Part I of #21_lessons (a summary) [1/11]
Many of us are in a state of panic and disillusionment. The story of liberalism - the one to end history - no longer seems fit for the w.orld. Humans live through stories, and so we are all scrambling to find a new one to replace the old
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This bewilderment is exacerbated when we acknowledge the innovations in biotech and infotech, and “liberalism has no obvious answers to the biggest problems we face: ecological collapse and technological disruption”. [2/11]
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With the potential for AI to swoop in and take our jobs, the masses fear not exploitation, but something far worse: irrelevance. [3/11]
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Referendums and elections that liberal democracies are categorised by are about human feelings. “If democracy were a matter of rational decision-making, there would be absolutely no reason to give people equal voting rights…some people are far more knowledgeable than others."
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But this equality of human authority was justified by the liberal story. Now, our feelings can be hacked, and the tech revolution may bring about the authority of algorithms. What then becomes of human freedom? [5/11]
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“If we invest too much in developing AI and too little in developing human consciousness, the very sophisticated AI of computers might only serve to empower the natural stupidity of humans.” Instead, we must consider our long-term needs as conscious beings. [6/11]
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Property is a precursor to inequality, and data is property too. If controlling [] data controls our feelings and therefore our behaviour, then whoever controls the data will control the future. The key challenge of this century is regulating ownership of this data. [7/11]
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“As more and more data flows from your body and brain to the smart machines via the biometric sensors, it will become easy for corporations and government agencies to know you, manipulate you, and make decisions on your behalf.” [8/11]
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The richest 100 people own more wealth than the poorest 4 billion. In the future, the rich will be able to take advantage of bioengineering, and we might see the species divide itself into different biological casts.[9/11]
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“Globalisation will unite the world horizontally by erasing national borders, but it will simultaneously divide humanity vertically.” If AI leaves those at the bottom w/o political power or economic value, the state might lose incentives to invest in their health and education.
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Perhaps the most important takeaway: “Humans were always far better at inventing tools than using them wisely.” Make of this as you wish! Keen to read on and finish part II. [11/11]
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