Introduction
At the 2017 Web Summit in Lisbon, thought leaders from around the globe convened to discuss the evolving landscape of technology and its profound impact on society. The conference was a melting pot of ideas and insights. In this article, we’ve curated 12 standout quotes (plus one memorable remark from a robot) that encapsulate the spirit of innovation and the challenges.
“If we invest in social enterprises, we can address the problem of poverty at the root by giving out work rather than aid.”
Leila Janah, founder and CEO @Samasource
“The will to change is itself a renewable resource.”
Al Gore
“In times of crisis, people want to and need to come together to support each other and rebuild, and more than ever, we rely on technology to keep us connected.”
Sheryl Sandberg, COO Facebook
“People radically underestimate the power of communication for getting the job done.”
Stewart Butterfiel, CEO @SlackHQ
“I don’t want to see governments and societies banning technologies based on their potential indirect implications. That’s quite dangerous.”
Ben Goertzel of @hansonrobotics on banning sex robots.
“Success in creating effective AI, could be the biggest event in the history of our civilization. Or the worst. We just don’t know.”
Stephen Hawking
“The only solution to the problems caused by today’s technology is tomorrow’s technology.”
Garry Kasparov, Chairman of the @HRF and 13th World Chess Champion
“Data is the new oil, and AI is driven by the fuel of data.”
Brian Krzanich, CEO @intel speaking on autonomous driving
“Society is about people not about technology (…) We need to get our democracy back.”
Margrethe Vestager, EU Commissioner
“The most important thing is to create… And then embrace and fully understand technology.”
Wyclef Jean, rapper
“People are afraid of AI because they are afraid of themselves.”
Sophia, robot
“We are in the early stages of a sustainability revolution that has the magnitude of the industrial revolution and the speed of the digital revolution.”
Al Gore, again.
“You all have the potential to push the boundaries of what is accepted or expected, and to think big.”
Stephen Hawking, bonus track.
Conclusion
These quotes offer a snapshot of the dynamic conversations shaping our technological future. They remind us that while technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it’s the human element—our values, decisions, and creativity—that will determine its trajectory. As we navigate this ever-evolving digital landscape, let’s keep these insights in mind to guide our journey toward a more connected and thoughtful world.