Acclaimed author Xue Mo delivered a powerful message about human resilience and creativity during the 2025 London Book Fair, challenging prevailing narratives about artificial intelligence's role in publishing and storytelling. Speaking at the event's Tech Theatre, Mo argued that technological advancement cannot replace the fundamental essence of human experience and storytelling.
Drawing from his extensive literary portfolio, including works like "Wolf Disaster at Pig's Belly Well" and "The Mind and the Heart," Mo emphasized the importance of cultivating inner creativity in an era increasingly dominated by technological disruption. He posited that while AI presents significant challenges, human emotional depth remains an irreplaceable asset in creative industries.
Publishing professionals at the event resonated with Mo's perspective. Professor Chang Xiangqun of Global Century Press highlighted how technology can enhance, rather than replace, cultural understanding, citing the innovative bilingual layout of Mo's philosophical work. Meanwhile, Mengdi Turbutt Cai from Paths International Ltd. stressed that cultural narratives possess an emotional complexity that algorithms cannot replicate.
Mohammed Urma, the company's Marketing Director, raised critical concerns about potential digital colonialism, noting the increasing challenges for international publishers in navigating complex technological landscapes. Mo's response focused on viewing technological change as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat.
In his closing remarks, Mo compared the current technological transformation to a "dissolution of centralized discourse power," urging publishers and creators to embrace change while maintaining their unique human perspective. His works, which have been translated into over 30 languages, serve as a testament to the universal power of authentic storytelling.
The consensus emerging from the London Book Fair suggests that while artificial intelligence continues to evolve, the depth of human experience remains the most valuable narrative currency. Mo's message provides a nuanced framework for understanding technological disruption: not as a replacement for human creativity, but as a tool for expanding creative potential.
