From TFA:

> No machine learning model was ever built using pure “human knowledge” — because then it wouldn’t be a learning model. It would be a hard coded algorithm.

I guess the author hasn't heard of expert systems? Systems like MYCIN (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycin) were heralded as incredible leaps forward at the time, and they indeed consisted of pure “human knowledge.”

I am disturbed whenever a thinkpiece is written by someone who obviously didn't do their research.