The article discusses the historical context and implications of the current AI boom, drawing parallels with previous technological revolutions and their impacts on society. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the lessons from history to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence today.

The article discusses historical chains of causation as illustrated in James Burke's television series "Connections," highlighting how technological advancements often arise from the recombination of existing ideas. It critiques the notion that AI, like Google's robo-scientist, can generate truly innovative research, arguing instead that it excels at synthesizing pre-existing knowledge. The author encourages readers to leverage their own data to foster innovation through serendipitous connections.