In a time when artificial intelligence increasingly mimics human capabilities - writing essays, creating art, and engaging in seemingly meaningful conversations - we find ourselves at a curious philosophical crossroads.

The work of psychoanalyst and social philosopher Erich Fromm (1900-1980), particularly his 1964 book ‘The Heart of Man’, offers a prescient framework for understanding the fundamental limitations of even our most sophisticated AI systems.

The true danger is not that AI will outcompete humanity, but that we may, in our fascination with the machine, adopt necrophilous values ourselves - prioritising control over growth, mechanical efficiency over organic messiness, and simulation over authentic experience.

As Fromm might caution us, in embracing technological progress, we must be careful not to lose the biophilic heart that makes human creativity, connection, and conscience possible.