In a newly translated column called “The Author of the Robots Defends Himself,” published in Lidové Noviny on June 9, 1935, Čapek expresses his frustration about how his original vision for robots was being subverted. His arguments still apply to both modern robotics and AI. In this column, he referred to himself in the third-person:

For his robots were not mechanisms. They were not made of sheet metal and cogwheels. They were not a celebration of mechanical engineering. If the author was thinking of any of the marvels of the human spirit during their creation, it was not of technology, but of science. With outright horror, he refuses any responsibility for the thought that machines could take the place of people, or that anything like life, love, or rebellion could ever awaken in their cogwheels. He would regard this somber vision as an unforgivable overvaluation of mechanics or as a severe insult to life.

They realize that the reason for the activity is to hang out with friends & fam. Winning is merely the beacon or signpost that directs that activity, and as such, they play the game to the best of their ability, accepting the current limits of that ability while still trying to improve. The never-ending road towards mastery of a craft or hobby can be a very satisfing experience.

“With justice thus removed, what are kingdoms if not robberies? For what are robberies even, if not small kingdoms?” ~ City of God Book IV, Chapter IV