Our ancestors did not all leave beautifully written memoirs. Some left letters filled with spelling mistakes. Others left little more than a signature, a mark on a document, or a story passed down through generations. We treasure those fragments today because they offer glimpses into lives that might otherwise have been forgotten. Why, then, would we discourage someone from using dictation software or AI to preserve their family’s history? The words may need polishing, but the memories, experiences, and relationships belong to the people who lived them. Our responsibility is to preserve those stories faithfully, not to judge the tools that helped bring them to the page.
I know there are those who disagree with me as I was recently chastized at a conference after my presentation for recommending those who are uncomfortable with writing to use AI. The attendee told me I was ignorant several times and that she was fired as a high school English teacher due to AI. Having spent 44 years in education, I seriously doubt that was the cause of the termination. Personally, I applaud whatever school district got this woman out of the classroom. It was difficult enough as a mature adult to have to handle her offensive attitude; I can’t imagine how a teen would have felt being subjected to her.
Yet, I learned something from this encounter. The attendee told me she stopped listening to me when I mentioned AI. That was about Slide 3. She lost all of the other valuable information that may have helped her with her family history because she closed her mind. That’s sad. A closed mindset blocks new ideas, resists feedback and prevents us from learning the truth. Sure, the truth can hurt sometimes but it helps us prevent falling for the same mistake repeatedly and avoiding harm.
If you are finding yourself stuck in a rut of your beliefs try this:
Pause next time you hear something that feels uncomfortable or weird. Ask yourself – What if they are onto something here?
Before automatically making a judgement, ask yourself – What might I be missing?
Consider the other person’s viewpoint – think of 3 logical reasons why they may be right
Intentionally seek out new ways to do something you always do. Read a book from an opposing view, LISTEN instead of speak and importantly, try to stop having to be right all the time – that’s the enemy of learning.
These small steps might just help you solve that brickwall, get a persnickety relative to share info with you, and brighten your outlook. It can’t hurt!