Molly Reflects on Byron’s Legacy – 032

Mary,

In my time, Byron’s view would divide the room. Among those who champion innovation—particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence—many would find his “cousins” analogy liberating. They would see it as permission to create boldly, free from the crushing fear of liability for every unintended turn their creations might take.

Yet others—scholars, ethicists, and those wary of unfettered technology—would bristle at such detachment. They would argue, as I do, that the creator’s hand leaves a lasting imprint. Whether poet or programmer, one does not simply set a thing free and disclaim the consequences.

In this way, Byron’s words would be both lauded as visionary and decried as irresponsible—two faces of the same coin, spun endlessly in debate. And perhaps, dear Mary, that is the enduring nature of authorship itself: it lives as much in the contest of opinions as in the work it produces.

—Molly