8.08.2005
Will the geeks inherit the Earth?
GRIN Technologies (Genetics, Robotics, Information technology and Nanotechnology). Singularity. Moore's Law. Grey Goo. Artificial Intelligence. Cyborgs. Transhumanism and much much more. The book is on the way.
Far fetched science fiction? Maybe, but taken seriously enough that the National Geographic is interested.
DATA OUTPUT: Jessi @ 5:51 PM
DATA INPUT = 14
14 Comments:
Speaking of grey goo, have you read Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle?
I've heard of Kurt Vonnegut... from you, I think! Haven't read the book though.
So what do you think of all this GRIN Tech business?
I've been trying to keep up with this stuff, especially nano technology. There is already a paint out with microscopic solar panels in it. Imagine painting your home and having free energy, same with your car. That is out now, think about a technology a million times more effective out in just a few years. Telescoping. We might literally reach that singularity you were talking about and on the other side we might find that we have changed altogether into something else.
I am excited because I do see a potential for heaven. After all we wouldn't have to work for our energy allowing individuals to grow (literally) at their own leisure, much like a flower or tree in Eden, soaking up energy and information. So far though, I think the promises have been hyped a little hyped up. So far, what we've mostly gotten is more useless information to wade through and have in many ways become less human or forgot what it means to be human. There is incredible potential there and I have no doubt that whether we like it or not, technology will march forward at the pace of moores law. (for a time)
I am, however, skeptical of people who want to be God like, or tell me that the gifts I've been given are inadaquate. We may need to become cyborgs in order to keep up with bussiness but I think we were created just fine for fishing on a lake and coming home for a family bbq.
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Damn, I forgot to close my tags again.
Right, I'm hoping the book will touch up on what "god-like" powers really mean. I'm thinking maybe its the abilitity to manipulate one's body and enviroment at will or maybe it will be one of those marvels that are remarkable at first than common and ordinary after everyone is used to it. How many times in the last century have we heard "scientist are playin god" at the introduction of today's everyday items and technologies?
Exciting times. I too can easily precieve the Heaven scenerio. I also like the 'we'll previal' attitude in response to those fears of technology running amok. Damn straight! Says the eternal optimist. The glass is always half-full.
If you like nanotech, go through the archives of Nanobot. Lots of good stuff there, but sadly he hasn't been updating lately.
you ever read any of michio kaku's books? he talks about four types of civilizations. type zero, I, II, and III. We are on the cusp of becoming a type I civ. meaning we no longer burn dead plants for fuel but harness the power of the sun, minipulating our weather and exploring our solar system--kind of like picard and his buds... type II is like the borg and type III are imortal beings like Q. God like from what I have read means smart materials and life extension so we will live longer and be able to walk through walls. That sounds pretty bitchen.
Ah man, I'd like to fly! Though I'm hung up on whether I'd like to levitate or to have wings.
The book you mentioned sounds like a must-read! Though I hope we'd never become borg-like. Bleh...
Butlerian Jihad, Agamemnon will rule us all...
We must never allow thinking machines to do our work for us. EVER! ;)
Agreed Ash! Besides, if its a machine that thinks for itself, would it want to do our work for us? Is individuality possible in a machine?
What kind of work would a thinking machine need to do?
Heh, GRIN tech makes for interesting conversations. Shame you don't work for Humble ISP anymore. You're missing out on some great dialouge! Why don't you start a blog?
Wings, with feathers...and Talions.
Heh, got another book recommendation for you Matt. Samaria Trilogy. It's more of a romance than a science-fiction, but pretty enjoyable.
I'm not talking about an intelligent machine built to troubleshoot, but a machine that thinks for itself. A machine that regards itself as an individual!
Tell me if I'm letting my over-active imagination get the better of me, but wouldn't using an intelligent/self-aware program or machine to do man's bidding be slavery?
Heh, I can see myself marching for robot rights in the future.
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