Dinorah's Letter - Please, Don't Give Up Hope (Some thoughts on Intelligence)
Hello dear friends.
I hope this message finds you well.
I also hope you've had the opportunity to read the latest issue of Immortalists Magazine (Issue No. 8), titled "Beautiful Intelligence - To Wisdom"
IM's Issue No. 8 introduces readers to ideas and theories about the nature and trajectory of intelligence, human intelligence, man-made intelligence, and their often misunderstood co-evolution.
If intelligence is an inherent property of nature - programming embedded in the most fundamental fabric of reality - why is human intelligence special?
In nature and the animal world, intelligence manifests as intuition. In those with a developed enough neocortex, intelligence manifests as creativity. And in those with an even more developed neocortex, like humans, intelligence manifests as awareness of our creative ability.
Fortunately, this conscious awareness not only leads us to understand who we are, why we do the things we do, and what is our relationship to everything that exists, but it also allows us to understand what could potentially lead to a total earth-bound intelligence extinction.
For example, without human intelligence, planet Earth could not defend itself against a potential meteorite destruction.
Most importantly, intelligence always reminds us that to not prioritize our complete wellness - physical and cognitive - is to lower our chances of survival.
Many see humans as a flawed species destined for self-destruction. I see humans as a relatively young species capable of mastering even greater abilities for self-actualization, self-healing, and self-regeneration.
So, what can we do to ensure a safer transition into a transhuman era given the current political and social volatility?
Can man-made intelligence be safely created to assist humanity to overcome its challenges and avoid a potential Mad Max-like future?
If man-made intelligence does become super-intelligent and self-aware, wouldn't this be another form of slavery?
Should we expect autonomous super AI's to want to assist humans on the basis of knowledge exchange, mutual understanding, and relationship building?
Or should these super-intelligent digital entities be constrained as proposed by world-renowned Cybersecurity expert, Dr. Roman Yampolskiy (Issue No. 5, pg. 134 & Issue No. 8, pg. 104)
One thing we know for certain, complex societies call for complex intelligence and problem-solving capabilities.
It is said that everyone thinks they are above average, or that we are all sensitive people.
Intelligence is to account for one's own shortcomings, not just one's gifs and accomplishments.
Transhumanism, a widely misunderstood movement, "in part because the media have exaggerated current technologies and branded the movement as dangerous," tackles not just the issues regarding human enhancement but also the existential risks associated with the use, or not use, of enhancement technologies.
Regardless of the transhumanist movement coming into existence, there is no doubt that creativity, innovation, optimal health, and wisdom are crucial for any civilized society to thrive indefinitely.
Imagine what the world be like if those who argued against heart transfers, in-vitro fertilization or the creation of the automobile would have succeeded?
Last Thursday, my father had a near-deadly heart-attack.
This was a horrifying reminder to prioritize scientific and wellness literacy, not just love and human interaction.
Transhumanism, in my opinion, is currently the most important humanitarian movement there is.
How can we not do everything we can to leverage the power of our technological ingenuity to assist us in the attainment of optimal cognitive and physical health?
Don't we want more heartmony and less suffering?
A steemed friend asked, what changes do I want to see in the next decade?
It is with profound desire to see humanity leveraging the power of our tools like greater intelligence, intuition, compassion, reason, and better communication skills to eradicate the cognitive limitations that lead us to unhealthy habits that drive humanity towards self-destruction.
I also wish for my father to see this happening.
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I invite you to dive into Immortalists Magazine's introductory issue on Intelligence as we head towards an era of self-directed evolution.
I suggest starting with the Editor's Letter (pg. 12).
I also invite you to please check IM's newly formed Editorial Board to meet some of the most forward-thinking and altruistic spirits involved in these pressing conversations. (Issue No. 8 Pg. 24)
I wish you a safe and healthy week ahead.
With love,
Dinorah
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