Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

3Hotdogs

(15,528 posts)
Thu May 14, 2026, 04:28 PM 12 hrs ago

The best laid plans of mice and Bill--- I've posted about Bill a few years ago, when A.I. was just on the horizon.

Bill was a friend of 40 years and lived across the street from me. He explained that he was working on a framework for a computer that could think for itself. This would benefit humanity by expanding the capacity of science to solve problems. He had no ulterior motives for what he was doing: He just wanted to leave the world in a better place.

Randomly going through Wikipedia, I typed in Artificial intelligence. His name is there as one of the original researchers.

He would be horrified to learn what his efforts have produced.

2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
The best laid plans of mice and Bill--- I've posted about Bill a few years ago, when A.I. was just on the horizon. (Original Post) 3Hotdogs 12 hrs ago OP
Woah! electric_blue68 12 hrs ago #1
I also met an AI pioneer/co-worker in the 70's... bobalew 11 hrs ago #2

bobalew

(468 posts)
2. I also met an AI pioneer/co-worker in the 70's...
Thu May 14, 2026, 05:51 PM
11 hrs ago

He went by a single name. Tovar. Didn't believe in wearing shoes then, as I remember. I caught up with him 30 years later at a Celtic festival in Pleasanton. He was a bit soured on it at that point as he told it.

Latest Discussions»The DU Lounge»The best laid plans of mi...