2509 - The Dystopian Future Being Pushed by Right-Wing Tech Oligarchs w/ Adam Becker

Jun 2, 2025

In this discussion, Adam Becker, a science journalist and astrophysicist, unpacks the alarming influence of right-wing tech oligarchs on our future. He critiques the ideological underpinnings of their vision, likening it to a new techno-religion. Becker explores the juxtaposition of optimistic AI predictions against potential dystopian scenarios. He emphasizes the dangers of neglecting current issues in favor of unregulated tech fantasies, shedding light on how these trends impact democracy and societal well-being.

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INSIGHT

Singularity as Tech Rapture

The singularity is a tech-driven concept akin to a religious rapture, promising a superintelligent AI utopia.
Ray Kurzweil predicts this event imminently, emphasizing an unstoppable technological acceleration.

INSIGHT

Long-termism's Galactic Focus

Effective altruism's long-termism promotes galactic colonization and superintelligent AI to safeguard humanity's future.
These ideas exaggerate risks, misplacing focus from present political challenges to speculative cosmic futures.

INSIGHT

Tech Overlooks Political Barriers

Sam Altman believes AI will imminently solve global issues like climate change with simple 'three wishes.'
This perspective ignores political barriers, wrongly framing complex problems as purely technological.

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The Singularity Is Near

When Humans Transcend Biology

Ray Kurzweil

In 'The Singularity Is Near', Ray Kurzweil discusses the concept of the technological singularity, where technological change becomes so rapid and profound that it transforms human civilization. He predicts that by 2045, machine intelligence will exceed human intelligence, leading to a human-machine civilization where experiences shift from real to virtual reality. Kurzweil envisions significant advancements in fields like nanotechnology, genetics, and robotics, which will solve issues such as human aging, pollution, world hunger, and poverty. The book also considers the social and philosophical ramifications of these changes, maintaining a radically optimistic view of the future course of human development.

More Everything Forever

AI Overlords, Space Empires, and Silicon Valley's Crusade to Control the Fate of Humanity

Adam Becker

Adam Becker's "More Everything Forever" delves into the exaggerated promises and dangers surrounding AI, particularly those promoted by Silicon Valley figures. The book critiques the apocalyptic fears of superintelligent AI, arguing they are science fiction rather than scientific fact. Becker acknowledges AI's current value but highlights the overhyped capabilities and the troubling ideologies, such as eugenics, intertwined with AI rhetoric. He criticizes the focus on AI dominance over addressing real-world issues like climate change. Ultimately, the book warns against the potential for increased human misery and degradation resulting from unchecked AI development.

Dune

Frank Herbert

Dune, written by Frank Herbert, is set in a feudal interstellar society where noble houses control planetary fiefs. The story follows Paul Atreides, whose family is tasked with ruling the inhospitable desert planet Arrakis, the sole source of melange, a substance crucial for extending life and enhancing mental abilities. The novel delves into the intricate politics, religion, ecology, and technology of this futuristic world, as various factions vie for control of Arrakis and its valuable spice. Paul, with his unique abilities and training by the Bene Gesserit, becomes a key figure in this struggle and eventually assumes the role of a messianic leader among the native Fremen people[2][5][4].

Welcome to the week people. Republican leaders are still trying to jam major cuts to Medicare, food stamps and other vital programs down our throats in the form of the Big Beautiful Bill, some GOP members have had to face tough questions from their constituents about how those cuts will effect them. But after being called out last week for making cuts that will ultimately kill many of her constituents, Republican Senator Joni Earnst says that we'll all die one day. Now she's released a cynical non-apology in response to the controversy.

After that, Science journalist and astrophysicist Adam Becker is here to discuss his new book More Everything Forever. Check it out here:

https://mitpressbookstore.mit.edu/book/9781541619593

As well as Adam's piece in the Guardian on the same subject:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/03/tech-oligarchs-musk

In the Fun Half, Elon Musk sits down for an interview with CBS News but only wants to talk about rocket ships and seems upset that he's being asked about the Trump administration. Hakeem Jeffries gives the most limp nothing of an answer when asked what he's planning to do in response to federal agents entering the offices of Congressman Jerry Nadler and cuffing one of his aids, which came weeks after federal agents arrested Democratic Congresswoman LaMonica McIver. And people in San Diego spontaneously protest ICE agents as they raid local establishments.

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