The Singularity promises amazing advances 2050 to 2100

By Dick Pelletier

 

       Imagine living in an ageless, disease-free body with youthful looks, superhuman strength, and a brain that can outthink computers. Now further envision an affluent conflict-free world without dangerous storms, tsunamis, or earthquakes.

       These are just some of the advances in our lives that futurists believe we will achieve after mid-century when we experience what scientists call "The Singularity," a point in time when technology progresses so fast it creates transformative events that promise radical improvements in our lives.

       Experts reason that if computing power keeps doubling every eighteen months as it has done for the last fifty years, then by late 2020s, computers will equal the performance of the human brain. From there, it is only a small step to computers that surpass human brainpower.

       These ultra-intelligent machines could then build copies of themselves without human help, increasing brainpower with each new generation. This trend will produce an intelligence explosion unlike anything the world has ever experienced.

       In his book The Singularity is Near, futurist Ray Kurzweil predicts these huge intelligence increases will help us redesign our bodies into an almost immortal form, eliminating sickness and most unwanted deaths. "We will create a billion-fold boost in human intelligence by strengthening our brains with exotic new materials," Kurzweil says.

       Nano-theorist Robert Freitas agrees that by mid-century we will build radical changes into our bodies, making us nearly indestructible. Our body’s outward appearance will not change much, but internally it will boast an awesome array of different features.

       This futuristic body would not require food or water, Freitas says, and it could even operate efficiently for hours without breathable air. We would still eat, drink, and breathe when we chose, but these functions would be mostly for recreation and would not be necessary for our survival.

       Upgrading to this new body won’t happen overnight, experts say, but eventually most people will recognize the benefits of our post-Singularity body and will opt for enhancement.

       Other wonders of this period include nanodust that can re-format Earth’s atmosphere and underground plate tectonics. This will allow scientists to control weather, eliminate global warming, and lessen the jarring effect of earthquakes.

       Today we are in the midst of explosive information technology growth which, when merged with the Singularity, will push us into a future when all the world's knowledge and entertainment will be accessible on demand from a "global Internet."

       During this period, 2050 to 2100, nearly everyone will have Internet access, which will encourage international trade and will slowly reduce ethnic prejudices. World focus will turn from conflicts towards freedom and affluence for individuals.

       With enhanced brains, TV, phones, and entertainment can all be accessed with just our thoughts. Learning to make thought commands and thought phone calls will undoubtedly require special training, but eventually this technology will become the most popular method of communicating.

       Just think of whom you wish to contact and their phone rings. When they answer, you begin "thought talking." And with their permission, you can even see through their eyes, or feel their emotions.

       Will these events happen? Positive futurists believe that the Singularity will create all the miracles necessary to turn this "magical future" into reality.

This article appeared in various print publications and on-line blogs. Comments always welcome.