For years, the concept of humans attaining immortality by transferring their consciousness into a digital realm managed by a super-intelligent AI has captivated imaginations. Some envision escaping a deteriorating Earth to establish colonies on Mars or other far-off planets. These futuristic aspirations, particularly embraced by tech moguls, raise questions about their true nature and feasibility. Are these visions of a utopia or do they harbor potential risks?
Astrophysicist and science journalist Adam Becker delves into these inquiries in his latest book, More Everything Forever: AI Overlords, Space Empires, and Silicon Valley’s Crusade to Control the Fate of Humanity. Following his acclaimed debut, What Is Real?, which examined quantum mechanics and the Copenhagen interpretation, Becker now scrutinizes Silicon Valley’s ambitious ideas about the future. These ideas have transcended niche online communities to influence mainstream culture and politics.
Becker explains, “It was becoming increasingly relevant, and I felt someone needed to address it comprehensively. There was a lack of critical perspective on their futuristic visions, even among Silicon Valley skeptics who often assumed the scientific claims were credible because of their technological expertise. This assumption is misguided.”
More Everything Forever explores the promises and potential dangers of AI, effective altruism, transhumanism, the race to colonize Mars, human biodiversity, and the singularity. It references influential figures like Eliezer Yudkowsky, Sam Altman, William MacAskill, Peter Singer, Marc Andreessen, Ray Kurzweil, Peter Thiel, Curtis Yarvin, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk. Becker highlights an “ideology of technological salvation,” where proponents often dismiss legitimate scientific concerns while justifying their speculative ambitions. For Becker, this prevailing ideology poses significant threats, overshadowing the purported utopian future.
(Source: Ars Technica)
