Two Percent and AI
- Vernon C. Lindsay, PhD
- May 22
- 3 min read
“Two percent of people will choose to take the stairs, when an escalator is also available.” That’s the opening statistic Michael Easton shares on his podcast, “Two Percent.” When we consider our desires for comfort and how AI impacts our lives, the percentage of people opting for escalators makes sense.
Artificial Intelligence is here. Open Microsoft Word, and Copilot is there to rewrite. Search online, and Gemini appears.
Built within this site and others are options to upload AI-generated blog posts. Don’t worry, I always decline.
Today, it’s easy to rely on the intelligence of bots, algorithms, and machines. However, if we want to experience fulfillment and the joy in pursuing meaningful goals, there’s no prompt ChatGPT can answer to make it happen. We must do the hard work of thinking and acting for ourselves.
I’m not against AI. For presentations, I sometimes make images with Gamma. I use AI resources in Grammarly and within this website to correct grammatical errors, assign captions to photos, and optimize SEO.
Large Language Models offer significant advantages in translating and summarizing large amounts of text.
But the need for speed has stopped some of us from driving through the creative struggle. We’ve assigned AI to meet every menial task.
Think about how some of us respond to email and text messages. The automated responses may save us time, but authenticity is lost. There’s no human voice in the AI-generated replies.
AI responses are like the politicians smiling on camera but supporting redistricting practices behind doors to overturn the Civil Rights Voting Act and reposition Republicans for office. They are fake.
We want ease, but challenges are how we achieve the most meaningful accomplishments.
To build tenacity, willpower, and determination, we need to build strength on multiple planes. We must explore our potential through difficult physical, mental, and spiritual tasks. With strong bodies, minds, and spirits, infinite opportunities await us in our lives.
Let’s think about AI like a tool in a repair shop. Hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches require the human brain to manipulate them. Consider the situation and decide on the appropriate instrument for the job.
Consider AI as a collaborator, not a creator. How can we do this?
Read an article and summarize it ourselves. Watch an educational video and create something with what you learn. Afterward, ask Chat, Claude, or Gemini for help.
With your next email message, don’t automatically accept the response. Pause and look for your voice in the suggested text.
It’s also possible to build resiliency through physical tests.
Lately, I’ve pushed myself through intense capoeira workouts, long runs of 20 miles or more, and heavy lifting sessions at the gym. AI offers exercise suggestions, but I sweat and strain alone.
If you are unable to work out due to an injury or physical condition, pick something else that will force the use of your brain and body. It could involve reading a book over the weekend, turning your phone off for twenty hours or more, meditating for thirty minutes, or talking to three strangers in your community.
Choose challenges that you cannot outsource to Artificial Intelligence. We have enough people who don't use their brains to make decisions. They opt for more violence and political manipulation.
Peace and patience are the difficult paths to resolving conflicts.
Before next Friday, and if you’re able, take the stairs at least once instead of the escalator. Join the “two percent.” That extra effort might be the missing component in your leadership artillery.