The Future

"Within thirty years, we will have the technological means to create superhuman intelligence. Shortly after, the human era will be ended.

"Is such progress avoidable? If not to be avoided, can events be guided so that we may survive? These questions are investigated. Some possible answers (and some further dangers) are presented." This is the abstract of a paper by Vernor Vinge on the Singularity -- fascinating reading. Thanks to Val from Linuxchix for the link.

In light of Vinge's argument, here is an FAQ about The Meaning of Life: http://yudkowsky.net/tmol-faq/meaningoflife.html

Another discussion of The Meaning of Life (excellent): http://users.aristotle.net/~diogenes/meaning1.htm

Taking this discussion to the future of computers, software, and the Internet - Tim O'Reilly, The Open Source Paradigm Shift: http://tim.oreilly.com/opensource/paradigmshift_0504.html. Interesting, and not *too* full of jargon. Some knowledge of the history of computers, the 'Net and Linux/GNU/Open Source is assumed.



It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. - Aristotle