AI Discusses “Homo Deus” By Yuval Noah Harari [NotebookLM by Google]
Will AI replace all jobs? My newest Swetlana AI podcast is dealing with the future.
So I’ve been producing podcasts lately. You can also find them on Spotify. Here’s a script of one of my NotebookLM episodes, talking about the book “Homo Deus” (or one of its chapters, to be precise). AND I’ve instructed the hosts to act like they’re high (lol).
My Podcast Episode On Homo Deus
For now due to its length (18 mins) this episode is not on Youtube, but you can find it on Spotify (and other places that offer podcasts):
And I now have not one, but two channels on Youtube dedicated to AI in one way or another:
My main Youtube channel:
My podcast Youtube channel:
Podcast Script: Homo Deus (But The Hosts Are Slightly High)
Okay. Yo yo, are we uh are we live? This thing on. Okay, cool. Cool. Welcome to uh I mean, get ready for, you know, buckle up. It’s time for another deep dive, baby. And this one goes deep. Like really deep. We’re talking about the future.
The future. Yes. The great unknown.
The what if, the why not, the Whoa, dude. Sorry. Go on. Future of humanity and stuff, right?
Precisely. Except Well, the future of humanity. That’s what feels a little wobbly these days, isn’t it? Like trying to stand on one of those inflatable pool toys.
Man, wobbly is right. It’s like, are we headed for flying cars and robot butlers or is it going to be like Mad Max with better Wi-Fi?
Perhaps a bit of both. That’s the thing about the future. It’s got this choose your own adventure vibe. And right now, we’re holding a lot of loaded dice.
Loaded dice, man. That’s deep.
One of those dice, one face staring back at us is this whole intelligence without consciousness dilemma.
Okay, hold up. Intelligence without you talking about like robots becoming super smart but not knowing they are.
In essence, yes. machines capable of incredible feats of logic, problem solving, even creativity, but lacking that certain spark of awareness of subjective experience that we humans
That je ne se quoi, that soul stuff, man, that’s…
Precisely. And it begs the question, do machines need that spark to be considered truly intelligent, to pose a threat, or is their ability to outperform us in specific tasks enough?
Okay, that’s freaky, man. Like, imagine a robot that can write a symphony that makes you weep, but doesn’t even know what music is.
A chilling thought, isn’t it? And one that underscores the very nature of intelligence itself.
Whoa. Okay, so we’ve got these brainy, but maybe not sensient robots running around. What’s that mean for like us regular humans just trying to survive the future?
That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? And one with far-reaching implications. We’re talking potential shifts in the job market, in our social structures, in our very understanding of what it means to be human.
Okay. Whoa, whoa, slow down there, Doc Brown. Let’s unpack this whole future shock thing. one bite at a time. Hit me with the job market thing first. Are we all going to be out of work like tomorrow?
Not quite tomorrow, perhaps. But the writing, as they say, is on the wall. We’ve already witnessed historical shifts from agriculture to industry to the service sector. Each transition rendering certain professions obsolete while paving the way for new ones.
Right. Like, goodbye blacksmiths. Hello, software developers.
Yeah, but you’re saying AI is going to shake things up even more.
Indeed. Imagine a world where algorithms can diagnose illnesses with greater accuracy than human doctors. Where self-driving trucks replace long haul truckers, where AI lawyers argue cases in court.
Whoa, robot lawyers. That’s some Judge Judy meets the Matrix stuff right there. But seriously, what happens to all the people whose jobs get like automated out of existence?
That’s precisely the question we need to be asking ourselves. What happens to those whose livelihoods depend on those jobs? What happens to our sense of purpose of societal contribution?
Man, deep thoughts for a Tuesday afternoon. But it’s not like this whole machines replacing humans thing is new, right? Like my grandma used to tell stories about like elevator operators and milkmen and I don’t even know, lamp lighters.
An intriguing analogy, but imagine this shift happening on a scale we haven’t witnessed before. A mass displacement of labor rendering entire professions obsolete virtually overnight. Telemarketers, referees, even chefs.
Wait, chefs. You’re telling me robots are coming for our kitchens now? What’s next? They’re going to tell me my grandma’s secret cookie recipe is inefficient. No way, man. Some things are sacred.
Your culinary nostalgia is heartwarming, but it underscores a crucial point. What happens when machines outperform humans? Not just in menial tasks, but in areas we once considered uniquely human. Art, for example.
