I recently had the honour of being a panellist on ABC Radio National’s program What Can an Ancient Chinese Boardgame Teach Us About Human Consciousness? This episode explored Go, its strategic depth, and its insights into human thought. As a passionate advocate for Go, I shared how its timeless principles resonate in modern contexts.
I was happy to share the panel with distinguished guests: Dr. Ze-Li Dou, Go player and Associate Professor of Mathematics at Texas Christian University; Dr. Silvia Lozeva, Founder and Director of Institute 361; and David Mitchell, Secretary General of the Australian Go Association.
Go: The Oldest Game, Ever Relevant
Invented over 2,500 years ago, Go is the world’s oldest continuously played board game. Its simple rules hide immense complexity, with countless possible moves creating a vast strategic landscape. Go requires balancing logic, intuition, and adaptability—qualities that reflect human consciousness.
AI and the Go Revolution
We discussed the groundbreaking 2016 match where Google’s AlphaGo defeated world champion Lee Sedol. This marked a shift in AI, demonstrating machines could emulate intuition and creativity. Despite AI’s advances, Go remains deeply human, teaching lessons in strategy and decision-making.
Go’s Modern Relevance
Go’s principles apply far beyond the board, influencing leadership, innovation, and problem-solving. My workshops bring these ideas to life, showing how Go’s strategies enrich modern challenges.
The ABC Radio National program beautifully captured the essence of Go as more than just a game. It’s a lens through which we can explore timeless questions about consciousness, strategy, and the human condition. As we continue to advance technologically, Go reminds us of the enduring complexity and beauty of human thought—an invitation to think, create, and play with intention. For those interested in learning more or experiencing the game’s magic firsthand, feel free to explore the resources on my website and to reach out.