I fear that artificial intelligence will kill off this beloved character.

Every family, every social group and every neighborhood across our planet has one. Or maybe more than one. The know-it-all. These frustrating but ultimately lovable creatures prowl our communities, carrying with them knowledge of all things, and dedicate their lives to saving the rest of us from our ignorance.

These unelected public servants, ever prepared to tell us how we’re doing things wrong, have been with us always. Think of Polonius from Hamlet, Mr. Collins from Pride and Prejudice, Chris Clavin from Cheers. Today, however, they face an existential threat from artificial intelligence.

I have several know-it-alls in my life. A sister-in-law, a member of my church and a clerk at the convenience store near my house. I love them all, but the one I encounter most often is my neighbor, Ed.

Ed and I are both retired and live in a community made up largely of retirees. In this community, people garden and walk dogs. When walking our dogs, we stop and talk to the people gardening. When gardening, neighbors walking their dogs stop and talk to us. I walk and garden, so I see Ed a lot.

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Is the Puff-chested Know-it-all in Danger of Extinction?