A few hours ago, I had a real-time conversation with someone who was on a British-based cell phone, calling from Quatar to my land-line phone in San Diego.
Just think about the progression of communication equipment over the 150 years — and especially the exponential improvement since the advent of computers and fiber optics. The way that humans have been able to cooperate, coordinate, innovate, and build upon one another’s knowledge is truly astounding.
Recently, I watched Human 2.0, a Science Channel show that discussed the singularity, which is a term that describes the time when computer/artificial intelligence rises to the level of humans at the same time that our knowledge of the way the human body works is increased to a level where we can truly use machines to interface (seamlessly) with biology. Some people believe this will be a commonplace reality within the next 50 years or so.
Some people scoff off the concept of the singularity as hocus-pocus, or view it as a significant negative threat to human existence. I figure that there will be some negative breakdowns but I am energized by the possibilities and opportunities.
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