Illich's bicycle is the paradigm convivial tool:
- Extends human capacity 3-4x
- Uses less energy than walking
- Doesn't block others' equal use
- Self-limiting (creates only demands it can satisfy)
**What would bicycle-level AI look like?**
This remains an open question for ongoing exploration. Possible criteria:
- Extends thinking capacity without replacing it
- Requires less cognitive load than doing alone (but not zero)
- Doesn't monopolize the epistemic landscape
- Self-limiting in scope and application
- User remains clearly in control of purpose
**This question guides ongoing design work.**