Overview

Yann LeCun, Meta’s chief AI scientist and a pioneer in artificial intelligence, argues that today’s large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Llama are nearing obsolescence due to fundamental limitations in their design. In a wide-ranging interview, LeCun explains that LLMs are reactive, generating text one token at a time without true reasoning or the ability to represent the complex, continuous nature of the real world.

He contrasts this with human intelligence, which rapidly acquires new skills and reasons across multiple levels of abstraction. LeCun envisions a future where AI systems go beyond language, integrating richer models of reality to enable planning and reasoning; what he calls “System 2” intelligence. He believes these next-generation architectures will surpass LLMs within five years, leading to a new era where AI augments rather than replaces human capabilities. LeCun also advocates for open-source AI development to ensure transparency, diversity, and global accessibility. While acknowledging the transformative potential of AI, he cautions against equating intelligence with power, emphasizing that future AI should serve human needs within clear constraints. Ultimately, LeCun sees humanity shifting toward more managerial roles, overseeing increasingly capable AI systems designed to enhance, not supplant, human agency.