Re: Singularity: Generation gap
Dan Clemmensen (Dan@Clemmensen.ShireNet.com)
Thu, 25 Sep 1997 21:39:06 -0400
Eliezer S. Yudkowsky wrote:
>
> The Low Golden Willow wrote:
> >
> > If the Singularity can disturb some of us, or Vinge himself, how do you
> > think most people will react? The Rapturists here have asked for
> > brainstorming on how to spread our ideas. That could be a bad idea, in
> > current format. Most people will find the story "Unknown Kadath"
> > horrifying, not inspiring. If you argue that attempts to stop progress
> > are inevitable people will panic and try to stop you all the more.
>
> Here's an interesting take on it:
>
> As an 18-year-old, I was part of the first generation to grow up with
> computers. I was introduced to a Mac Plus at the age of seven (I think). I
> grew up in two realities. "Click to select" is right up there with "move legs
> to walk".
>
I suspect that I'm also classified as a "singularity rapturist."
I'm 47 years old, and met my first computer at age 20 (I was age
20. It was age 10.) So, you theory may need some modification.
I have been extremely future oriented since age 9 or so because
of science fiction, and I've been a computer professional since
age 21, But I didn't grow up with computers. I've been forced to
the conclusion that the singularity is inevitable, and I'm
optimistic about the outcome, but I still realize that a "positive"
outcome is not the only possibility.