Singularity

Time magazine had an interesting article this week about what is called the Singularity theory: the idea that artificial intelligence will explode exponentially until we are obsolete or at least vastly changed as a species. I felt seeing the movie "The Social Network" ( about the inventors of Facebook) like Rip Van Winkle. I have so little understanding of-and interest in- computers, other than taking advantage of email and some internet. All the technologies are for me like my car: I just want it to work for me, I don't want to take it apart. But all of this is developing at breakneck speed, and it may change who we are.

But what then will we be? What is being human, anyway, but the combination of our emotions, creativity and relationships? Our rational intelligence can be matched and surpassed by a machine, I expect. As the article said, it would be a great tool for progress in all kinds of fields, such as medicine ; in fact, it is already. So, when all the knowledge needed for survival and quality of life is handed over to Artificial Intelligence, what of us is left? Is the messy part what we really are? When I feel really bad and doubt myself and drive myself nuts, is that what will survive apart from A.I.? What is it that is me basking in the sun, loving the feel of it on my face and the smell of melting snow and fresh mud? Which part remembers my birthday party at age six when the cake with a carousel top caught fire and feels grateful for the way Mother worked to give us a rich happy childhood? Who grieves that she is not sure where she is right now? We do know what is left as her quantifiable intelligence fades away: her unmeasurable self, her sweet nature and lovingness, her patience and acceptance. Will A.I. love, dance in the woods, weep before beauty?

Some of the advances, like the social networks, are really an exaggeration of basic human behavior- we seek group connection and approval, and Facebook provides that over long distances and with many people. It may sometimes be superficial, but it does provide gratification, and, at its best a unity of purpose as in the Egyptian revolution. That is an exponential explosion,even if it is still human behavior. Mass movements have happened before, like the Crusades, but certainly not at this scale and speed. This is technology giving support to progress.

People want to communicate. Still, I think there also needs to be a place to be alone in quiet, a place of more ancient rhythms like the ocean or the wind blowing through a forest. Our inner strength needs renewal and recognition. As long as we know in our core who we are, the whir and chatter of a digital world can do its job for us, not be us.