Whoa. Robot artists, that’s trippy. I can already see it. The Museum of Modern Algorithms filled with like mandreans generated by code and robotic arms sculpting abstract masterpieces out of mashed potato.
It’s a vivid if slightly absurd image. But consider the case of David Cop, a composer who created an AI named EMI that could turn out box style compositions so convincing they fooled music experts.
No way. Bock in the algorithm. So you’re saying this AI could like whip up a mean fugue while simultaneously beating me at chess and writing a screenplay about a dystopian future where humans are ruled by?
Oh wait, we’ve gone full circle, haven’t we?
Perhaps. But it begs the question, If a machine can create art that’s indistinguishable from human creation, what does that say about the nature of creativity itself?
Deep thoughts, man. Deep thoughts, but also kind of scary. Like, what if the robots decide they’re the real artists and we’re just me messy, inefficient prototypes?
An unsettling thought. And it’s not just our creative endeavors that might be upended. What about our most intimate relationships? What happens when algorithms start meddling in matters of the heart?
Whoa. Algorithms playing Cupid. Is this like Tinder but on like super steroids where the app just decides who you’re going to marry based on your browser history and your Spotify playlists. You like true crime podcasts and death metal. I found your soulmate. She’s a tax attorney with a passion for taxiderermy.
Well, that’s a rather dot colorful depiction. You’re not entirely off the mark. There was a study actually by Facebook of all things.
Facebook. Those guys were already listening to our conversations. Now they’re going to pick our deeds too. That’s cold, man. Cold.
They conducted a study indicating that algorithms based purely on analyzing online behior behavior could predict individuals personalities better than their close friends and family members could.
Wait, what? You mean Facebook knows me better than my mom? That’s kind of messed up. But also like weirdly impressive…
Indeed. And it raises a crucial question. If algorithms can theoretically predict our preferences, our personalities, even our potential romantic compatibility, what does that mean for the future of human connection?
Are we headed for a world where love is just a bunch of ones and zeros? Where algorithms are sw typing right on our behalf based on some crazy formula for compatibility that involves like our astrological signs and our favorite pizza toppings.
It’s certainly a possibility and it highlights the potential shift from algorithms as passive tools to active agents in our lives from oracles towel something else entirely.
Okay, so we’re talking about algorithms going from like helpful dating apps to what matchmakers digital cupids. It’s like giving algorithms the keys to our hearts…
… or maybe just our dating profiles.
Mhm.
Which, let’s be honest, might be the same thing these days.
A humorous, if somewhat unsettling, observation, but it underscores a crucial point. As we seed control over various aspects of our lives, navigation, entertainment, even social interaction to algorithms, we inadvertently grant them a certain level of agency. They cease to be mere tools and morph into something akin to digital shepherds.
Digital shepherds, I like that. Yeah.
But also kind of creepy, right? Like, are we sheep in this scenario? Bang along to the rhythm of the algorithm. What happens when the shepherd decides to lead us off a cliff?
A valid concern. And it speaks to the potential dangers of blindly trusting algorithms without understanding their underlying mechanisms, their limitations, their potential biases.
Biases? You mean like algorithms can be prejudiced? I thought they were supposed to be all logical and objective like Spock with a Wi-Fi connection.
Ah, but who creates the algorithms? Who feeds them the data? Algorithms are only as good as the information they’re trained on. And as we all know, data can be skewed, manipulated.
Whoa. Data manipulation. So like if you feed an algorithm a bunch of biased data, it’ll spit out biased results. Like garbage in, garbage out, but with algorithms.
Precisely. And this is where things get really interesting, especially when we start talking about algorithms influencing not just our personal lives, but our political systems as well.
Wait, politics. You mean like algorithms running for office? President algorithm 2024. That campaign slogan writes itself Vote for me. I’m programmed to promise you everything.
While I doubt we’ll see algorithms on the ballot anytime soon, the potential for them to sway elections is very real. Remember that Facebook study we discussed earlier? The one where algorithms could predict personalities better than spouses.
Oh yeah, Facebook knows me better than my cat. And that furry little dude has seen me at my absolute worst. Like late night pizza binges, sobbing over romcoms, the whole nine yards.
Well, imagine that same princip le applied to our political leanings by analyzing our online behavior, our likes, our shares, our comments.
