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and integrated circuits dominated the landscape, transistors were the cutting-edge components powering mainframes and minicomputers in laboratories and corporations around the world.

For me, these humming cabinets of hardware represented the birth of something extraordinary—machines that could process information, make decisions, and, in a sense, mimic the reasoning of the human mind, sometimes beyond human control.

I started dreaming about AI, which I used to call IC (intelligent creatures), while I was in the university and after I fell in love with Fortran and Cobol and when transistors were the most advanced in technology. Those early days were filled with curiosity and excitement as I explored programming on bulky mainframes, watching technology slowly evolve with each new discovery. Little did I know that these sparks of imagination would lay the foundation for a lifelong fascination with artificial intelligence.

 

Then integrated circuits showed up to expand the imagination and to expedite the creation of AI. Their miniaturization and efficiency revolutionized computing, enabling more complex algorithms and faster processing capabilities. This technological leap made it possible for artificial intelligence to transition from theoretical concepts to practical applications in everyday life.

 

My fascination with AI stems from a lifelong relationship with technology, beginning when I first worked with computers in university back in 1969. As a top student in mathematics, chemistry, and physics, I found inspiration in imagining possibilities for automation—ranging from straightforward production lines to sophisticated systems that utilize lasers and magnets. This early exposure fueled my passion for innovation and deepened my appreciation for the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.

 

Throughout this journey, I found that integrating AI-driven solutions with traditional craftsmanship opened up new possibilities for innovation. By leveraging my hands-on skills and technical knowledge, I was able to streamline workflows, reduce manual labor, and enhance the overall quality of my creations. This seamless blend of technology and artistry, and my experience with materials and sculpting, not only boosted efficiency but also inspired me to push the boundaries of what could be achieved in both manufacturing and construction.

 

Electric 2- or 3-way switches and relay boxes or centralized hubs, which were considered advanced systems back then, were the best I could use to create automation systems for my custom mansions. These solutions enabled basic control over lighting and certain appliances, allowing for convenience and increased functionality within the home. Although limited compared to today's smart technology, they laid the groundwork for more sophisticated automation that would develop in later years.

 

Before the advent of iPhone and Mac’s Contact applications, I developed a proprietary data system that seamlessly connected my construction business information, my computer, and my mobile phones. This innovative approach allowed me to efficiently manage and access crucial data across different devices, well ahead of mainstream solutions. My system provided a tailored solution that addressed the unique needs of my business operations and lifestyle.

 

With my iPhone, Mac, and over thirty applications I mastered, I started functioning as efficiently as a building with 300 expert employees. This digital arsenal allowed me to streamline my workflow, automate repetitive tasks, and respond to challenges with remarkable speed. As a result, I was able to deliver results that surpassed expectations, all while maintaining a high level of organization and creativity.
 

I started creating my web sites when there was no WiFi. Dial Tone only. Back then, connecting to the internet meant listening to the familiar screech of a dial-up modem and patiently waiting for pages to load, one line at a time. Building and publishing sites was a true exercise in patience and creativity, with every upload feeling like a small victory over the limitations of the technology at the time.

 

All my complex businesses turned to hobbies. Over time, what started as work transformed into genuine passion projects, blending joy with expertise.

I designed and built the most expensive mansions in the history of the United States and enjoyed doing that like a romantic affair. Each project was an extraordinary journey, blending creativity with meticulous attention to detail. All were award-winning, celebrated for both their innovative design and exceptional craftsmanship.

 

My global networks exploded in my other businesses, including the petroleum industry, manufacturing, commodities, and even in investigation and intelligence, thanks to the strategic use of young AI, my websites and innovative marketing tactics. This rapid growth allowed me to connect with influential partners and expand operations across multiple sectors worldwide.


Instead of an address book and walls of brochures and extensive paper files in my office, I could access details about my subcontractors, employees, colleagues, and even friends instantly, all with just a click.

Back when smartphones were just emerging and the iPhone hadn’t yet been released, I developed one of my first AI platforms to bridge the gap between my Blackberry and Mac. This system enabled seamless data transfer between my two devices, which was a significant achievement at the time. I used it to monitor construction sites and progress in real time through cameras and automatically share daily progress updates with clients, allowing them to stay informed remotely about every stage of their projects. This innovative solution not only enhanced transparency but also set a new standard for remote collaboration in construction management. Steve Jobs made my life very easy and enjoyable. The innovations he brought through Apple revolutionized the way I communicate, work, and stay informed every day.

 

Now we have an AI global race, with countries and organizations around the world competing to develop and deploy cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies. This race is shaping the future of industries, economies, and even geopolitics as advancements in AI become increasingly central to global influence and innovation.
 

Let’s not forget the idea of sharing nuclear technology to promote clean energy. That one did not work the way we expected, did it?
 

Now the same group of geniuses articulate, “It is important to recognize that access to AI technology should not be restricted based on subjective assessments of intelligence.”

We will see the catastrophic results of it when I am not here, but my writing will be. Through my words, I hope future readers can understand the consequences and perhaps find a way to address them. The legacy left behind in these pages serves as both a warning and a guide for those who come after me.

 

Yes, there are people on this planet who must not have access to AI, nuclear technology, some even a simple gun.

 

As we move forward, the humming cabinets of hardware will continue to evolve, becoming smarter, faster, and more interconnected. Their influence will extend into every aspect of life—from healthcare to transportation, from education to entertainment. The birth of these extraordinary machines marks not just a technological revolution, but a profound transformation in the relationship between humans and the systems we create.

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AI

by: Behzad Farahani

 

From Transistors to Intelligent Creatures

 

My journey into the world of artificial intelligence began long before the term "AI" became commonplace. Back then, I affectionately referred to these marvels of logic and automation as "IC"—intelligent creatures. It all started when I fell head over heels for programming languages like Fortran and Cobol, which were the foundation of early computer science and business computing.

 

The era I’m reminiscing about was defined by the transistor, a technological advance that revolutionized electronics and computing. Before microprocessors

Available August 20, 2026

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