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Summary of Description:
Futurists Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler appeared on a recent episode of Conversations with Tom to discuss the rapid pace of technological advancements that are bringing once unimaginable things such as flying cars, quantum computing, genetic modification, and artificial intelligence to reality. The experts discussed the future of technology, culture, and the human mind, painting a picture of a lot that may be brighter, wealthier, more abundant, and filled with more meaning than most of us could have believed and that it’s coming faster than anyone is prepared for. The panel also delved into the potential pitfalls of VR/AI and the ethics behind gene modification.
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The Future of Technology: From Flying Cars to Space Migration
The concept of flying cars has been around for years, but it seems they might become a reality soon. In this episode of Conversations with Tom, Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler discuss the advancements in the technology industry that make things once deemed impossible a reality. The panel also discusses the rapid pace of change in the industry and its future implications. Here are some of the highlights of the episode:
Flying Cars Are Cooler Than Expected
While the concept of flying cars might seem like something out of a sci-fi movie, it is becoming a reality faster than anticipated. The development and invention of vertical take-off and landing electric vehicles (VTOLs) have inspired companies like Uber and Airbus to shift their attention toward air taxis. According to Diamandis, the advancements in technology that have led to the creation of flying cars have also been applied in other fields, such as rocket propulsion.
Quantum Computing Takes Huge Leaps Forward
Quantum computing is a vast technological field offering enormous potential. Scientists use quantum computers to model quantum systems and engage in quantum key distribution. In the future, it will be possible to create a quantum computer capable of factoring large numbers.
Migration into Space
The panel discusses how space exploration will be the new frontier for humanity. Migration into space will become a reality, with people living in space settlements and asteroids being used to exploit mineral resources. Space exploration is foreseeable as space agencies like NASA and SpaceX work together to make space travel more affordable and safe.
Gene Modification: The Ethical Implications
Gene editing has allowed scientists to pinpoint and treat specific diseases to improve the overall health of humans. The progress in gene editing technology has led to an increase in personalized medicine. However, the panel discusses the ethical implications of gene modification. According to them, people could one day develop “designer babies,” which may impact the genetic diversity of the human race.
Virtual Reality and AI
While advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) are impressive, their influence on human relationships is concerning. Alexa or Jarvis might record our private conversations, and deep fakes could be used to cause mischief. The panel discusses how relationships could be severely impacted, and it would be hard to distinguish between a real and a virtual world.
Davis and Kotler suggest that instead of falling into things we are not creating, we should innovate accordingly. This can help us make sensible choices about what we next create and what we allow to impact our lives.
In conclusion, the pace at which technology is advancing is massive. While it is exciting to welcome its new developments, it is essential to consider their ethical implications. Ethical guidelines must be established to prevent the unethical use of technology.
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Source Description
Flying cars, virtual reality, quantum computing, genetic modification, artificial intelligence, migration into space, a real-life holodeck… Things that once seemed impossible are now becoming a reality, becoming a reality much faster than most people had predicted. It’s not just that things are changing rapidly; the pace of change is speeding up.
On this episode of Conversations with Tom, two of the world’s leading futurists, Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler, join Tom Bilyeu to discuss the future of technology, culture, and the human mind. This future is brighter, wealthier, more abundant, and filled with more meaning than most of us could have believed, and it may be coming faster than anyone is prepared for.
SHOW NOTES:
Flying cars are even cooler than anyone expected [1:03]
The rate of change is much faster than anyone thinks [5:22]
Tom doesn’t even own a car, and hardly anyone rents a car anymore [6:03]
Quantum computing has been taking huge leaps forward [7:52]
A company is now 3D printing rockets [10:33]
3D-printed houses will be three or four times cheaper than current houses [13:33]
Perhaps by the 2030s, we’ll be able to connect our brains to the cloud [33:59] directly
The panel discusses how virtual reality and AI could mess up human relationships [35:11]
What will happen when Jarvis or Alexa hears all your arguments with your spouse? [38:59]
Peter brings up the problem of deep fakes [40:20]
Is the rate of change so fast that we are just falling into things instead of creating them? [42:48
The panel discusses gene modification [1:09:19]
What are the ethics behind genetic modification? [1:14:52]
There are already contacts that have augmented reality and virtual reality [1:20:13]
Creating meta-intelligence and migration into space [1:24:57]
Peter describes his experiences with plant medicine [1:29:04]
What happens when VR becomes more meaningful than physical life? [1:50:02]
Steven discusses learning to control dopamine [1:53:18]
We will have more control of our own experiences in the future [1:55:06]
BOOKS MENTIONED:
“Abundance: The Future Is Brighter Than You Think,” Diamandis and Kotler
“The Future is Faster Than You Think: How Converging Technologies Are Transforming Business, Industries, and Our Lives.” Peter Diamandis
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