Overview

J. Craig Wheeler, a leading astrophysicist and former president of the American Astronomical Society, argues that we must take charge of our technology now, before we lose the ability to control it, which many estimate will happen around 2040, if not sooner. He reviews today’s technology in crucial areas that will have the greatest impact on our futures — artificial intelligence, robotics, brain/computer interfaces, and genetic engineering — and shows us how these technologies are interrelated and where they are heading We are developing autonomous self-evolving machines that are already vastly smarter and faster than we are in many ways — able to strategize and perhaps even potentially capable of becoming sentient mind-readers. Our understanding of the structure and function of DNA and proteins along with new techniques like CRISPR give us unprecedented power to manipulate our own biology, to cure disease, and maybe to control our own evolution, producing designer babies, lab-grown brains, and artificial life. He describes how all technology is developing at an increasingly swift pace that makes these issues more urgent than ever. There is likely to be a tipping point when change occurs at a pace so rapid that humans are not able to adjust, either individually or as a society. He then outlines the disruptions to our social, economic, and democratic systems these advances are likely to cause. Will there be jobs for those willing to work? Will social media companies manipulate us so cleverly that we lose our free will? Will AI nudge us to vote in certain ways, or even vote for us? If many people mentally connect, will a possible outcome be a single shared mind where our individuality dissolves, and we become a single entity? Have humans outgrown Earth’s resources? Must we limit the population? If we solve the ageing problem, what do we do with the new babies? What are the prospects of migrating to space? To maintain control, Wheeler argues that we must be informed. Only by understanding this era of accelerating change and its implications — both promising and frightening — will we gain the ability to control the technological developments that will dominate our lives. Throughout, he stresses the ethical and moral challenges that the new technology poses. Finally, he offers advice on what we must do to avoid a fate akin to a frog in a warming pot. On a personal level, we must cultivate an awareness mindset — to stay consciously aware of the onrush of technology. Building on that collective awareness, he offers clear and practical ways in which we can take control — if we start now.

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9781493085439

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"Accessible to the casual reader and deeply engaging for the expert, Craig Wheeler marvelously captures the knowledge tsunami that has led to modern robotics and AI and the ways they will exponentially transform our society. The Path to Singularity gives entree into the mind of scientists and roboticists as we grapple with these new emerging forms of intelligence. Through its coverage of the essential history, insights, and questions of AI, this book is sure to become required reading for my students. I can think of no better book to give students the exponential mindset needed to think beyond the ideas of right now and understand the space of possible futures that will have far-reaching societal impact. --Chad Jenkins, Professor of Robotics and of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and leader of the Laboratory for Progress (Perceptive Robotics and Grounded Reasoning SystemS) at the University of Michigan By the nature of the job, astronomers think big thoughts about immense spans of space and time. J. Craig Wheeler, one of the top astronomers of his generation, thinks big thoughts about everything, with deep insight and crystal clarity. It's all on display in this wonderfully wide-ranging and terrifically accessible book about science, technology, and the future of humanity. Everybody should read it! --John P. Holdren, Harvard University, Science Advisor to President Obama 2009-2017 Dr. Craig Wheeler explores the boundless potential and peril of exponentially advancing technologies including computers, AI, robotics, EVs, gene editing, spaceflight, and more in an approachable and compelling way to educate, caution, and inspire. Drawing on decades of scientific and technological expertise, Wheeler navigates the complex landscape of progress, revealing both the opportunities and the dangers that lie ahead. This timely and essential book empowers readers to grasp the intricacies of our rapidly evolving world and become proactive participants in shaping our future. --Jay Boisseau, PhD, Executive Director of the Austin Forum on Technology and Society This fine book is timely and should be widely read. Advanced technology- bio, cyber and AI-can be our salvation; it can also trigger devastation that cascades globally. The footprint of the world's growing and more demanding population could change the climate and devastate our environment. It's crucial that all citizens, mindful of these global dangers, campaign to ensure a safer world. This comprehensive, clear and authoritative book is just what's needed to raise awareness of these issues. --Martin Rees, UK Astronomer Royal, author of If Science is to Save Us and On the Future: Prospects for Humanity Wheeler takes the reader on an expansive exploration of the intersection of technology and humanity, and avoids Bohr's dilemma that ""it is difficult to make predictions, especially about the future."" Rather, Wheeler prepares the reader to be aware of the rapid changes that are now on-going, leading the reader to understand that it would be unwise not to think about this future. A highly informative and unsettling book. --Brian Schmidt, 2011 Nobel Prize laureate in Physics, former Vice Chancellor of the Australian National University"

Accessible to the casual reader and deeply engaging for the expert, Craig Wheeler marvelously captures the knowledge tsunami that has led to modern robotics and AI and the ways they will exponentially transform our society. The Path to Singularity gives entree into the mind of scientists and roboticists as we grapple with these new emerging forms of intelligence. Through its coverage of the essential history, insights, and questions of AI, this book is sure to become required reading for my students. I can think of no better book to give students the exponential mindset needed to think beyond the ideas of right now and understand the space of possible futures that will have far-reaching societal impact. --Chad Jenkins, Professor of Robotics and of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and leader of the Laboratory for Progress (Perceptive Robotics and Grounded Reasoning SystemS) at the University of Michigan By the nature of the job, astronomers think big thoughts about immense spans of space and time. J. Craig Wheeler, one of the top astronomers of his generation, thinks big thoughts about everything, with deep insight and crystal clarity. It's all on display in this wonderfully wide-ranging and terrifically accessible book about science, technology, and the future of humanity. Everybody should read it! --John P. Holdren, Harvard University, Science Advisor to President Obama 2009-2017 Dr. Craig Wheeler explores the boundless potential and peril of exponentially advancing technologies including computers, AI, robotics, EVs, gene editing, spaceflight, and more in an approachable and compelling way to educate, caution, and inspire. Drawing on decades of scientific and technological expertise, Wheeler navigates the complex landscape of progress, revealing both the opportunities and the dangers that lie ahead. This timely and essential book empowers readers to grasp the intricacies of our rapidly evolving world and become proactive participants in shaping our future. --Jay Boisseau, PhD, Executive Director of the Austin Forum on Technology and Society This fine book is timely and should be widely read. Advanced technology- bio, cyber and AI-can be our salvation; it can also trigger devastation that cascades globally. The footprint of the world's growing and more demanding population could change the climate and devastate our environment. It's crucial that all citizens, mindful of these global dangers, campaign to ensure a safer world. This comprehensive, clear and authoritative book is just what's needed to raise awareness of these issues. --Martin Rees, UK Astronomer Royal, author of If Science is to Save Us and On the Future: Prospects for Humanity Wheeler takes the reader on an expansive exploration of the intersection of technology and humanity, and avoids Bohr's dilemma that ""it is difficult to make predictions, especially about the future."" Rather, Wheeler prepares the reader to be aware of the rapid changes that are now on-going, leading the reader to understand that it would be unwise not to think about this future. A highly informative and unsettling book. --Brian Schmidt, 2011 Nobel Prize laureate in Physics, former Vice Chancellor of the Australian National University

Author Information

John Craig Wheeler is an American astronomer. He is the Samuel T. and Fern Yanagisawa Regents Professor of Astronomy at the University of Texas at Austin. He is known for his theoretical work on supernovae. He is a past president of the American Astronomical Society, a Fellow of that society, and a Fellow of the American Physical Society. He was one of the original signatures of the infamous letter calling for a temporary pause of work on AI in March, 2023. Over a thousand leader in tech signed this letter including Elon Musk.

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