Rich Hickey - GoKawiil

Blogger Huahai rebuts Rich Hickey's claim that AI tools aren't really 'tools'

In an October 12, 2026 post, writer Huahai responds to Rich Hickey's essay arguing that LLMs count as automation rather than tools because they can't be 'wielded.' Huahai counters that LLMs can be directed, corrected, and refined by users just like saws, chisels, compilers, or spreadsheets, and that unpredictability doesn't disqualify something from being a tool. The post argues that using an LLM well, through iterative feedback and judgment, requires genuine skill.

yyhh.org · 2026-10-12

Rich Hickey argues 'AI' should not be called a tool

In a LinkedIn essay, Clojure creator Rich Hickey contends that the word 'tool' is being applied too loosely to AI systems. He argues true tools are things wielded by hand with control and feedback, like hammers or saws, and that this hands-on use builds skill and understanding of the world. He contrasts this with LLMs, which he says lack the predictability, reliability and determinism that define genuine tools.

gist.github.com · 2026-10-12