The Problem With “The Matrix”: Here’s why instant knowledge can make us dangerously confident

“I know Kung Fu!” is definitely our favorite line from The Matrix (I expect we are not alone). Neo’s bemused delight is pitch-perfect and so relatable. Who hasn’t wished that they could pick up Kung Fu (or calculus, or oil painting) from an instant download? So much better than putting in years of time and work!

In 1999, when The Matrix hit theaters, Neo didn’t have access to Claude, Grok, ChatGPT, or Gemini; even Google was barely a toddler then. He had Morpheus and a cable plugged straight into the back of his skull.