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Isaac Asimov Predicts the Future in 1982 (openculture.com)
15 points by bookofjoe on Feb 23, 2024 | hide | past | favorite | 8 comments



> We are going to have to accept an important role — society as a whole — in making sure that the transition period from the pre-robotic technology to the post-robotic technology is as painless as possible. We have to make sure that people aren’t treated as though they’re used up dishrags

I always find statements like this a bit strange. Who "has" to? Who is going to make the rich and powerful ensure a just transition as opposed to just letting the rest of us starve?

After all, if the rest of us make a fuss, they can just set their guard robots on us...


Enjoy it while it lasts.


Interestingly in his novels the use of advanced AI was outlawed, which is why there is no advanced robot in the foundation series except Daneel. Would be interesting to see if humanity creates a similar agreement that no one will create an AGI.


I guess you've not seen the absolute frenzied billions of dollars going into AGI research?


I have seen it and I do not think anyone will stop preemptively. I thought we reach something in between and it becomes a disaster. After the disaster everyone or the survivors agree not to pursue this further.


Potentially yes


I thought he was predicting the future every day of his life, before, during, and after 1982.


Probably linked to his discovery of Thiotimoline.




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