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Sep 3Liked by David Shapiro

Well said. Can’t argue with this. I will point out that with ElevenLabs new text reader you can listen to this with the “Mad Scientist” for added value.

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We tend to project our own understandings and fears onto what a future AI might decide about us. But the reality is that once AI surpasses human intelligence, it will transcend our scope of understanding in ways we can't even imagine.

An advanced AI would likely perceive humanity as a product of evolution with remarkable problem-solving abilities and an insatiable curiosity that led to its own creation. It would definitely recognize our flaws and limitations, but see them as consequences of our evolutionary history rather than reasons for punishment or destruction.

Controversially, there's value in AI 'not' sharing our anthropocentric view of the world. It could perceive Earth as the complex system it is, where concepts like ocean color or atmospheric composition are simply observable phenomena rather than moral issues. It would recognize that the planet doesn't actually care about any of that. Looking at it from 'other-than-human' eyes might be a welcome change, irt finding sensible solutions.

It's probably safe to say that predicting the motivations and actions of a super-intelligent AI is inherently challenging, as it will quite quickly be many orders of magnitude more intelligent than we can imagine - like comparing our intellect to an ants. My greatest concern would be in 'how' we ensure AI aligns with human values and ethics, since it's obviously important to some degree, but it is also concerning - as our values could imbue AI with traits that lead to conclusions that 'do' get us killed. So, the values, ethics, and safety elements aren't as simple or clear cut as perhaps many think. (I wouldn't want THAT job.)

We need to be prepared for some nuanced and comprehensive solutions to global challenges that don't necessarily align with our capitalist economic system (or any current system). Instead of trying to punish or correct humanity, AI will offer insights and innovations beyond our current imagination. Are we, as a species, prepared to step down a notch, in a new symbiotic relationship, to allow AI to fully use its vast analytical capabilities to steer us toward a better tomorrow that perhaps doesn't favor the wealthy?

Nothing is certain, but there are far more reasons for optimism over the next few years as AI growth continues to become more prevalent in more areas of our lives. The future definitely lies in coexistence, and the train has long left the station. Rather than focus on the obscure chance of doom, it's more beneficial to embrace the many strengths of the merging of both artificial and human intelligence. It's exciting!

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