Kelly Corrigan Wonders Go To on AI & the Poetry of Family
Nov 28, 2025
Duncan Keegan, an Irish father and TED speaker, shares his profound journey through grief after the loss of his five-year-old son, Rory. He emphasizes the importance of being present and truly connecting with family during difficult times. Reflecting on small moments, Duncan argues that AI cannot replicate the emotional depth of human interaction. He highlights the value of courage, silence, and genuine presence over technology. Kelly and Duncan explore how shared stories of grief can bridge connections, revealing the beauty and complexity of family life.
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Holding Moments That Speak Without Words
- Duncan Keegan recounts watching his five-year-old son Rory speak to his mother from the car and knowing everything that mattered about that moment without hearing a word.
- He then tells how Rory died and how his daughter Niamh's private goodbye revealed what living human presence can do in grief.
AI Can’t Replace Living Presence
- Duncan argues that AI will be useful but cannot become empathetic consciousness or a proxy for a living soul.
- He sees AI as a device of distraction rather than a replacement for human presence in grief and care.
A Line That Bridges Suffering
- Kelly Corrigan shares her reaction to Duncan's line 'our story is your story too' and how it reframed shared vulnerability.
- She describes it as generous: his tragedy makes him like everyone else and invites collective empathy.