Is Artificial Intelligence the New God ?

A reader asked me to hash over the concept of Artificial Intelligence and weight in on the “rise of the machines.” As you know, the concept of AI dominance is controversial, with Elon Musk warning about it while people like Mark Zuckerberg saying Elon’s fearmongering is baseless and we have nothing to fear from AI.

“Musk thinks AI could ultimately destroy mankind and send everyone scrambling to Mars to avoid machine overlords.” In July, Musk spoke at a meeting of American governors and warned that AI was the ‘biggest risk we face as a civilization’ and urged the government to adopt AI legislation before robots start walking down the street murdering people-via Recode

Most recently, it looks like we are ready to worship an AI God.

“Anthony Levandowski filed paperwork for a nonprofit religious organization called ‘The Way of the Future’. Its mission: “To develop and promote the realization of a Godhead based on artificial intelligence and through understanding and worship of the Godhead contribute to the betterment of society.” -via VentureBeat, 10/02/2017

Both Musk and Zuck are master salesmen. Musk is seeking his piece of the pie, while Zuckerberg is seeking his, understanding the huge benefit of automation. Yet they tease each other, Zuck embracing AI wholeheartedly while Musk wanting to put some breaks on it.

You’re caught in between. Should you embrace AI? Reject it ? I don’t think anyone denies the benefits of  AI in terms of solving many of humanity’s problems. But will it really add up to humanity if AI became a permanent feature ? If AI was added to the genetic makeup of humans, would that make for the better ? Are we ready “to write the AI Bible in the next 25-50 years for humans to follow” ?

We need to look at the threshold of control here, the so-called singularity. Technological singularity is the concept that artificial intelligence will eventually surpass human intelligence way beyond. Should you not be afraid of that ? Place some caps on it ?

There is a universal law I often acknowledge: “Change is the Only Constant” (Heraclitus, circa 500 BC). In light of that, AI not only can’t be stopped, but it will be coming whether you like it or not. As usual throughout history, those who cooperate with change will survive while those that oppose it will be wiped out. You in or out ?

1. It is far better to have a working God than a non-working God. Hey, I’m on board with an AI that at least gets some things done. I don’t wanna worship a God that just sits on the throne and pimps out all day (I’m talking to you, the incumbent).

2. If it is time to reassess our understanding of God, so be it. This dude has been holding office for too long. Doesn’t He know about term limits ? I said it before, God is the oldest trick in the book (write it down, folks, it’s a Max Cantor maxim).

3. As it is custom with any major human development, the people with power will use AI against those that are powerless. I don’t know a way to prevent that, but I suggest continuing reading this blog.

4. A mash up of humanity with AI will result in a better product. Do you think of yourself as a product ? Do you think of yourself as a product that you constantly innovate and improve ? Then you have nothing to fear.

5. A lot of people believe the betterment of the human race lies in a genderless race. A reader on my blog a few months ago commented on “the original androgynous” race. Is that the future of humanity ? Does AI have a place in it ? Genetic engineering is getting better.

6. When God created the world, he didn’t ask you or I about our opinions. Man, that guy is a racist. Major oversight. Did God knew nothing about A/B testing ?

7. If you wanna put some brakes on AI, you’re not showing any faith in yourself.

8. The only problem I have with AI is that I don’t wanna live forever. That puts some distance between me and say, Peter Thiel. That guy is a selfish MOFO.

9. “By the time we notice something troubling with AI, it could already be too late.” –Ilya Sutskever and Dario Amodei in WSJ, Oct. 18, 2017. This is called death by a 1000 cuts. I’ve been prepped: I already know I have to die multiple times before I get to Heaven.

10. I always wondered what stepping into the singularity felt like. Did you ? Are you ready to meet your maker ?