Opinion | America Has Never Run from the New

2026-06-26 · Source: Technology - WSJ.com · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Published on June 26, 2026, this Wall Street Journal opinion piece argues that America should embrace artificial intelligence rather than retreat from it, drawing parallels with historical technological disruptions like the telegraph and the internet. Responding to Peggy Noonan's concerns about AI's societal impact, the author contends that the nation has consistently absorbed and adapted to new technologies, transforming them into broader connections. The article asserts that AI, while testing judgment, also presents opportunities to enhance human qualities. To reach its 2,500th birthday, America must learn to "humanize" AI, integrating it in a way that strengthens societal bonds rather than avoiding its development.

Key takeaway

For policy makers and national leaders weighing AI regulation, recognize America's historical strength in adapting to new technologies. Instead of pursuing restrictive avoidance, focus your efforts on strategies that "humanize" AI, integrating it to foster deeper societal connections and preserve national resilience. Your approach should aim to shape AI's development to enhance human qualities, ensuring long-term national endurance.

Key insights

America's historical pattern of absorbing new technologies, like AI, is key to its future and humanizing progress.

Principles

• Nations survive by remaining rooted in one another.
• Technological disruptions can deepen human qualities.
• Humanizing new technology ensures national longevity.

Topics

• Artificial Intelligence
• Technology Adoption
• National Strategy
• Societal Resilience
• Humanizing AI
• Policy Making

Best for: Executive, Policy Maker, General Interest

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Technology - WSJ.com.