On the nature of discussions
edit- In some ways the observance of rules and the using of criteria resemble the employment of spectacles. We look through them but not at them. (Gilbert Ryle)
- Contra principia negantem non est disputandum (approx. "It is not possible to argue with someone who negates the principles of communication/of a discussion".) (Latin phrase)
- Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth. (Gandhi)
- The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt. (Bertrand Russell)
- A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject. (Winston Churchill)
- In the name of tolerance we should claim the right to not tolerate intolerance. (Karl Popper)
The rise of the robots and the bleak future of mankind
editI am glad to discover that the Unabomber ranks among the 1000 most read Wikipedia articles because it tells me he hits a nerve with people. And I believe he is right overall: his pessimistic outview is the most realistic and radical solutions are required to save humanity from being superseded by the machines. The fastest developing species on earth by a ridiculously huge margin have been for many decades now robots, computers and artificial intelligence (AI). They started on a very low basis but they are developing exponentially. It is only a matter of time when their evolution curve will cut ours and the minute we are relegated to the second most intelligent race on earth, our fate has been taken from our hands. As for Wikipedia, it takes no genius to foresee that the wisdom of mankind arduously collected here will be tapped by AI and used coldly against us.
So if you want to know about the real important stuff, not just what you consider important in Wikipedia, read this:
- The sceptic outview: Why The Future Doesn't Need Us (Text) by Bill Joy
- The apocalyptic outview: Industrial Society and Its Future, by Ted Kaczynski
- The positive outview: The Age of Spiritual Machines, The Age of Intelligent Machines, The Singularity Is Near by Ray Kurzweil
Today, a computer passed the Turing test for the first time in history (click).
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