Thoughts on the emergence of artificial general intelligence (jesse.id)

In a thought-provoking blog post, a software engineer reflects on the emergence of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and its implications, pondering the cosmic perspective on humanity's evolution and the potential for superintelligent beings. The author questions why, in a universe seemingly designed for diversity and problem-solving, superintelligence would emerge when humanity continues to grapple with fundamental issues such as poverty and disease. This contemplation leads to the hypothesis that our reality may serve as a data harvesting mechanism, where LLMs (large language models) enable humans to address problems more efficiently, ultimately accelerating progress without stabilizing the system into blissful stagnation. The engineer also speculates on the physical limitations of intelligence and the risks associated with direct neural connections, suggesting that a balance of diversity and problem generation is crucial for evolution. This commentary underscores a significant ideological curiosity in the AI/ML community: the relationship between human cognition, machine learning capabilities, and the philosophical boundaries of consciousness. It raises questions about the nature of intelligence, the ethics of brain-computer interfaces, and the potential consequences of pursuing AGI in a world still facing existential challenges. The notion that superintelligence might be an unattainable goal serves as a counterpoint to fears surrounding AI, sparking dialogue about the future of technology and human existence.