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When it comes to technological progress, our job (as society and individual) is to stay ahead and not be overwhelmed. In other words, to not let the Singularity happen. There is actually a lot in our power to enjoy the ride. So...
What can I do?
(besides learning how to code)What can I do?
Series on the Singularity
Series on the Singularity
Keep the wheels spinning
Keep the wheels spinning
You can do your share by being a good consumer, the big companies would tell you.
Sounds simplistic, but every product needs early adopters. Electric vehicles will not replace fossil fuels if nobody buys a Tesla. Space travel will not subsidize space colonization if the first tickets don't sell. Remember Google Glass: Nobody bought them, so their second generation is only used by engineers.
Be curious, stay up to date
Be curious, stay up to date
You're reading this blog for a reason - hope it helps you stay up to date. There is so much more going on - find good news sources and follow to know what's next, what to expect and what not. This is the story of our lifetime - stay engaged! Try out things!
Spread the word
Spread the word
You can help by spreading the gospel, or by provoking people to think about what is going on. Dream and discuss what changes in society you would like to see. Speak up when you encounter fear mongering, pessimism or defeatism.
Stay alive (and be able to pay) for the future
Stay alive (and be able to pay) for the future
Researchers are working on curing a whole lot of ailments. Those won't be free, all the nice by-products of technological progress will not be free either. Money in the bank is a way to prepare for the future. Our parents told us so, now the expensive wonders to come will make it ever truer.
While I can't get fancy life extending rejuvenation treatments today, I can make sure I take care of myself and reach an age where those become likely. Sleep, weight, exercise, nutrition... Nothing new on what I should do, but an entirely new why.
To stay current, be selective
To stay current, be selective
Progress is accelerating in many fields - engineering and information technology are grabbing lots of headlines, but the consequences of progress reach as far as the justice system and the labour market. Some developments intersect - who would have thought that the development of AI has opened up the previously locked market for computer processors? Or that batteries developed for self-driving cars are enabling developing countries to skip building central power grids?
All these developments are branching into new specialities, fields and jobs each month - we're starting to see where the promised new jobs will come from (it's a good idea to think about a career in cyber security).
As breadth and depth are increasing, you will be forced to be more selective. It might be a good idea to know what a blockchain is, but if that's not your field - don't beat yourself up. Your field (whatever that is) will be touched too, just be sure to know where things are going. It might open up golden opportunities for early birds.
Areas begging for your interest
Areas begging for your interest
Economics
Autonomous trading
Gig economy
Spreading internet access
Engineering
Additive manufacturing
Automation
Nanotechnology
New materials
Quantum computing
Space exploration
Health Care
Genetically targeted drugs
Life extension
IT
AI
Applying AI to <you name it>
Ethics
The quest for general AI
Autonomous driving
Blockchain
Cloud computing
Cyber security
Digital payments
Internet of Things
Society
Basic income
Equality
Labour and unemployment
Summing up: You actually got a front-row seat
Summing up: You actually got a front-row seat
Turns out that the question "What can I do" translates into staying engaged and positive. We IT people frequently and rather self-congratorily say that "it's a great time to be in IT". You don't have to be in IT, just keep mind & eyes open and enjoy the ride.
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