Analogy (Inspired by Plato's Apology)
By Daan Deenik, 02-11-2018
Introduction
Men and women of Silicon Valley, I find myself pondering the impact of your scientific visions on our shared humanity. Your persuasive words nearly led me astray, yet upon reflection, I realize that much of what you've proclaimed lacks fundamental truth. For instance, when you suggest that humanity is merely a fleeting whisper between ancient evolution and a new era governed by higher intelligence, you present an incomplete narrative that demands deeper examination.
The Illusion of Rational Egoism
Your ideas are not formed in isolation; they are bolstered by contemporary economists who champion rational egoism. This theory posits that in a modern economy regulated by a democratically elected government, the sum of individual selfish actions results in collective benefit. It elevates reason as the source of all knowledge, values, and prosperity, asserting that by pursuing my own life-serving values without sacrificing for others, I will achieve ultimate happiness. But is rational egoism truly natural in human, social, economic, or political life? If the incessant drive to consume guarantees the efficient satisfaction of my needs, why then do I feel an emptiness within? This relentless consumption temporarily elevates my pleasure but eventually turns need into greed, raising my threshold for satisfaction. Unchecked, this cycle undermines genuine fulfillment, suggesting that pure self-interest may not lead to the societal harmony promised.
Historical Lessons from Warfare and Technology
Historians offer valuable insights into how technology shapes our world. World War I, for example, was not just fought in trenches; it was also a battleground for engineers and chemists whose innovations changed warfare. This intellectual war continued in World War II with physicists and code-breakers playing pivotal roles. The Cold War, though seemingly devoid of direct conflict, saw secret agencies orchestrate proxy wars worldwide.
Today, the nature of warfare has evolved. Mathematicians and coders wage cyber wars using powerful computers and artificial intelligence. This shift gradually removes me as an active participant, offering a false sense of immunity while diminishing my agency. Yet, this technological warfare poses new threats, including cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns that undermine democracy and distort reality.
The Psychological Impact of Scientific Advancements
Psychiatry has also influenced this trajectory. Sigmund Freud once noted that humanity has suffered three great humiliations at the hands of science: the realization that Earth is not the universe's center, the understanding that we evolved from animals, and the discovery that our ego is not master of its own house due to unconscious processes. Now, as you predict the coming Singularity—a point where technology irreversibly transforms human life—we face a potential fourth humiliation: transcending our biological limitations may disconnect us from the essence of our humanity.
The Singularity and the Essence of Being
Enhancing our bodies and minds through technology may seem appealing, but consider that our biological selves are like "thin clients" in computing—systems dependent on a larger network. Replacing ourselves with "fat clients," or self-sufficient machines, could strip us of consciousness and the capacity for genuine connection. Unlike machines, we are descendants of the intangible "Word" that imbues us with spirit and grace. This connection requires silence and contemplation—experiences beyond the reach of artificial entities.
The Fallacy of Unchecked Consumption
Our drive for increased consumption has led to environmental degradation, a condition I term Earth Use Disorder (EUD). This disorder reflects how we've drifted from authenticity into a state where we seek comfort through material means, further disconnecting from our true selves and others. Believing that we need not live for the sake of others denies our inherent interconnectedness and exacerbates our collective problems. To reclaim our authentic state, we need your technological expertise—not to fuel further consumption, but to build sustainable systems. By creating a blockchain-based, cradle-to-cradle economy, we can ensure equitable wealth distribution and make the "invisible hand" of the market visible and just. This approach marries innovation with ethical responsibility, fostering a future where technology serves humanity without compromising our values or the planet.
The Necessity of Human Connection
From space, our beautiful blue planet shows no borders, only the interconnectedness that defines us. This perspective underscores that connection is our true nature and the foundation of all religions and philosophies. Whether homeless, stateless, or powerless, our need for connection remains unchanged. Like the philosophical question of a tree falling in the forest unheard, if we are not present to experience life fully, its meaning diminishes. Only through conscious connection can we truly embody the essence of "I am that I am," a state unattainable by any technological analogy.
Reevaluating the Role of War
A world without war is an ideal we must strive toward, yet current realities make it seem utopian. War has historically been a catalyst for moral advancement and societal learning, but modern conflicts have taken on new, less visible forms. Cyber warfare and information manipulation pose significant threats, eroding trust and democratic foundations. However, asserting that "war needs me as a stakeholder" oversimplifies a complex issue. Rather than accepting war as necessary, we should focus on fostering peace through understanding and cooperation. By remaining engaged and informed, we can challenge the narratives that perpetuate conflict and advocate for solutions that prioritize human well-being over technological dominance.
Integrating Technology Ethically
Transcending our biological limitations should not mean abandoning our humanity. Technology has the potential to enhance our lives, but it must be integrated ethically. We can harness artificial intelligence and other advancements to solve pressing global issues, improve healthcare, and enhance education. By doing so, we acknowledge the benefits of technology while ensuring it serves as a tool for human advancement rather than a replacement for human experience.
Final Thoughts
In embracing the future, we must balance technological progress with the preservation of our authentic selves and our planet. Unchecked consumption and the replacement of human connection with artificial substitutes lead us away from true fulfillment. By integrating ethical considerations, fostering genuine relationships, and recognizing our shared humanity, we can shape a future that honors both innovation and the profound essence of what it means to be human. Your visions of a technologically advanced era hold promise, but they must be grounded in a deep understanding of humanity's intrinsic needs and values. Let us work together to ensure that the march toward progress does not trample the very aspects of existence that make life meaningful. Only then can we create a world where technology enhances rather than diminishes our collective experience.