Technologist, entrepreneur, philanthropist and former Google Chairman & CEO Eric Schmidt visited the Nixon Library on March 4, 2025, to talk about the emerging and quickly-evolving technology of artificial intelligence while focusing on the process of writing two books on the subject with Dr. Henry Kissinger. The latest of those books, Genesis: Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit, was Dr. Kissinger’s twenty-second and final book.
In conversation with Frank Gannon, former Special Assistant to President Nixon, Schmidt shared how his unexpected friendship with Kissinger came to be while sharing anecdotes about their time together. In describing the remarkable way Kissinger was able to learn a whole new field in his 90s, Schmidt explained how Kissinger’s views were shaped by his experiences of being an immigrant, serving in World War II and carrying out President Nixon’s foreign policy. He emphasized that these experiences drove Kissinger’s motives for a peaceful world.
“President Nixon and Dr. Kissinger changed the world for the better. When you tour the exhibits here [at the Nixon Library] you remember the incredible challenges they faced and how well they navigated it.” – Eric Schmidt
Schmidt explained how Kissinger learned about artificial intelligence with the understanding that this new technology would be a game changer. As a historian and student of world order, Kissinger understood the need to think about the national and international implications. He explains, “You can think of his [Kissinger’s] books and his articles as kicking off a new chain of thought. Because, up until the point at which he entered the space, none of us were talking about the impact of this [AI] on governance, society and our own identity.” Putting his thoughts into practice, at 100 years old, Kissinger was carrying out diplomatic efforts to initiate a process of AI arms limitation talks with the US and China.
When discussing the reason for the book Genesis, Schmidt describes how he and Kissinger, along with co-author Craig Mundie, proactively explore how to handle a technology that exceeds human intelligence, how to balance power and how to make sure we maintain human values. Learn more about the book in this video.
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