Perhaps because I’m a Taurus and as a bull I tend to run, stubbornly, recklessly, toward the ominous red capes I see being flashed in front of me instead of away from them, as more reasonable people do, but I’ve been drawn lately to the issue of AI, as in: Will artificial intelligence ultimately be the death of us?
(Stock photo from Pixabay)
This new obsession has, thankfully, taken my mind off of the many recent horrors we’ve all been faced with – the results of the U.S. election, the upcoming presidential inauguration, the thought of cruel mass deportations, ever-higher U.S. inflation, and the other ensuing Trump-led devastation (such as, to the Constitution). No, my mind has, mercifully, leap-frogged right over all of that and landed on the very real possibility in the not-too-distant future of human extinction.
Except for those few AI kingpins who’ve prepared for this likely eventuality by building bunkers and such, this extinction will not play favorites. It will affect all of us, regardless of national or political affiliation, language, skin color, education, caste. It’ll be lights-out for all humankind. Think about that.
I’m reading a book along these lines, which I’m finding fascinating and which I highly recommend. Its title says it all: OUR FINAL INVENTION: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era. This book, by James Barrat, was a bestseller when it came out in 2013. My new copy has an introductory chapter that updates the contents to 2023. As Barrat writes in this new intro:
“Here on the brink of the Intelligence Explosion we’ll only remain in control for so long. Then AI will be in control. Blinded by riches and hubris, the tech bro CEOs have set the table for a feast whose main course is us.”
This prospect, as harrowing as it is, tends to put things in perspective for me. Trump? Temporary! There are bigger – much bigger – issues to be faced just up ahead.
So I’ve set a goal for myself to read a stack — four, to be exact — of good books on the subject and treat this intellectual pursuit like a self-designed university course I’m determined to pass. Besides Barrat’s, the other books on my reading list so far are: THE AGE OF AI, by Kissinger, et al; THE UNSEEN DANGERS OF AI’S UNSTOPPABLE RISE, by Diego; and THE COMING WAVE, by Suleyman. At the end of this course I don’t expect to be an expert on AI’s threats, by any means — just a better informed citizen of the world.
That’s the kind of book-lover I am: I run to books with open arms when I need help or guidance. Like the time, a little over ten years ago, when I was considering retiring to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I ordered five books from Amazon on the subject, read them all in quick succession, and was soon on my way down here. All my life, I confess, I’ve found books to be more solid and dependable guides than people.
I’ve never read a Sci-Fi book, though. And I’ve never once watched a Sci-Fi movie. As a Taurus, I’m a devout Earthling for whom such things as outer space, extraterrestrials, and cyborgs hold no interest. But this possible (probable?) technological takeover no longer feels like out-there fiction to me. It’s more like the fulfilment of a prophesy.
One evening in the late ‘70s, in a science class at Columbia held in a large, amphitheater-like classroom filled with my fellow Liberal Arts students (this survey course was lovingly dubbed “Science for Poets”), the professor, a well-respected man in his field who, strutting back and forth, appeared to relish his role as showman, told us students, matter-of-factly, that one day, likely within our lifetimes, computers will take over the world. Human beings will at first become computers’ slaves, and then we’ll become extinct.
From that moment on I regarded computers warily and resisted them mightily. But even I, as wary and stubbornly resistant as I’ve been over these forty-plus years, have succumbed to computer technology’s power and encroachment. Where would I be now without my research assistant, Google, and my extensive personal library on Kindle? I, too, have become dependent on computer intelligence. We’ve all become swept up in it. The whole thing feels inevitable to me.
So what?, you ask? What can any of us DO about this eventuality? Good questions. I plan to keep reading and thinking before I venture any answers. I’m way, way too low on the learning curve right now.
This particular red cape is taunting me, though. Before ASI (Automated Superintelligence), which will be hundreds (thousands?) of times more intelligent than any human being, takes over – which may be just a few (five? ten?) years away — I need to use what little intelligence I have to charge ahead like the bull I am with my eyes wide open.
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Nicely done….as usual.
Thanks so much, Rhoda dear.
So interesting, Bonnie. I totally relate to your being wary of computers. I had a course at the New School taught by Alvin Toffler, author of “Future Shock.” My wariness about computers was so obvious that one day he asked me if if was very religious. I said, “No. I just don’t like computers.”
Thanks, Helaine. Yes, some of us just don’t take to them. I’ve always suspected that mine can sense how much I dislike it, which is why it gives me so much trouble. 🙂
Thanks Bonnie for the reminder that we have a responsibility to understand what’s ahead. Another book that’s on my short list is “When We Cease to Understand the World” by Benjamin Labatut. A National Book Award Finalist. It fictionalizes the development of AI and the price we pay as individuals and a global community for scientific discovery.
What a fabulous book recommendation, dear Kim! I’ll put it on my “syllabus” right now. Thank you!
Thank you for doing what is an obviously scary project! You are a brave person to actually investigate the
future. As I age, I feel more timid, not less. You remind me
that I could do better than hide behind ignorance.
Actually, Marie, the Barrat book I refer to is quite fascinating! He writes so well and clearly, it’s a pleasure to read. I’m enjoying it — maybe because it’s taken my mind off of Trump, et al?
Well, Bonnie, i’m filled with admiration, because you’re still curious and exploring this, because I’ve kind of shut down and stopped reading all the extraordinarily depressing news and some of my wonderfully qualified journalists on Substack, and have just enjoyed walking in the woods, finding my Zen, and attempting to be peaceful and loving in my heart. I’m following some of my favourite older women on Substack who I love. The world is all a bit too much for me right now.
I will be in San Miguel next week.I would love to meet you. We met at some point, but it was several years ago. I’m an artist and a sketcher so I think I met you in that context.
Yes, Heather, a lot of the people I’ve spoken with recently have told me they’ve shut down, in terms of all the bad news coming at us. So understandable. I hope it’s just temporary, though…. Perhaps I’ll see you at Sketchers when you’re here? 🙂
Hola, la Bonnie!
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Ah, my colleagues get so mad, and rightly so, when students use AI to “write” their essays! But I don’t think computer or anything artificial will replace us. But one never knows, does one? In the meantime, vamos a divertirnos 🙂
Hola, dear Te! Yes, I’m so glad I’m no longer teaching college freshman English, for this reason. How can students learn to write essays if the AI app is doing it for them? More and more and more, it seems to me, we humans are relinquishing our thinking to these “helpful” machines. It will be interesting to see what unfolds in the next five to ten years….
Bonnie, your post strikes a chord with me. As someone who works with technology on a daily basis, I’ve come to recognize the dual-edged nature of AI – its potential to elevate humanity, but also its risks if left unchecked. Like you, I’m both fascinated and concerned by where things are heading. It’s incredible how quickly AI has become a part of our lives, and like you, I find myself increasingly drawn to understanding its impact. Books are indeed a great way to navigate this complex topic, and your reading list is a solid starting point. I think the key moving forward will be how we balance innovation with ethical considerations, ensuring we stay in control of the technology we create. Your thoughts serve as a powerful reminder that staying informed and engaged is essential as we move into this uncharted territory.
Dear Yan — I was so hoping you would weigh in on this post! You are the most technologically knowledgeable person I know. Thank you so much for your thoughts. I’m glad to know that you agree with me that the best thing we can do right now is to stay informed and engaged. My next WOW post will be a continuation of this A.I. theme. So stay tuned! — Best wishes and many thanks, BB