The human brain can perform certain tasks that other animals’ brains simply can’t. These unique traits are what have allowed our species to become so successful. If machines eventually overtake humans in terms of general intelligence, we may face an uncontrollable superintelligence. The fate of humanity would depend on the activities of the machine superintelligence, much as the survival of gorillas is currently dependent more on humans than on the species itself.

Yet, there is one thing in our favor: we get to act first. Is it feasible to create a seed AI, to engineer the starting conditions so that an intelligence explosion can be survived? How would one cause an explosion that could be managed?

This work, which is both ambitious and creative, simplifies a great deal of complex thought. Nick Bostrom’s work is nothing less than a reconceptualization of the vital mission of our time, and it takes us on a fascinating journey to the cutting edge of our understanding of the human condition and the future of sentient life.