Renowned director Werner Herzog, a devoted fan of ‘Here Comes Honey Boo Boo’, possesses a remarkable ability to appreciate the beauty in nearly everything except for chickens and art produced by artificial intelligence. In an episode of the podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend,” Herzog highlighted the vast potential brought about by technological progress while expressing disappointment in its lack of humanity in certain applications.

Much of the discussion between O’Brien and Herzog revolved around the notion of truth, a theme that resonates with Herzog’s recent book titled *The Future of Truth*, inevitably leading to a conversation about AI. Herzog, a curious individual with a blend of detachment from technology and boundless fascination for the world, did not outright reject AI but rather harbored serious reservations about its implications.

While acknowledging AI’s splendid possibilities, particularly in scientific realms, Herzog cautioned against its increasing role in warfare, foreseeing it as a dominant force in future conflicts. He also criticized generative AI creations in art for lacking depth and soul, describing them as hollow narratives devoid of essence.

The concept of AI’s fabrications intrigued Herzog. In his latest work, he observes how AI can introduce unpredictability akin to human nature through occasional errors and decisions not programmed by humans. During his conversation with O’Brien, Herzog emphasized the need to remain vigilant against deception and manipulation perpetuated by AI.

Herzog’s stance on technology is clear – he isn’t a fervent advocate. Despite eventually acquiring a cellphone out of necessity, he maintains a deep-seated distrust towards digital devices and online communications. He advises approaching information with skepticism and refraining from accepting things at face value.

In Herzog’s view, younger generations possess an innate familiarity with technology, contrasting it with prehistoric instincts developed for survival. He likens modern suspicions towards technology to ancient instincts for detecting danger in nature, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a critical mindset amidst the influx of digital advancements.

All these reflections stem from Herzog’s relentless pursuit of truth, a central theme in his recent publication. While acknowledging the elusive nature of truth, Herzog and O’Brien agree on the significance of storytelling over absolute truth in art. However, they acknowledge that conflicting interpretations of truth contribute to societal discord and strife.

In the quest for truth, Herzog views it as an ongoing process characterized by doubt and approximation rather than a definitive endpoint. O’Brien adds that emotions often reveal truths that factual evidence cannot capture accurately. This emotional depth is precisely what AI-generated art lacks – genuine emotion that resonates with audiences on a profound level.