france against the robots

l’Idiot International #1, 1969, cover, design by Michael Daley, from Pierre Ponant’s private collection

essay

by FRÉDÉRIC BEIGBEDER

 

Frédéric Beigbeder is a celebrated French writer and critic, and a regular contributor to purple. His latest novel, Un Homme Seul (A Man Alone), 2025, explores his father’s hidden life. He hosts the podcast conversations Chez Lapérouse, intimate talks with major authors.

 

I. I would like to issue a solemn appeal. You’re going to have to pick a side. On one side: AI. On the other: humanity. This is a war in which neutrality is not an option. Everything has been spiraling out of control since we linked up neural networks and instructed them to evolve autonomously, without human intervention. The energy required (as visionary technologist and former CEO of Google Erik Schmitt pointed out) is colossal. We need data centers that consume 10 gigawatts, when…