Forsgren: One nerd’s post-Singularity to-do list
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The Singularity. A hypothetical point in time where the creation of artificial superintelligence could trigger an uncontrollable runaway explosion in technological capability. This could lead to machines that can think circles around the human brain. No one knows for sure what post-Singularity life might look like because our understanding of technology breaks down once computers can outthink humans.
The possible impact of the Singularity on human life is impossible to quantify. But theories aplenty strive to envision the possibilities of a post-Singularity world.
The idea being able to upload my mind into a fully-functional body appeals so much to me.
One of the most fascinating is the idea that human consciousness could be scanned and uploaded into an artificial body. The result would be a fusion of technology and humanity that could eradicate the frailties inherent to the human body.
This idea, that my mind could have a new body is especially appealing to me because I deal with heart failure. I was born with a defect that required surgery when I was 2 years old. I have to carefully monitor my level of physical stress, as the consequences of overexertion could be dire. I can’t run too far. I can’t hike hilly terrain. Some days, it seems like any sort of fun isn’t advisable.
Light exercise and medication can help, but I’m still limited. It sucks. So you can see why the idea being able to upload my mind into a fully-functional body appeals so much to me. In fact, I already have a list of things I’d do if I can make it to the Singularity alive and afford to upload my mind. Some highlights:
Go on a tour of the world’s greatest roller coasters
Because of the way being thrown around on a roller coaster affects one’s blood pressure, it’s recommended that I don’t ride them. It’s a complete bummer because roller coasters look like so much fun. Were I to put my mind into an android, I’d go on a world tour of the biggest, fastest, most extreme rides. While we’re at it, it might be cool to download a pilot program and fly a fighter jet. But let’s start with the coasters and go from there.
Get a big old tattoo
The risk of infection to the cardiac muscles means tattoos aren’t a great idea for me. And truth be told, I can’t think of anything that’s important enough to me that I’d want it on my body forever. But that doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t do it if it were safe. Maybe I could get Doctor Doom tattooed on my forearm. Or Marvin the Martian on my booty.
Climb up Mt. Rainier
I spent a couple years in the Seattle area a while back, and I always loved seeing Rainier looming off in the distance. And with a new body, I could actually go hiking up mountains. Why would an indoor cat wanna go walk up a mountain? Because it’s there.
Eat AAAAAAALLLLLL the pizza
Do I really have to explain why?
Play in a full-contact football game
If athleticism is a result of one’s consciousness, then I’ll never be good at sports. But I would kill to be able to run around playing football for more than five minutes without feeling like my chest is about to explode.
Jump in the mosh pit at a metal show
Moshing is brutal, violent … and one of the best releases for negative emotions that anyone has ever thought up. I, however, can’t really release any negativity if I’m too worried about giving myself a heart attack from jumping around the pit. But given my history with depression and anxiety, I could probably use the release.
The median estimate of when the Singularity could occur is 2040. That’s still a long ways away, and I’d have to keep myself around long enough to see it. And this whole thing is a hypothesis and not a guaranteed future scenario. But if I can take care of myself long enough to see it and the possibility is open to me … well, it’ll be hard to say no.