Thursday, November 17, 2016

Hawking Says We Have 1,000 Years Left

Here are Stephen Hawking's latest predictions:

If humanity survives the rise of artificial intelligence, the ravages of climate change and the threat of nuclear terrorism in the next century, it doesn't mean we're home free, according to Stephen Hawking.

The renowned theoretical physicist has gone as far as providing humanity with a deadline for finding another planet to colonize: We have 1,000 years.

Remaining on Earth any longer, Hawking believes, places humanity at great risk of encountering another mass extinction.

$$$$$$$$

While Hawking thinks technology has the capacity to ensure mankind's survival, previous statements suggest the cosmologist is simultaneously grappling with the potential threat it poses. When it comes to discussing that threat, Hawking is unmistakably blunt.

“I think the development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race,” Hawking told the BBC in a 2014 interview that touched upon everything from online privacy to his affinity for his robotic-sounding voice.

Despite its current usefulness, he cautioned, further developing A.I.could prove a fatal mistake.

“Once humans develop artificial intelligence, it will take off on its own and redesign itself at an ever-increasing rate,” Hawking warned in recent months. “Humans, who are limited by slow biological evolution, couldn't compete and would be superseded.”

You can read the rest @
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2016/11/17/stephen-hawking-just-gave-humanity-a-due-date-for-finding-another-planet/

"Superseded" means "killed off", as in "we superseded the Neanderthals".

I think he is being overly optimistic. I doubt we will survive much more than another 100 years.

And we do not have the means to move all the billions of humans to another planet. A few will go, and the rest will be left behind to die.

1 comment:

  1. According to this report, my estimate of less than 100 years is spot on - http://truepublica.org.uk/global/how-trump-knows-that-continued-global-warming-will-make-earth-uninhabitable-100-years-from-now/

    By the way, Eric Zuesse knows his stuff. I'm inclined to believe him.

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