Wait, hold up. You mean like all those times I rage commented on political posts after a few beers? The algorithm remembers that. It’s judging me, isn’t it?
Let’s just say it’s gathering data. Data that could be used to target us with personalized political ads, sway our opinions, even predict how we’ll vote.
Whoa, that’s both genius and terrifying. Like, political campaigns wouldn’t even need to know our names anymore, just our digital profiles. It’s like the ultimate targeted marketing campaign, but for like democracy.
A chilling thought, isn’t it? And it raises profound questions about the future of free will in a world increasingly mediated by algorithms.
Free will? Man, that’s some heavy stuff. You sure we didn’t accidentally wander into a philosophy lecture here? Maybe we should order that pizza after all? I’m starting to feel the existential dread settling in.
While I appreciate your appetite for existential pondering, I believe we have much ground to cover. We’ve barely scratched the surface of what it means for algorithms to evolve from mere oracles, dispensers of information.
Oracles? Like those mystical fortune teller ladies with crystal balls? Are you saying Google Maps is going to start predicting my future based on my search history? Like, you’ve been spending a lot of time looking at cat videos. I predict you will die alone, but surrounded by fluffy feline companions.
Not quite. But you’re getting closer to the point. We’re talking about a potential paradigm shift from algorithms as passive tools to something far more influential.
Influential like that friend who can convince you to do anything after a few tequila shots. Like, come on, let’s get matching tattoos. It’ll be hilarious. Spoiler alert, it wasn’t hilarious.
Perhaps. Imagine for a moment a world where algorithms aren’t just providing us with information, but actively shaping our desires, guiding our decisions, even making choices on our behalf.
Whoa. It’s like they’re whispering in our ears, but instead of sweet nothings, it’s like, “Buy this, vote for that, date this person, you want this, you need is wait are we talking about advertising here because this already happening man…
… a keen observation but imagine this influence extending beyond targeted ads seeping into every facet of our existence…
… every facet so like algorithm is going to pick up my clothes write my emails maybe even do my taxes sign me up I mean as long as they don’t judge my questionable fashion choices…
… or my grammar…
… tempting isn’t it to relinquish control to delegate responsibility to these seemingly all knowing algorithms but at what cost?
Dude, you’re starting to sound like a warning label on a pack of cigarettes. Let’s talk about the dangers of algorithms. Maybe we should order that pizza just in case the robots decide to stage a coup and cut off our food supply.
My apologies. I tend to get a tad carried away. Yeah.
With the potential implications of unchecked technological advancement.
No worries, man. That’s why you’re the expert and I’m just the dude with a microphone and the insatiable curiosity and the growing fear that my Roomba is plotting world domination.
Indeed. But let’s return to the snow. notion of algorithms evolving beyond their current limitations. We’ve discussed oracles, those passive information providers. But what happens when they transition into agents?
Agents like secret agents. Are we about to uncover a vast conspiracy involving algorithms spying on us for….
… big data? While I can’t rule out any possibilities at this point, I believe agent in this context refers to something far more autonomous. Imagine algorithms acting on our behalf. Not just pro hiding information, but executing tasks, making decisions.
Okay. Yeah, that’s definitely next level stuff. Like my Roomba is already navigating my apartment, dodging cat toys and existential dread. But you’re talking about algorithms making like life decisions.
Precisely. And this is where the line between helpful assistant and well, something else entirely…
… begins to blur.
Something else like our future robot overlords. Dude, we’re going full sci-fi here. Someone cue the ominous soundtrack.
Well, I wouldn’t go that far yet. It does raise some interesting questions about power dynamics. Who controls whom in this scenario,
right? Are we in charge of the algorithms or are they calling the shots? It’s like who’s walking who here? Are we leading the robots or are they subtly steering us in a particular direction?
An apt analogy. And it leads us to the next stage in this hypothetical evolution of algorithms from oracles to agents and finally to something resembling sovereigns.
Sovereigns like kings, queens. Are we talking about a digital monarchy ruled by algorithms. Bow down to King Algorithm the first, ruler of all data and dispenser of personalized recommendations.
In a manner of speaking, yes. Imagine algorithms so sophisticated, so integrated into the fabric of our lives that they essentially dictate the terms of our existence.
Whoa, that’s intense, man. It’s like, yeah, we’re handing over the keys to the kingdom, but instead of a castle, it’s like the entire internet. And instead of a crown, it’s a bunch of algorithms controlling traffic lights and recommending what we should have for dinner. You have a knack for simplifying complex concepts, my friend.
