In his October 11, 2026 article, "'AI' is Not a Tool," Rich Hickey argues that LLMs are automation rather than tools because they cannot be wielded. I agree that outsourcing work can cost us opportunities to learn. But his conclusion does not follow. Even by his definition, an LLM can be something a human wields. And using it well takes skill, just as using other tools does.
Picking up a saw does not guarantee a straight cut. Holding a chisel does not make you a sculptor. Tools can amplify poor judgment as readily as good judgment. Their usefulness depends on the operator's ability to direct them, interpret feedback, recognize mistakes, and make corrections. Those requirements also apply to LLMs.
