Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been the buzzword of the decade, but what if I told you we’re not even close to the real game-changer? What if the real story is Artificial Superintelligence (ASI)—a level of intelligence so profound that it could outsmart humanity itself? This isn’t science fiction anymore. This is the future, and according to former Google CEO Dr. Eric Schmidt, it’s underhyped. Underhyped? Yes, you read that right. While most people are busy debating whether AI is overhyped or not, the real conversation we should be having is about ASI and its earth-shattering implications. Let’s dive into why ASI is the next big thing—and why you should care.
The ASI Revolution: What Happens When Computers Outsmart Us?
Dr. Eric Schmidt recently sat down with Jan Masserv at the Special Competitive Studies Project to discuss the future of AI and biotechnology. His insights are nothing short of mind-blowing. Schmidt argues that computers are now capable of self-improvement. They’re learning how to plan, and here’s the kicker—they don’t have to listen to us anymore. This is what we call artificial superintelligence (ASI), a level of intelligence that surpasses the combined cognitive abilities of all humans. And according to the San Francisco consensus, ASI could be here within six years. Six. Years.
But here’s the thing: ASI isn’t just about super-smart computers. It’s about what happens when those computers start running the show. Imagine a world where AI writes all the code, solves complex mathematical problems, and even discovers new medicines. Sounds like a utopia, right? Well, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. The arrival of ASI raises profound questions about society, democracy, and the very fabric of human existence. Are we ready for this? Probably not. But it’s coming anyway.
Why ASI Is Underhyped (And Why That’s Terrifying)
Let’s get one thing straight: ASI is not overhyped. If anything, it’s underhyped. Why? Because the implications are so profound that most people can’t even wrap their heads around it. Think of it this way: if there was a 50% chance that super-intelligent aliens would arrive on Earth within the next decade, wouldn’t you take that seriously? That’s exactly what Schmidt is saying about ASI. If there’s even a remote possibility that ASI could emerge, the societal implications are so monumental that we can’t afford to ignore it.
Right now, AI is already writing most of the code. In fact, Schmidt predicts that within a year, AI will be writing 90% of the code, and within two years, it’ll be writing all of it. Think about that for a second. The very foundation of our digital world—the code that powers everything from your smartphone to the internet—will be generated by machines. And that’s just the beginning.
From Code to Biology: How ASI Will Transform Everything
But ASI isn’t just about writing code. It’s about solving problems that are currently beyond human comprehension. Take mathematics, for example. Schmidt predicts that within a year, AI will be performing graduate-level mathematics at the top tier of graduate programs. How? Because math, as complex as it seems, is actually simpler than human language. AI algorithms work by predicting the next word in a sentence, and the same principle applies to math. It’s all about pattern recognition, and machines are better at it than we are.
Now, let’s take it a step further. What happens when AI starts tackling biology? Schmidt talks about a startup he’s funding that’s using AI to discover new drugs. This AI is trained as a foundation model for chemistry and is attached to a robotic lab. It generates hypotheses for new drugs, tests them overnight, and then starts the process all over again. The goal? To identify all human druggable targets within the next two years. If successful, this could revolutionize the drug industry and potentially cure diseases that have plagued humanity for centuries.
The Rise of Agents: How AI Will Run Our Lives
Another fascinating concept Schmidt discusses is the rise of “agents.” These are AI systems that can handle complex tasks from start to finish. For example, you could tell an agent to find you a house in Virginia, handle all the legal paperwork, design the house, hire a contractor, and even sue the contractor if necessary. This isn’t just about automating jobs—it’s about automating entire industries. And it’s not just programmers who are at risk. It’s everyone.
Schmidt believes that within the next year or two, the foundation for this agent-driven world will be locked in. And once it’s here, there’s no going back. The question is: what happens to us? Schmidt is optimistic, arguing that automation has historically created more jobs than it’s destroyed. But let’s be honest: this time feels different. If machines can do everything better, faster, and cheaper than humans, where does that leave us?
The Geopolitical Implications: China vs. the U.S.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: China. Schmidt mentions the “deepseek moment,” which he compares to the U.S.’s “chat moment.” China is taking AI so seriously that it’s investing heavily in AI research and development, even creating new algorithms to bypass U.S. chip controls. The result? A technological arms race that could have massive geopolitical implications.
Schmidt warns that if one country gets too far ahead, it could lead to data center attacks, cyber warfare, and even mutually assured destruction. Imagine a world where countries agree to dynamite each other’s electricity supplies as a form of deterrence. Sounds crazy, right? But in a world where AI is the ultimate weapon, this is the kind of crazy we’re dealing with.
The Future of Humanity: Longevity Escape Velocity
Finally, let’s talk about the ultimate goal: longevity escape velocity. This is the idea that AI could help us live forever by continuously advancing medical technology faster than we age. Schmidt mentions that AI could lead to personalized medicine, curing diseases like cancer, and even extending human life expectancy. The implications are staggering. Imagine a world where death is optional. Sounds like science fiction, but with ASI, it could become science fact.
So, What Do You Think?
Are we ready for the ASI revolution? What does it mean for humanity if machines become smarter than us? Will ASI lead to a utopia of endless possibilities, or a dystopia where machines run the show? These are the questions we need to be asking. So, what’s your take? Do you believe ASI is underhyped, or are we just overthinking it?
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Wait! There's more...check out our gripping short story that continues the journey: The Path of the Samurai
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