AI should learn from the wheel's history of innovation, says Australian MP Andrew Leigh
In an opinion piece for Monocle, Australian MP and author Andrew Leigh argues that artificial intelligence must heed the lessons of the wheel's historical development. The wheel was invented around 6,000 years ago by copper miners in present-day Ukraine, but its adoption was not universal; it thrived only in ecosystems with hard-packed plains and roads, such as ancient Rome, while being impractical in sandy deserts, dense forests, or mountainous regions. Leigh emphasizes that great inventions rarely succeed alone—they require complementary technologies, systems, and cultural shifts. AI, like the wheel, depends on 'roads' such as reliable energy, trusted institutions, skilled workers, and appropriate regulations. Leigh's new book, 'The Shortest History of Innovation', is published in the UK on 25 August.
Key facts
- The wheel was invented around 6,000 years ago by copper miners in present-day Ukraine.
- The wheel's adoption was limited by geography; it was impractical in Egypt's deserts, sub-Saharan Africa's forests, and Papua New Guinea's mountains.
- Roman roads made wheeled transport more useful; when roads decayed, wheeled transport declined.
- AI's future depends on 'roads' like reliable energy, trusted institutions, skilled workers, and rules that encourage use while curbing harm.
- Andrew Leigh is an author and member of the Australian Parliament.
- Leigh's new book 'The Shortest History of Innovation' is published in the UK on 25 August.
- The article draws parallels between the wheel's history and the current development of AI.
- Innovation requires encouraging tinkering, diverse teams, and freer trade in ideas.
Entities
Institutions
- Monocle
- Australian Parliament
Locations
- Carpathian Mountains
- Ukraine
- Egypt
- sub-Saharan Africa
- Papua New Guinea
- Rome
- London
- Washington
Sources
- Monocle —