Pinpointing the exact moment when the idea of creating artificial intelligence was first conceived is challenging, as it emerged gradually through various scientific and philosophical inquiries over centuries. However, we can identify significant milestones in the development of AI.

The concept of artificial beings and intelligent machines dates back to ancient times, with myths and legends featuring creations endowed with human-like qualities. But if we’re talking about the modern notion of AI—that is, machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence—we could trace it back to the mid-20th century.

One pivotal moment was the Dartmouth Conference in 1956, where the term “artificial intelligence” was coined, and researchers gathered to discuss the potential of creating machines that could simulate human intelligence. Key figures like Alan Turing, John McCarthy, Marvin Minsky, and others played influential roles in shaping the early ideas of AI.

So, if we were to prevent the original thought that led to the creation of AI, we might need to go back to the mid-20th century and influence the intellectual milieu of that time to steer it away from the conception of AI. However, it’s essential to recognize that scientific and technological advancements are often the result of cumulative efforts and not solely dependent on individual ideas.