In a world increasingly dominated by technology, the question of what makes us human is more pressing than ever. Emi Sakamoto's biweekly column, 'What Makes Us Human?', delves into this complex issue through the lens of interdisciplinary exploration. The author's conversation with Hideo Mabuchi, a physicist and ceramicist, serves as a fascinating case study in the interplay between science and art.
Mabuchi's unique perspective on the creative process is particularly enlightening. He argues that making is inherently searching, and that the act of creation is about getting close to the desired outcome. This challenges the notion that we must know everything before we create, or that we need to have a clear life plan before we begin. Instead, Mabuchi emphasizes the importance of the process itself, and how it allows us to discover, shape, and realize our own voice.
The author's exploration of the creative cycle, which involves seeking/making, relating/reflecting, and teaching/writing, is a powerful reminder of the value of the arts and creative practices. Mabuchi's framework highlights the importance of natural materials, handwork, and a deep appreciation for tradition in the development of one's craft. This process is not just about the final product, but about the friction and challenges that shape the material and the creator.
The discussion also touches on the impact of AI on the creative process. Mabuchi suggests that the advent of AI should prompt us to reconsider what it means to be human, and to rediscover our humanity in the face of technological advancements. He argues that AI agents lack the embodied experience and understanding of the material world that humans possess, and that the arts, craft, and creativity remain essential for expressing curiosity and satisfying it.
The conversation with Mabuchi raises a deeper question about the nature of human existence and our relationship with the world. It prompts us to consider the role of curiosity, the urge to do things without a clear purpose, and the importance of arts and creative practices in our lives. As Mabuchi notes, the question of what makes us human is dynamic and ever-evolving, and it is through the creative process that we can explore and understand our own humanity in this moment, in this time.
In conclusion, the column by Sakamoto and the conversation with Mabuchi offer a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. They emphasize the importance of the creative process, the value of arts and crafts, and the need to rediscover our humanity in a rapidly changing world. It is a call to action for all of us to engage deeply in the creative process, to seek, make, relate, reflect, and teach, and to embrace the friction and challenges that shape our own unique voices.