Hey, someone’s got to do it. So, just to be clear, we’re talking about algorithms potentially morphing into like all powerful digital overlords, right? Controlling everything. Traffic lights, takeout menus, maybe even our brain waves. Man, this future is giving me the chills. And I’m not sure it’s just the AC.
A chilling thought indeed. And it brings us to the very heart of the issue. The potential clash between rapidly advancing technology and the fundamental tenets of liber ism, that foundation upon which so much of our modern world is built.
Okay, I got to be honest, liberalism. That word always makes me think of like dusty textbooks and those debates my parents have during election season…
… perhaps, but bear with me because this is where things get really interesting. We’re talking about those core principles, those big ideas, individual liberty, free will, democratic governance, all that good stuff.
Right. Right. Freedom, choice, the pursuit of happiness, all those inspiring words that put on like motivational posters and coffee mugs. Yeah.
But you’re saying those ideas are like incompatible with a future run by algorithms.
Not necessarily incompatible, but certainly challenged. Let’s take the concept of individual value for example.
Individual value? You mean like I’m a unique snowflake, one of a kind. Special in my own way, even though my Spotify playlists might say otherwise.
Precisely. But what happens to that notion when algorithms can predict our every move, our every desire, even our every thought? If a machine can know us better than we know ourselves. Do we still possess that same inherent worth?
Whoa. It’s like if an algorithm can predict what I’m going to say before I even say it, do I even have free will? Or am I just like a puppet dancing to the tune of some super sophisticated code?
An apt, if slightly unsettling, metaphor. And this challenge to individual agency extends far beyond our everyday choices. Imagine a world where algorithms based on our digital footprints can predict our political leanings, our susceptibility to certain arguments.
Hold on. Are we talking about like superargeted propaganda? Algorithms figuring out exactly what to say to make us believe something to manipulate us?
In essence, yes. And if that’s the case, what happens to the idea of informed consent, of rational discourse, of a democracy built on the premise of citizens making choices based on their own free will?
Man, this is heavy stuff. Okay. So, we’ve covered algorithms potentially controlling our lives in a million different ways, but you’re saying there’s something even more uh Intense.
Imagine a world where instead of simply replacing us, technology enhances us.
Enhances us. Okay, now we’re talking. Sign me up for superhuman strength, telekinesis, the ability to speak fluent emoji.
While those abilities might be a tad ambitious, you’re not entirely off the mark. Imagine a future where select individuals through technological augmentation acquire abilities far beyond those of ordinary humans.
Whoa. Like super intelligence, super senses, the ability to like download knowledge. directly into their brains, Matrix style, while simultaneously composing a symphony and running a marathon.
You have a rather vivid imagination, but the underlying concept is sound. What happens if we create a class of individuals so vastly superior in their abilities, their intellect, that they essentially transcend what it means to be human?
Transcend humanity? Dude, that’s straight out of a sci-fi movie. Are we talking about like a new species of super beings? Will they even want to watch the same Netflix shows as us mere mortals?
Intriguing questions indeed. And they lead us back to that potential clash with liberalism we discussed earlier. If we have a group of individuals with vastly superior abilities, do the same rules apply? Do they have the same rights, the same responsibilities?
Whoa. So to recap, we’ve got algorithms potentially controlling our lives, superhumans potentially outsmarting us, and the future is a wild ride…
… indeed. And it underscores the importance of engaging in these conversations. Now, while these technologies are still in their early stages, we have a responsibility to shape the future we want, not simply react to the one that’s thrust upon us.
Deep, man. Deep. So, what you’re saying is we got to be mindful of the choices we make today, cuz those choices are going to echo into the future.
Precisely. It’s about recognizing the immense power of these technologies, but also understanding that their ultimate impact depends on us, on our collective wisdom, our foresight, and our commitment to shaping a future that benefits all of humanity. Or at least the ones who aren’t secretly robots.
All right, folks. You heard it here first. The future is full of possibilities and maybe a few robots in disguise. Time to put on your thinking caps and maybe invest in some good antivirus software. Until next time, stay curious.
This blog was first published on my Wordpress: https://swetlanaai.wordpress.com/2024/10/23/ai-discusses-homo-deus-by-yuval-noah-harari-notebooklm-by-google/
