Tag: American Airlines

Something Bigger than You or Me

The author reflects on a lesson learned during their early career at American Airlines, emphasizing the paramount importance of passenger safety over profits. They contrast this with experiences in the finance sector, highlighting a lack of integrity. The piece ultimately warns that the safety concerns surrounding Artificial Intelligence could pose an existential risk to humanity.

Artificial Intelligence has made a lesson I learned in 1977 relevant to every one of us.

In May of 1977, I began working for American Airlines as a computer programmer in the Operations Research Department. My first day was spent in Human Resources learning about policies, procedures, and benefits.

At the end of the day, when I met with the head of HR for the entire firm, I had one thing on my mind: the unlimited free systemwide travel privileges that came with the job.

“I want to welcome you aboard and give you this American Airlines lapel pin to wear with pride while on duty,” he began.

He handed me the pin. I tried to take it, but he would not let go.

“It is important that we both touch the pin while you listen to what I am about to say,” he continued.

“You need to know that there is one thing more important than profits. In fact, it is more important than everything else. It is more important than you, and it is more important than me.

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