Eventually, I believe, current attempts to understand the mind by analogy with man-made computers that can perform superbly some of the same external tasks as conscious beings will be recognized as a gigantic waste of time.

The quote "Eventually, I believe, current attempts to understand the mind by analogy with man-made computers that can perform superbly some of the same external tasks as conscious beings will be recognized as a gigantic waste of time" by Thomas Nagel expresses his skepticism about the idea that computers and artificial intelligence can fully capture the complexity of the human mind. Nagel, a renowned philosopher of mind, argues that while computers may be able to perform specific tasks similar to those of conscious beings, they fall short of understanding or replicating the subjective experience of consciousness.

Nagel challenges the analogy between the mind and machines, emphasizing that even if computers can mimic certain external behaviors, they do not possess the qualia—the personal, inner experiences that are central to human consciousness. This distinction underscores his belief that the nature of consciousness cannot be fully explained through computational models or artificial systems. He believes that reducing the mind to mechanical processes risks overlooking the richness and depth of conscious experience.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Nagel's broader philosophical work, particularly his critiques of reductionist approaches to understanding the mind. In his famous essay "What Is It Like to Be a Bat?", Nagel argues that consciousness is inherently subjective and cannot be fully captured through objective or scientific methods. His critique of AI models in this quote builds on his ongoing exploration of the limitations of materialist explanations of consciousness.

In essence, Nagel's quote is a warning against placing too much faith in the idea that machines, no matter how advanced, can replicate the rich inner experience that defines human consciousness. He believes that philosophy and science must explore deeper questions about the mind that go beyond the capabilities of current technology, which he views as insufficient for understanding the full scope of human experience.