We put a strong value on what we own and can obtain, something that is not an innate human quality, but rather, one that was developed rather recently in the history of homo sapiens.Ĭan we, or have we already, taken ownership too far? Is it fair for us to own anything and everything that we create? These questions are key in the development of artificial intelligence, a human-like technology that has enraptured scientists, engineers, philosophers, and pop culture. (Shere Khan tried to disrupt that, and look where it got him.) No animal owns the river in The Jungle Book, yet all animals drink from it.
We differ from other creatures in numerous ways we are capable of abstract thought, we can make music and tell stories, we own property and objects, among many other traits. Value, in our society, has become entangled with ownership. “The notion that anything-a rock, a sheep, a dog, a car, or a person-can belong to a human being or a corporation is a relatively new idea.” -Joi Ito
