“Before the prospect of an intelligence explosion, we humans are like small children playing with a bomb. Such is the mismatch between the power of our plaything and the immaturity of our conduct. Superintelligence is a challenge for which we are not ready now and will not be ready for a long time. We have little idea when the detonation will occur, though if we hold the device to our ear we can hear a faint ticking sound.”
~ Nick Bostrom

By Catherine Austin Fitts

Nick Bostrom is a Swedish philosopher who serves as a Professor and as Director of the Future of Humanity Institute at the University of Oxford.

Bostrom is the author of Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies, an introduction to artificial intelligence (AI). The book looks at AI’s current state of development and various pathways towards its future development including an arrival at “super intelligence” – when machines surpass human intelligence. Bostrom invests a significant portion of the book exploring the possibilities of where AI may take us, the risks involved and how we can make sure that the AI we create serves humanity.

Advances in AI are having a significant impact on society.  These include robots replacing human laborers in growing numbers.  If you have not delved into what is happening in AI, now would be a good time to do so.  This is a development which is rocking your world now.

Bostrom’s book provides an excellent introduction and overview of future scenarios.  This is serious reading, so be prepared to take the time to digest his ideas and to handle the adrenalin that hits when you finally realize the nature and magnitude of the opportunities and risks posited by AI.

Related Reading:

For a shorter introduction, I recommend starting with these overviews of AI from The Economist:

• The Dawn of Artificial Intelligence
• Rise of the Machines