What a 98-Year Old Children's Book Teaches Us About AI
A 98-year-old children's book, 'The Trumpeter of Krakow,' offers insights into the implications of artificial intelligence. The story illustrates how the protagonist's quest for knowledge leads to unintended consequences, mirroring concerns about AI's impact on human thought. Ultimately, the narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying too heavily on technology for wisdom.
- ▪The book was published in 1928 and follows a Polish family's journey to Krakow.
- ▪The protagonist's family possesses a magical crystal that reflects their own biases and ideas.
- ▪The narrative highlights the potential destructive outcomes of misusing knowledge, akin to the pitfalls of artificial intelligence.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Posted on May 28, 2026 by Angry Staff OfficerWhat a 98-Year Old Children’s Book Teaches Us About AI Regular readers of this blog will know that I’m a big fan of using fiction as a lens through which to view the world – some might say, to my detriment. But we do not listen to those naysayers (since they spark no joy) and we move on. I recently picked up a copy of one of my favorite books as a child and was pleased to find that age did not diminish it; in fact, it improved it. Even more surprising was finding inside it a real cautionary tale on the use of artificial intelligence. So, first off, the book: The Trumpeter of Krakow, published by Eric P. Kelly in 1928.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Angry Staff Officer.
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