doodoo
VIP Member
Ok, let's go.
Are computers in charge of us, or are we the masters of this relationship?
Some movies like the Matrix purport that machines are in control, that they dictate our lives and that they are smarter than thus, even though we created them. This is bullshit.
Computers are a tool. We created them, as we created flints, hammers, and the wheel and the like. Tools created by humans will always be within our control and jurisdiction. Think of it like a hammer. If create a hammer to pound a nail or shape a piece of metal, is that hammer in charge of us? No. Same thing with computers. We create computers as a tool to process data and extend our ability to understand the world, doing calculations faster than our brains can because we are wired more for creation than we are for strict data processing.
Anyway, let's not get too philosophical. Machines won't take over. They don't think. We think. Thinking is creation always. Think of it like this, do computers learn? The answer is no. They don't.
Some will mention a topic called "machine learning", but this is nonsense. Way too overlycomplicated.
The definition of a computer is a machine that hosts a program, which follows commands. Commands. Who makes those commands us?
Keep it simple and understand it like that. A program follows a list of commands that we insert, like a cook following a recipe of ingredients printed on a page. There really is nothing more to it than that.
Computers are great tools. We sit down and stare into a screen for hours and this relationship alllows us to extend our brains and minds into the world, interacting on a level that is unprecedented within human history. Never be afraid of the computer. We are efficient animals with a very great tool now, thanks to all the science that has come before us.
There was a discussion involving Steve Jobs, legendary found of Apple Computers who said that without the bicycle, human beings are the most inefficient joggers in the world, because we just burn too many calories and cover too short a distance. However, with the bicycle, we are the most efficient animal in the world in terms of covering distances. Our energy is amplified exponentially and we are able to cruise at high speeds, putting in very little effort. All it takes is the momentum required to keep the gears working that keep the bicycle propelling forward.
So yeah, I think that it is all about efficiency. Technology and tools are always an extension of us. They enable us to get things done a lot faster and better than if we didn't have them. Let's bring it back a tad.
Why do some people not trust technology? Some people are traditionalists, claiming that society is not moving forward. These people usually hold onto some kind of moral superiority point that things were better way back when. This couldn't be more wrong. Consider these people extremists in your dealings, and try to avoid them if possible. There is no way that society is not advancing on many terms. They will sometimes even say that we are consuming resources faster than we can replace them, and this is the destruction of capitalism. Again, bogus. Technology always ensures that we have enough resources and that we can sustain long-term growth as a society and as an economy.
When we deplete Earth's resources, which I don't think will happen, we will extend into the solar system and space by means of technology. Colonization for the purposes of scientific exploration (not human advancement) is the name of the game, and of course will happen (within most of our lifetimes I think, although this could and always will be a topic for debate). Let's save the issue of the timeline of when the colonization onto Mars and stuff within the solar system will happen. Some people, like Elon Musk, think it will happen relatively soon. It is just a question of where the technology will be. Elon believes Mars landing and colonization will happen soon because he is extrapolating the data on exponential technology development. Moore's rule states that technology power doubles every 4 - 8 years or something. Certainly a good point, and perhaps true, because we have seen such amazing exponential growth in technology throughout history, really excelerating in the last century and even more so in the last 10 years, and even moreso within the last year.
Think of all the technological advancements that have happened within your lifetime? Think of our incredible ability to adapt as a species. Yes, humankind has a very bright future indeed.
So, if someone tries to scare you with various arguments and stuff that technology will take us over, that we are victims of it, this is complete crap. Do not listen. We are fine. If you need more reassurance, just think about how amazing our brains are and how incredible it is to be human. That feeling in your gut that things are good, that we can process all the terrible shit that is happening. That is humanity. That is nature and ours incredible ability to adapt. We are at the top of the food chain, and we got there through nature's gift, which is adaptation, survival, mutation, creation, and procreation.
Are computers in charge of us, or are we the masters of this relationship?
Some movies like the Matrix purport that machines are in control, that they dictate our lives and that they are smarter than thus, even though we created them. This is bullshit.
Computers are a tool. We created them, as we created flints, hammers, and the wheel and the like. Tools created by humans will always be within our control and jurisdiction. Think of it like a hammer. If create a hammer to pound a nail or shape a piece of metal, is that hammer in charge of us? No. Same thing with computers. We create computers as a tool to process data and extend our ability to understand the world, doing calculations faster than our brains can because we are wired more for creation than we are for strict data processing.
Anyway, let's not get too philosophical. Machines won't take over. They don't think. We think. Thinking is creation always. Think of it like this, do computers learn? The answer is no. They don't.
Some will mention a topic called "machine learning", but this is nonsense. Way too overlycomplicated.
The definition of a computer is a machine that hosts a program, which follows commands. Commands. Who makes those commands us?
Keep it simple and understand it like that. A program follows a list of commands that we insert, like a cook following a recipe of ingredients printed on a page. There really is nothing more to it than that.
Computers are great tools. We sit down and stare into a screen for hours and this relationship alllows us to extend our brains and minds into the world, interacting on a level that is unprecedented within human history. Never be afraid of the computer. We are efficient animals with a very great tool now, thanks to all the science that has come before us.
There was a discussion involving Steve Jobs, legendary found of Apple Computers who said that without the bicycle, human beings are the most inefficient joggers in the world, because we just burn too many calories and cover too short a distance. However, with the bicycle, we are the most efficient animal in the world in terms of covering distances. Our energy is amplified exponentially and we are able to cruise at high speeds, putting in very little effort. All it takes is the momentum required to keep the gears working that keep the bicycle propelling forward.
So yeah, I think that it is all about efficiency. Technology and tools are always an extension of us. They enable us to get things done a lot faster and better than if we didn't have them. Let's bring it back a tad.
Why do some people not trust technology? Some people are traditionalists, claiming that society is not moving forward. These people usually hold onto some kind of moral superiority point that things were better way back when. This couldn't be more wrong. Consider these people extremists in your dealings, and try to avoid them if possible. There is no way that society is not advancing on many terms. They will sometimes even say that we are consuming resources faster than we can replace them, and this is the destruction of capitalism. Again, bogus. Technology always ensures that we have enough resources and that we can sustain long-term growth as a society and as an economy.
When we deplete Earth's resources, which I don't think will happen, we will extend into the solar system and space by means of technology. Colonization for the purposes of scientific exploration (not human advancement) is the name of the game, and of course will happen (within most of our lifetimes I think, although this could and always will be a topic for debate). Let's save the issue of the timeline of when the colonization onto Mars and stuff within the solar system will happen. Some people, like Elon Musk, think it will happen relatively soon. It is just a question of where the technology will be. Elon believes Mars landing and colonization will happen soon because he is extrapolating the data on exponential technology development. Moore's rule states that technology power doubles every 4 - 8 years or something. Certainly a good point, and perhaps true, because we have seen such amazing exponential growth in technology throughout history, really excelerating in the last century and even more so in the last 10 years, and even moreso within the last year.
Think of all the technological advancements that have happened within your lifetime? Think of our incredible ability to adapt as a species. Yes, humankind has a very bright future indeed.
So, if someone tries to scare you with various arguments and stuff that technology will take us over, that we are victims of it, this is complete crap. Do not listen. We are fine. If you need more reassurance, just think about how amazing our brains are and how incredible it is to be human. That feeling in your gut that things are good, that we can process all the terrible shit that is happening. That is humanity. That is nature and ours incredible ability to adapt. We are at the top of the food chain, and we got there through nature's gift, which is adaptation, survival, mutation, creation, and procreation.
