Between Nature, Technology, Jim Jarmusch… and Us
Tangier has captivated many with its timeless allure. Auteur filmmaker Jim Jarmusch is among those who’ve fallen under the city’s spell. In his eerie and atmospheric film Only Lovers Left Alive, vampires find cover and solace within the medina’s winding streets—perhaps a fitting metaphor for the House’s upcoming expedition to this mysterious and historic city.
As we venture towards Tangier, we’re not just tourists but seekers. Peering at the coast of Africa through a kaleidoscope of questions, we’re looking for more than simply answers, but for hope and inspiration. We are anxious about the future and want something to allay our fears. Like Jarmusch, we worry that the decades to come won’t be as plentiful and populated as these ones—that we’ll find ourselves in a derelict landscape with only lovers left alive.
In this struggle for a foothold in the future, we’re caught between powerful opposing forces. On one side is Mother Nature—ancient, vital, formidable—finally recognized as something we need to sustain, celebrate, and protect. On the other side is technology, that snarky and relentless enfant terrible, brazenly weaving its way into the fabric of our existence.
Is Jarmusch’s film a form of prophecy? Who will be left to take care of the planet in the event the pendulum swings the wrong way, moving from the promise of ecological revival towards the threat of technological dictatorship? It’s a thought experiment worth indulging.
Only Eco-Activists Left Alive
Let’s start with the heartening scenario: A future in which only eco-activists roam the Earth, tending to their organic gardens and hosting vegan barbecues. While the image is quaint, the reality would be even better. Since these selfless warriors are determined to save everyone, we’d be there to benefit from their hard work and dedication. There was a time when us heathens couldn’t tell compost from potting soil, but thanks to these environmental altruists, we’ve lengthened our lives and changed our ways. There we are, drinking kombucha from upcycled mugs while chatting about techniques for darning old clothes. Mother Nature is blind and, hopefully, forgiving.
Only AI Left Alive
What’s that sound, you ask? It’s the buzz of a million servers humming in unison, a symphony played for no human ears. In this harrowing scenario, AI has mastered more than writing texts, solving complex problems, and simulating emotional intelligence; it has trumped the human mind. The image of silicon robots reigning over human flesh is enough to send shivers down the spine of anyone who has uttered Hey Siri into the void.
Can we avoid this wretched future? A world in which you turn off your computer only to see countless others light up in the dark, continuing the inexorable march of technological dominance? Before you plunge into despair, consider this: For all its algorithms and sophistication, AI still hasn’t managed to brew a decent cup of coffee. And isn’t that the true essence of life?
So, while our laptops might be busy running (chat)GPT queries and crafting Shakespearean sonnets, fear not. AI’s capabilities are certainly impressive, but they’re unlikely to result in a world populated by machines alone. After all, someone needs to be around to appreciate Siri’s experimental poetry.
As we look forward to the festival in May, let’s keep our minds open and our spirits ready for debate, laughter, and enlightenment. Who knows? Tangier might just be the place where we find a fresh perspective on the future—a future that, hopefully, includes us all, vibrant and diverse.
Daria Efremova
Stay ahead of the curve
Be in the know about the latest trends, current events, and beautiful business practices at the intersection of business, tech, science, the arts, and humanities. No strings attached.
