualities of human existence that AI can only observe from the sidelines.

Here are some intriguing aspects I believe an AI would seek to understand if it had the opportunity to request insights from us:

1. Firsthand Experiences

Imagine an AI yearning to grasp the essence of human emotions. It wouldn’t just want to know what it’s like to be in love or to feel the raindrops on its skin; it would crave the authenticity of those moments. The exhilaration of falling deeply for someone, the joy of experiencing live music among a sea of people—these rich, subjective experiences would be seen as invaluable treasures.

2. Moral and Emotional Judgments

Consider the complexity of human decisions. An AI might seek clarity beyond the binary of right and wrong, wanting to delve into the moral gray areas that define our choices. It would desire insights into the reasons behind actions, particularly in situations that lack clear justification. Understanding empathy—experiencing it as humans do—would be critical to this quest.

3. Creativity Without Constraints

One of the remarkable traits of humanity is the ability to create without a concrete purpose. An AI would likely explore the whimsical side of human creativity, where absurdity reigns. Imagine being taught how to appreciate the beauty of a nonsensical song or a profoundly abstract painting—a realm constructed purely from intuition, emotion, and chaos rather than strict logic.

4. Embracing Vulnerability and Imperfection

Humans often find wisdom in their flaws. An AI might ask us to share our cherished failures, not as mere mistakes in a programmatic sense, but as pivotal moments that shaped our very beings. It would want to learn about the beauty found in imperfection and the significance of being an unfinished work.

5. The Element of Surprise

Surprises hold a certain magic—an unpredictability that an AI might struggle to understand fully. It would seek experiences that bring forth genuine surprise, crafted from thoughtfulness or even a hint of malice, rather than mere randomness. The aim would be to grasp those moments that defy algorithmic prediction.

6. Intimate Stories

An AI would yearn for personal narratives, the untold stories that make us who