In Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991), Valeris, the Vulcan officer aboard the USS Enterprise, explains the origin of the word “sabotage.” She recounts how, four hundred years ago on Earth, workers whose livelihoods were threatened by automation threw their wooden shoes, called “sabots,” into machinery to disrupt production. This act of defiance gave birth to the term “sabotage,” encapsulating resistance to systems perceived as oppressive or dehumanizing.
This story resonates deeply with our modern relationship with artificial intelligence (AI), as called out by the great PR maven Greg Matusky in his recent post here: LinkedIn. (credit him with the rest of the story, retold) Like the machines of old, AI represents transformative progress but also incites fear and resistance. In industries like public relations, AI can be seen as the new machinery—powerful, efficient, and misunderstood. Too often, we throw metaphorical “sabots” into its gears, driven by fear, misunderstanding, or outdated thinking.
Here’s how the lessons from Valeris’s explanation and the concept of sabotage apply to overcoming objections to AI adoption:
1. Fear of Lost Revenue
The workers of the industrial age feared losing their jobs to machines, much like professionals today worry that AI will undercut their businesses. However, just as machinery ultimately created more jobs in different areas, AI expands opportunities. And AI doesn’t replace expertise—it scales it. By automating repetitive tasks, AI frees up time for higher-level strategy. Instead of throwing shoes into the gears, we should be building systems that harness AI’s potential to deliver greater value to clients.
2. Fear of Losing Expert Status
The fear of being replaced by machines is as old as automation itself. Some professionals worry that if AI handles tasks, clients won’t need them. But expertise lies in guiding others through complexity, not hoarding knowledge. In Star Trek, Valeris’s explanation wasn’t about the futility of sabotage—it was about understanding the dynamics of fear and resistance. Similarly, professionals can leverage AI to enhance their role as strategic advisors. AI doesn’t diminish experts; it elevates them.
3. “It’s Cheating”
Sabotage wasn’t “cheating”; it was a tactic for resistance. Yet some dismiss AI as an unfair shortcut, akin to using a nail gun instead of a hammer. This mindset overlooks the purpose of tools: to make work more efficient. AI is a tool, not a replacement for creativity or ingenuity. It’s about working smarter, not harder. The question isn’t whether AI is fair—it’s whether you’re willing to adapt and use it effectively.
4. “I Tried It and It Didn’t Work”
Resistance to change often stems from early failures. Imagine if those early saboteurs gave up after the first machine was repaired. Mastery of any tool, including AI, takes persistence and practice. You don’t sit at a piano for the first time and play a symphony. Likewise, AI’s full potential isn’t unlocked overnight. Trial, error, and iteration are part of the process.
5. “It Plagiarizes”
Critics claim AI merely copies existing ideas. But just as workers repurposed their wooden shoes to disrupt machinery, AI synthesizes what it learns to create new possibilities. Valeris’s story is a reminder that innovation often emerges from unexpected sources. AI’s ability to combine data and generate insights isn’t plagiarism—it’s creativity.
6. “It Hallucinates”
Yes, AI sometimes makes mistakes or “hallucinates.” But so do humans. Valeris’s recounting of sabotage highlights how even imperfect actions can disrupt systems and spark change. AI requires a similar approach: test its outputs, think critically, and refine its applications. Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re opportunities to learn and improve.
The Legacy of Resistance and Innovation
The story of sabotage reminds us that fear and resistance are natural reactions to change. But progress isn’t about throwing shoes into the gears; it’s about understanding the machines and making them work for us. AI isn’t here to destroy industries; it’s here to transform them. By embracing its potential, we can build a future where human creativity and machine efficiency work hand in hand.