Joe Allen: Don't turn your humanity over to the machine
Nov 6, 2023
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Joe Allen, author of Dark Aeon, discusses the consequences of merging humans with machines and the trust we place in our devices. They explore topics such as transhumanism, AI, and the need to reject technoculture in exchange for reconnecting with nature. The podcast also touches on the implications of advanced technologies like gene therapy and autonomous vehicles, as well as the potential dangers and advantages of self-driving cars. The speaker delves into the concerns surrounding AI development and deployment, including its impact on education, corporate culture, and social sentiment. Conflicting visions for the future of AI are examined, along with recommendations for purchasing Joe Allen's book, 'Dark Aeon', and gratitude for Bitcoin advice and the importance of staying grounded.
Transhumanism seeks to merge humans with machines and alter human evolution through advancements in AI and genetic engineering.
The deployment of AI systems and autonomous vehicles will lead to societal shifts and raise concerns about control and individual freedom.
Transhumanism infiltrates intimate aspects of life, reshaping how people form relationships and raising questions about societal sorting and potential eugenic implications.
Deep dives
The Rise of Transhumanism
Transhumanism is an attitude towards technology that seeks to radically advance and accelerate human evolution by merging humans with machines and tinkering with human genetics. Its goal is to direct human evolution and seize every available technology to enhance human beings. This encompasses advancements in AI, genetic engineering, and more. While some people are eager to embrace these technologies, many remain unaware of the potential dangers and societal implications that transhumanism brings. The rise of a techno-religion or swarm of techno-cults is underway, driven by influential figures in academia, technology corporations, and government organizations.
The Impact of AI and Autonomous Vehicles
Artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous vehicles are two significant technological advancements fueling the transhumanist movement. The deployment of AI systems, especially in education, corporate culture, and social media platforms, will lead to psychological and sociological shifts. As children grow up interacting with virtual and digital entities, reliance on technology for decision-making and perceiving the world will become increasingly prevalent. Autonomous vehicles offer convenience and safety benefits, but they also raise concerns about cybersecurity and control. As AI and autonomous vehicles become normalized, corporations and governments gain greater control, affecting aspects such as transportation infrastructure and individual freedom.
The Sociocultural Impact and Techno-Religious Perspectives
Transhumanism's influence is not limited to technological advancements. It infiltrates intimate aspects of life, such as dating apps, and reshapes how people connect and form relationships. The reliance on algorithms for finding partners raises questions about societal sorting and potential eugenic implications. The integration of AI into education and corporate culture, the policing of language online, and the dissemination of propaganda through sophisticated AI systems will alter societal norms and perceptions. Transhumanists believe their pursuits will lead to a better future, but their visions differ, from achieving eternal youth to merging with artificial intelligence. While different interests and motivations drive transhumanist movements, the transformative impact on society and what it means to be human cannot be underestimated.
Preserving Humanity in the Age of Technology
In this podcast episode, the guest discusses the importance of preserving our humanity in the face of advancing technology. He highlights the dependency on algorithms for various aspects of our lives, including dating and decision-making. The guest also explores the connection between transgenderism and transhumanism, emphasizing the role of virtualization and the idea of gender and personality being independent of the body. Additionally, he raises concerns about the potential dangers and implications of artificial intelligence gaining legal personhood and the need to recognize the importance of organic social interactions and the preservation of human experiences beyond the digital realm.
Choosing a Path Forward
As the conversation delves into the future of humanity and technology, the guest recommends rejecting excessive reliance on smartphones, the internet, dating apps, neural links, and electric vehicles in preserving our humanity. He advocates for a balance between embracing technology for convenience while acknowledging the value of experiencing the world organically, engaging in personal interactions, and being attuned to the beauty of chance encounters. The guest emphasizes the need to draw inspiration from ancient traditions, both biologically and spiritually, to navigate the radical changes brought by technology and to maintain a connection with what is truly human in the face of transhumanist ideologies.
Our world and day to day lives have changed drastically in a very
short period of time. Technology has gone from an addition to our lives to our way of life — most of us can't operate without it. And most of us have gone along willingly — enthusiastically even — with this technocultural revolution. But what are the consequences of melding man with machine? What have we handed over in trusting our devices with our lives? Can we get it back?
In this episode, Meghan Murphy speaks with Joe Allen, author of Dark Aeon: Transhumanism and the War Against Humanity, about transhumanism, AI, and why we should reject technoculture in exchange for touching grass.