Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman, Alphabet Inc.: Just Say "Yes"

Transcript

[MUSIC] [APPLAUSE]

It's great to be back wearing my, almost, Stanford red, and I'm excited for you all to graduate. And I'm excited for the first year to make it to the second year, and it's just wonderful to be here. I will tell you that in the 14 years I've been teaching here, the faculty, I think, has been pretty much the same, and the studen... Read More

Summary

In this video, Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, discusses the age of abundance and the age of intelligence. He explores how technology has brought about an abundance of information, food, housing, and transportation. However, Schmidt points out that this abundance does not eliminate conflicts, such as religious, nationalistic, and personal disputes. He emphasizes the importance of personal freedom and economic freedom as guiding principles. Schmidt also talks about the advancements in artificial intelligence and its potential to revolutionize various industries such as healthcare and transportation. He encourages graduates to be open to new opportunities, develop discipline, and focus on meaningful pursuits. Schmidt also touches upon the increasing inequality in society and the need for diversity and tolerance.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the age of abundance and how is it defined?

The age of abundance is characterized by an overabundance of information, food, housing, and transportation. It is defined by the fact that we have too much of these resources.

Q: What are some of the challenges that we still face despite entering the age of abundance?

Despite the abundance of material things, we still face religious, nationalistic, and personal conflicts. There is an increase in anxiety, regulation, and a loss of egalitarianism. Integration and tolerance are also being forgotten.

Q: How has technology led to advancements in various fields such as healthcare and transportation?

Technology has enabled advancements in computer vision, analytical systems, and precision medicine. Computer vision is now better than human vision, allowing for better planning and analysis. In healthcare, technology has improved outcomes and drug discovery. In transportation, advancements in self-driving cars will make them as safe as flying on commercial airliners.

Q: What are some of the potential impacts of artificial intelligence in the future?

Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize various industries and create new corporations. It can improve healthcare outcomes, assist in drug discovery, and solve complex problems. The advancements in AI technology can lead to the creation of large corporations that leverage machine learning and big data to transform industries.

Q: What should graduates focus on in order to be successful in the age of abundance and intelligence?

Graduates should focus on meaningful pursuits and simplify their lives. They should be open to new opportunities, develop discipline, and not be distracted by things they cannot control. Having personal freedom and economic freedom are important guiding principles. Graduates should also be grateful for the opportunities they have and strive to serve others.

Q: How can we close the gender gap in the business and tech world?

The gender gap can be closed by addressing traditional prejudices and biases. Providing equal opportunities and promoting equality in the workplace can help. Companies can also work on eliminating unconscious biases and creating an inclusive environment. The role of women in the tech industry and leadership positions needs to be recognized and supported.

Q: What is Google's role in fighting falsehoods and misinformation on the internet?

Google is constantly working on improving its algorithms to provide accurate and relevant information. They strive to rank legitimate and credible sources higher than false or misleading information. Google also has a team called Jigsaw that is focused on detecting and combating hate speech online using language and understanding advancements.

Q: How can society and the technology community engage more constructively with government and politics?

The relationship between the science and technology communities and government and politics is currently strained. It is important for these parties to work together and find common ground. Scientists and technologists can engage with policymakers and educate them about the importance of research and technology. Public-private partnerships can also be formed to address societal challenges and promote progress.