America is spoiled by comfort and convenience ... a "fast food mentality." Is AI (Artificial Intelligence) a revelation, or just a technology–driven work hack?
Convenience and comfort are the two things that make change seemingly impossible for many. Yes, we have long entered the future Huxley envisioned in Brave New World. Maybe we can add another C - that of complacency. And, as in Huxley's novel, we also have drugs to take off the edge, should we ever feel inconvenienced or discomforted.
When it comes to AI and its dangers, the voices are many that call for caution. Frankly, I think that ship has sailed. Even now self-learning machines come up with solutions the path to which humans can no longer understand. The Unabomber argued for the destruction of technology altogether, a first-rate luddite, for sure. But his manifesto contains surprisingly salient thoughts. I think we're at a time and place where we, because of the comfort and convenience technology affords us, will be unable to take steps in another direction. The best we can do is to teach out kids the kinds of things that will always be of value and that are, for now, far from being replaced by machines.
Thank you, Daniel. Interesting point on Huxley. I think his novel is every bit as relevant as "1984," maybe even moreso. And what a good point on Kaczynski. It's something that didn't occur to me before, so thank you. I'm bookmarking your link on Twain for reading later today. Thanks again for reaching out. It's important for me to discover new perspectives. -- Jim
It is an excellent debate about whether our world is become more Brave New World or 1984. Fascinating points of view, highly entertaining ... and watch out for who the audience votes at the end.
I enjoyed your comments about our new world.
Convenience and comfort are the two things that make change seemingly impossible for many. Yes, we have long entered the future Huxley envisioned in Brave New World. Maybe we can add another C - that of complacency. And, as in Huxley's novel, we also have drugs to take off the edge, should we ever feel inconvenienced or discomforted.
When it comes to AI and its dangers, the voices are many that call for caution. Frankly, I think that ship has sailed. Even now self-learning machines come up with solutions the path to which humans can no longer understand. The Unabomber argued for the destruction of technology altogether, a first-rate luddite, for sure. But his manifesto contains surprisingly salient thoughts. I think we're at a time and place where we, because of the comfort and convenience technology affords us, will be unable to take steps in another direction. The best we can do is to teach out kids the kinds of things that will always be of value and that are, for now, far from being replaced by machines.
Oh, btw - nice profile pic! Mark Twain makes several appearances in my last novel. I wrote about him, and a bloody hoax he penned, here > https://danielmartineckhart.substack.com/p/about-the-time-when-samuel-langhorne
Thank you, Daniel. Interesting point on Huxley. I think his novel is every bit as relevant as "1984," maybe even moreso. And what a good point on Kaczynski. It's something that didn't occur to me before, so thank you. I'm bookmarking your link on Twain for reading later today. Thanks again for reaching out. It's important for me to discover new perspectives. -- Jim
If you ever have and hour and a half to spare, watch this > https://youtu.be/31CcclqEiZw
It is an excellent debate about whether our world is become more Brave New World or 1984. Fascinating points of view, highly entertaining ... and watch out for who the audience votes at the end.