AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
2min snip
Gwern Branwen - How an Anonymous Researcher Predicted AI's Trajectory
Dwarkesh Podcast
Progress Predicted Through the Ages
The seeds of the concept of technological singularity trace back to Samuel Butler's works in the late 19th century, where he envisioned autonomous machine life as a potential threat to humanity. Notably, he proposed that war should be declared on such machines. This foresight was remarkable for its time. Similarly, Isaac Newton observed a rapid technological progress in his era, theorizing that it was due to civilizational resets every few millennia, implying that true continuous acceleration might be impossible because knowledge resets with civilization's destruction. The thoughts of Lucretius also echoed this skepticism regarding progress, reflecting a historical pattern of questioning the validity of technological acceleration. These insights highlight a long-standing dialogue about the nature of progress, innovation, and existential risks associated with technological advancement.
00:00
Transcript
Episode notes
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode