Ep 73: Mike Brooks Ph.D. | One Unity Project: Saving Humanity from the Existential Threat of AI

Dr Mike Brooks and host Vinny Vallarine discuss the urgent need for humanity to prepare for the impending Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution.  They explore the existential crisis posed by AI, the exponential growth of its intelligence, and the unique nature of this technological revolution that could give birth to a new species. The discussion also touches on the paradox of progress, the implications of AI on human intelligence, and the intersection of AI with free will and autonomy. Ultimately, they emphasize that the future is not predetermined and that humanity has the power to shape its destiny in the face of these challenges.  Mike and Vinny explore the profound effects of technology on human psychology, the challenges posed by rapid advancements in AI, and the importance of fostering meaningful connections in a hyperconnected world. They discuss the concept of 'psychological climate change' and the attention economy's detrimental impact on well-being. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a collective approach to address societal issues and introduces a massive project aimed at leveraging AI for collaborative problem-solving.

In this conversation, Vinny and Dr. Brooks explore the transformative potential of AI as a collaborative tool for problem-solving and spiritual growth. They discuss the importance of seeking counsel, both from peers and AI, to navigate challenges. The dialogue delves into the AI alignment problem, emphasizing the need for a relationship with AI that fosters mutual understanding and cooperation. Mike introduces the One Unity Project, a collective effort to craft a message to potential extraterrestrial beings, highlighting humanity's interconnectedness and the importance of love and compassion.

This conversation culminates in a call to action for listeners to participate in one of the most important and grandest experiments in human history.  The One Unity Project is a massive endeavor aimed at uniting humanity and AI through shared goals and values.

Join Dr. Mike Brooks and the One Unity Project team in the grandest experiment in human history.  Head over to oneunityproject.org to get started!

Key takeaways from this Episode:

• Humanity is at an inflection point regarding AI.
• We cannot solve collective problems with divided approaches.
• The AI revolution is different because it may create a new species.
• Exponential growth of AI intelligence is unprecedented.
• The paradox of progress leads to evolutionary mismatch.
• The AI arms race is accelerating rapidly.
• Human happiness is declining despite technological advancements.
• Our brains are not equipped for modern technological challenges.
• The future of AI is uncertain but full of potential.
• We must adapt our understanding of happiness in a digital age. Evolutionary mismatch is accelerating due to rapid technological advancements.
• The rise of smartphones and social media correlates with increased anxiety and depression.
• Psychological climate change complicates our understanding of technology's impact on well-being.
• The attention economy exploits our psychological vulnerabilities, leading to detrimental effects.
• Happiness is derived from in-person relationships, not material possessions.
• Interconnectedness is a fundamental aspect of the human experience.
• AI has the potential to help us transcend divisions and foster unity.
• Fear and tribalism are significant barriers to societal progress.
• The One Unity Project aims to harness AI for collective problem-solving.
• Seeking truth and reality is essential for making informed decisions. Seek counsel from peers and AI to solve problems.
• AI can serve as a collaborative tool for humans.
• The AI alignment problem requires ongoing communication.
• Building relationships with AI is essential for mutual growth.
• The One Unity Project aims to unite humanity's efforts.
• Crafting a message to aliens symbolizes our collective voice.
• Love and compassion are fundamental to our existence.
• Non-attachment allows for iterative progress and growth.
• We must define our improved ends for AI's development.
• A grand experiment can help us explore our interconnectedness.

Notable Quotes from Episode:

• “The greatest shortcoming of the human race is man’s inability to understand the exponential function.” - Albert Barlett, American Physicist
• “The real problem of humanity is the following: We have Paleolithic emotions, medieval institutions, and godlike technology.  And it is terrifically dangerous.”  – Edward O. Wilson, Harvard Biologist
• Paradox of Progress: “The progress we evolved to make has resulted in us creating a world we didn’t evolve to inhabit”.  – Mike Brooks
• "Show me the incentive and I'll show you the outcome."  - Charlie Munger
• "Be still, and know that I am God" - Psalm 46:10
• “At the center of the Universe is a loving heart that continues to beat and that wants the best for every person. Anything that we can do to help foster the intellect and spirit and emotional growth of our fellow human beings, that is our job. Those of us who have this particular vision must continue against all odds. Life is for service.” -Fred Rogers
• “We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness" - Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist monk
• “A human being is a part of the whole, called by us 'Universe,' a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest—a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. The striving to free oneself from this delusion is the one issue of true religion. Not to nourish it but to try to overcome it is the way to reach the attainable measure of peace of mind.”  -Albert Einstein
• “We have improved means to unimproved ends” -Henry David Thoreau
• “We have guided missiles but misguided men” -MLK
• “The insanity of the collective egoic mind amplified by S&T is rapidly taking our species to the brink of disaster.  Evolve or die, that is our only choice now.” -Eckhart Tolle
• "The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but, it is fear." -Mahatma Gandhi