"The height of nonsense": Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison’s 1987 argument that not everything should be AI makes perfect sense in 2026 (www.techradar.com)

In a recent reflection on a 1987 roundtable discussion featuring Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, it becomes evident that his skepticism about the uncritical application of artificial intelligence resonates strongly in today's AI-obsessed landscape. While industry counterparts were enthusiastic about AI's potential to transform enterprise software, Ellison advocated for a more discerning approach, emphasizing that AI should serve as a tool to enhance database management and systems development, rather than a standalone novelty. His insistence on using AI selectively rather than as a universal solution stressed the importance of human expertise and the need to avoid unnecessary complexity in applications. Ellison's perspective is significant for the AI/ML community as it raises critical questions about the role of intelligence in software architecture. He argued against what he termed "AI maximalism," positing that intelligent systems should only be designed where they enhance usability and reduce complexity. This pragmatic philosophy underpins the ongoing evolution of enterprise software, where abstracting intelligence without purpose can lead to inefficiency. As businesses increasingly integrate AI into their strategies, Ellison's cautionary insights remind developers to evaluate where and how AI adds real value, ensuring that technological advancements align with broader architectural goals rather than succumbing to the allure of innovation for its own sake.