John C. Mather discusses the inevitable rise of powerful artificial intelligence, driven by competition and vast investments in various sectors like business, medicine, and warfare. He warns that the rapid evolution of AI could lead to societal upheaval, questioning who will control these entities and the ethical implications of their widespread use. Mather is intrigued by the potential applications of AI in scientific exploration, particularly in space and underwater environments, where human limitations are significant. However, he also raises concerns about the unpredictable nature of intelligent machines and the existential risks they may pose, including the possibility that humans might not survive encounters with these “alien intelligences” we create.