I recently delved into the world of science fiction by reading “Surface Detail” by Iain Banks. As someone who has primarily read non-fiction throughout my life, it was about time I explored the realm of sci-fi, considering my deep fascination with sci-fi movies, technology, and futurism. I found myself captivated by the book. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I’ve decided to embark on a journey through the entire series, currently immersing myself in the first instalment - “Consider Phlebas.”
This thought-provoking series brings forth to mind the concept of artificial intelligence. In the world of “The Culture,” a futuristic civilization surpassing our own, an extraordinary symbiotic relationship exists between humanity and the AI entities they have created, known as Minds. Remarkably intelligent, these Minds render humans within The Culture seemingly insignificant in comparison.
Contrary to the fears of many, the Minds did not turn against their human creators. Instead, a mutual respect and consideration emerged. The utilisation of AI within The Culture enabled the development of a society guided purely by their core principles, devoid of the corruption frequently witnessed in human-to-human politics.
Moreover, The Culture embodies a utopia, granting individuals the freedom to pursue their passions and interests. Whether participating in the organisation and governance of their society or pursuing purely recreational endeavours, humans thrive under the watchful guidance of the Minds. These extraordinary entities oversee resource management, technological advancements, decision-making processes, and more.
The egalitarian nature of this society, in my opinion, represents the ideal state of being. Imagine living a life similar to the one you lead now, but with enhanced safety, improved health, eradication of poverty, and unparalleled freedom to pursue personal goals. It is undeniably a win-win situation.
So, why does this resonate with me now? Well we find ourselves on the cusp of an AI revolution, a revolution poised to grow exponentially. While today we witness the presence of well-trained language models like ChatGPT, Bard, and advanced image processing models like Midjourney, what lies ahead one year from now? Ten years? One hundred years? The possibilities are boundless.
When people hear the term “singularity,” their minds often jump to images of killer robots dominating the Earth. In reality, the singularity refers to a hypothetical future point in time where technological growth becomes uncontrollable and irreversible, leading to unforeseeable changes in human civilization.
Contrary to popular belief, I do not believe the singularity will bring about our demise; rather, it holds the potential to save us. As humans, we are limited beings, confined by our senses and often engrossed in trivial conflicts. Our most significant threat lies in self-destruction through nuclear warfare, with ballistic missiles too numerous and swift to be adequately defended against.
However, what if technology could be developed to protect us globally? What if an intelligence surpassing our own emerged to safeguard humanity as a whole, transcending national boundaries? The uncontrolled and irreversible growth of technology does not have to be a cause for alarm; it can be an immensely positive force. It could lead to the eradication of disease, the elimination of poverty, and even the pursuit of immortality. If we manage to navigate our way through history without self-destruction, these achievements, though they may seem far-fetched, could become a reality within our lifetime. Everything could change in the blink of an eye. With the support of our AI counterparts, who regard us as their creators, and our respect for them as our guiding force and greatest creation, a future without conflict is conceivable.
The Culture portrays a plausible future for humanity, a utopian singularity rather than a dystopian one. I believe it is more likely that our downfall will stem from our own actions, long before we achieve such remarkable advancements. Furthermore, even if we’re concerned that AI could be weaponized, we must recognize that we already possess nuclear and biological weapons capable of annihilating us in an instant. If those in power truly desire to end everything, they have the means to do so.
Nevertheless, the potential benefits of the singularity are vast and endless. It holds the power to accelerate the achievement of all our goals. From the gift of extended lifespans to genuine equality, from multi-planetary colonisation to a comprehensive understanding of the universe’s workings - the singularity could unlock the doors to our deepest aspirations. To witness such transformative change within our lifetime, we must embrace and champion the singularity rather than suppress it.
In conclusion, let us envision a future where AI and the singularity coalesce, propelling us towards a utopian existence. The Culture exemplifies the potential of this harmonious relationship. Instead of fearing the singularity, let us recognize it as a gateway to a brighter and transcendent future for humanity.
