Chris Anderson (What to think about machines that think)

Chris Anderson discusses the unique human superpower of thinking and the potential implications of building machines that possess this superpower to a greater extent. He questions whether, in 1,000 years, Homo sapiens will still be the dominant intelligent force on Earth or if they will become a historical footnote that birthed intelligence.

Anderson acknowledges human flaws and the potential for humanity to harm the planet. He raises the question of whether it would be a bad thing if humans were not the final word in evolution.

He suggests that intelligent machines of the future may not necessarily destroy humans but could tap into the unique contributions that humans make, leading to a richer intermingling of human and machine capabilities. Anderson envisions a future where humans and machines collaborate, and people may choose to enhance themselves through genetic editing and silicon implants.

He highlights the current trend of humans being increasingly connected to machines and the formation of a vast connected brain, emphasizing that the notion of “us versus the machines” is a flawed mental model. Instead, he sees humans and machines becoming part of an immense connected brain.

In essence, Anderson explores the idea of a symbiotic relationship between humans and intelligent machines, envisioning a future where the boundaries between the two blur, creating a collective intelligence.

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