My Conversations with AI
And then there are the conversations the military had decades ago
In 2023, I didn’t just talk ABOUT AI - I talked TO it. Over 112 questions exploring humanity’s future with artificial intelligence: from whether AI could eliminate humans to save the planet, to what happens when machines might surpass human intelligence. Raw, unedited conversations that predicted today’s AI debates. Follow along as I share these exchanges daily - some answers might surprise you, others might concern you. All will make you think about what’s coming next.
An ad my team and I developed in 1985
The book.
The Hungarian Definition of an Optimist
“A person who is ill-informed”
Question 1
Using only a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, could there become a situation where AI determines that humans need to be eliminated?
Answer
Yes.
Question 2
Explain in terms a layman would understand, the influence of the universe’s energy on planet Earth and its organic and living species, with a focus on the human species.
Answer
The universe, an infinite expanse of space adorned with celestial bodies like stars, planets, and galaxies, is a grandiose spectacle of energy and matter. Every entity, including Earth and all its inhabitants, are part and parcel of this universal ensemble, existing in a perpetual dance influenced by the energy emitted by the universe.
Now, let’s visualize Earth as a small boat floating in the vast ocean of the universe. This ocean is not made of water but of energy. Stars like our sun are akin to lighthouses, emitting light and heat that travel across space, influencing everything in their path, including our little boat, Earth. This energy isn’t just light and heat; it’s a complex mix of various types, including cosmic rays and magnetic fields.
Every living creature on Earth, including us humans, is like a passenger on this boat. We are not just passive travelers; we are intricately linked with the energy of the universal ocean. The light from the stars, especially our Sun, is the primary source of energy that fuels life on Earth. Plants, the fundamental building blocks of the food chain, harness sunlight to create food, a process we know as photosynthesis. This solar energy, transformed into chemical energy, nourishes and sustains the myriad forms of life.
Beyond the visible influences of solar energy, the universe’s energy influences Earth in subtler, more nuanced ways. The cosmic ballet, where celestial bodies move in harmonious precision, exerts gravitational forces that influence Earth’s climate, tides, and even biological rhythms. The moon, our closest celestial companion, governs the rhythmic ebb and flow of tides, a dance of the oceans choreographed by lunar gravity.
But what about humans, the species known for its intelligence, innovation, and curiosity? We, too, are celestial beings, born from stardust, living on a planet governed by universal forces. Our bodies, behaviors, and societies are significantly influenced by the energy of the universe.
Consider the circadian rhythm, our biological clock synchronized with the Earth’s rotation, governed by the solar day. Our bodies are attuned to the rising and setting of the Sun. Sunlight influences our mood, energy levels, and sleep patterns. A sunny day can uplift spirits, while prolonged darkness can induce Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression.
The universe’s energy also shields and protects life on Earth. Our planet’s magnetic field, generated from its core, acts like a cosmic shield, deflecting harmful solar and cosmic radiation. This invisible force field ensures that Earth remains a hospitable abode for life, protecting us from the harshness of space.
Yet, the influence is not unidirectional. Humans, with our technological advancements and industrial pursuits, impact the Earth and, by extension, the cosmic energy that envelops us. Pollution, deforestation, and environmental degradation alter the Earth’s atmosphere and climate, influencing how we receive and interact with the universe’s energy.
In essence, we are cosmic beings, not just inhabitants of Earth but of the universe. The energy that originates from the depths of space, from stars and galaxies, influences our planet, ecosystems, and our lives. We are intertwined in a cosmic dance, where energies flow and intermingle, shaping, nourishing, and transforming us. Every breath, thought, and action is a testament to this intricate dance, a dance that underscores our existence as ephemeral yet eternal entities in the grand theatre of the universe. We aren’t isolated; we are threads woven into the cosmic tapestry, ever-evolving under the gentle sway of the universe’s energy.