Is AI Upending Our World?

Dear Rabbi and Susan,

As this generation relies on transhumanism and not God, how do we use technology for some of the F’s and not let it control us?

Le Ann S.

Dear Le Ann,

We wanted to make sure that we were speaking the same language, so we looked up a definition of transhumanism. Two definitions popped up and most interestingly there was an important difference between them. Here they are:

1. Transhumanism is a philosophical and intellectual movement that advocates the enhancement of the human condition by developing and making widely available new and future technologies that can greatly enhance longevity, cognition, and well-being. (Wikipedia)
2. The belief or theory that the human race can evolve beyond its current physical and mental limitations, especially by means of science and technology. (Oxford Languages)

What is the major difference between the two? To our ear, the first sounds focused on technology as a tool for helping humans while the second hints at the idea that science can lead humans to a higher mental condition and that AI might get out of control and take over from humans. In reality, it seems that as science, and more importantly ‘belief’ in scientism has increased, people’s mental and spiritual condition has been deteriorating.

Let’s acknowledge that for centuries we already have had technology that allowed humans to go beyond their innate physical and mental limitations. Eyeglasses and telescopes, books and typewriters, sailboats and cars, all expanded how far and well humans could see, absorb data, and travel. When Julian Huxley, a socialist, eugenicist, and evolutionary biologist, coined the term transhumanism in 1957, that was not because no groundbreaking inventions had preceded that date. The term is getting attention now partially as a means of writing a narrative about AI and manipulating the conversation.

So, Le Ann, having looked superficially at “Transhumanism” let’s focus on the essence of your question which is how we best use technology for your 5Fs. For Family, use technology as little as possible. Very limited screen time for children and ensuring that when spouses spend time together no phones are present. For Fortune, use technology as a tool, remembering that the latest is not necessarily best. Business communications are often far better tackled by telephone than by email. For Fitness, there are useful apps but don’t spend more time exploring the wonderful world of fitness technology than you do actually exercising. For Friendships, tech can be useful for staying in touch but mostly on a superficial level, and for Faith, while it can let you access people and lessons you would otherwise not hear, it should never take the place of live worship and personal relationships with faith leaders.

You see, Le Ann, we think the key point to your question is that life is enhanced greatly by building the 5Fs and this was as true in the year 925 as it was in 1725 and as true as it is in 2025. Back in 925 smart and ambitious people worked on their 5Fs while keeping warm with a fireplace. Today you might have thermostatically controlled central heating.

However, just as the arrival of the car in the early 20th century had an enormous impact on family, friendships, business and every other facet of life, so too we are facing an upheaval and new frontier due to recent technological developments. I plan to discuss the challenges and opportunities in more depth in our upcoming Masterclass on June 24th.

Wishing you ongoing success with your 5Fs.

Rabbi Daniel and Susan Lapin

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