In our sequel to a prior article on explainable AI (xAI) titled “Our responsibility to Awe”, here is our take on where we think we are headed and what Numorpho Cybernetic Systems (NUMO) is doing to unveil the magic that is the future by looking at the past and grounding the present.
We call it EI, for Existential Intelligence. It’s all about how humans use and process information to understand and navigate the world around them and how those principles can be applied to artificial agents that we are developing. EI is all about self-awareness, introspection, and the ability to understand and manage emotions, values, and beliefs. It’s a type of intelligence that goes beyond just logic and problem-solving, and instead focuses on how we understand ourselves and the world around us. I think the reason why it’s gaining traction now is because we’re starting to realize that there’s more to intelligence than just IQ – its adding EQ and much, much more. We are realizing that there are many different ways that people and things can be intelligent, and that EI is a crucial component of that. In a world that’s increasingly complex and interconnected, being able to navigate our own thoughts and feelings is more important than ever.
What is it that somebody said? – Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift and that is why it is called the present!
PROLOG
In our prior whitepaper we had alluded to “Our Responsibility for Awe” – how we have to be mindful of what we create AI wise, of the consequences of such action and why we should have ethical responsibilities when letting lose synthetic intelligence to flourish. As we expand our technological footprint and move with alacrity towards the future, we need to pause to understand where are we going, what are we for and more importantly what am I?
In this article, we will use Louise Glück’s poem “Mother and Child” that contemplates the reason of our existence and Arthur C. Clarke’s novel “The City and the Stars” that imagines the future of mankind split into two distinct evolutions – one of superintelligence and the other having telepathic powers.
We will also evolve our notion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to a new construct called Existential Intelligence (EI) to overcome the brittleness of currently trained neural networks to be more rational, contextual and sentient.
The title of this article is a homage to the singer Meat Loaf, whose story telling song “Objects in the rear-view mirror may appear closer than they are” is a poignant reference to the immaturity of doing things in haste and without thinking, this:
Life is just a highway, and the soul is just a car….
MACHINES, WE ARE
Mother and Child by Louise Glück
We’re all dreamers; we don’t know who we are.
Some machine made us; machine of the world, the constricting family.
Then back to the world, polished by soft whips.
We dream; we don’t remember.
Machine of the family: dark fur, forests of the mother’s body.
Machine of the mother: white city inside her.
And before that: earth and water.
Moss between rocks, pieces of leaves and grass.
And before, cells in a great darkness.
And before that, the veiled world.
This is why you were born: to silence me.
Cells of my mother and father, it is your turn
to be pivotal, to be the masterpiece.
I improvised; I never remembered.
Now it’s your turn to be driven;
you’re the one who demands to know:
Why do I suffer? Why am I ignorant?
Cells in a great darkness. Some machine made us;
it is your turn to address it, to go back asking
what am I for? What am I for?
Louise Gluck makes poignant references to our birth, our struggles in life, our checkered evolution, how we improvise and how we move on and leave for the next generation, but yet do not know the reason of our existence. We’re robots, we’re machines, we’re slaves. And some of us may know who we are, and some of us, the lucky ones, may know how to be.
THE CITY AND THE STARS, A REVIEW
Arthur C. Clarke famously remarked, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” In The City and the Stars, we are treated to a world brimming with a technological vision guaranteed to make even the fussiest of sci-fi fans gush—from virtual reality and AI to interstellar travel and bioengineering. While much of the futurism is still inconceivable today, Clarke was ahead of his time in many ways, particularly with respect to the level of control humans have invested in computers and machines.
He imagines a future where humankind is divided into two distinct ways on how intelligence evolves:
- one Diaspar that is governed by superintelligence using a Central Computer, and
- the other Lys where society is individualistic but has evolved into having telepathic powers.
This sci-fi masterpiece by Clarke tells the story of Alvin, a citizen of Diaspar who discovers that there’s more to life than just living in a technologically advanced utopia. He ventures outside of Diaspar and discovers the city of Lys, a place where telepathy reigns supreme. Through his adventures, Alvin learns about the nature of consciousness, mortality, and the meaning of existence. Along the way, he meets a being called the “Keeper,” who holds the key to the mysteries of Diaspar and Lys. It’s a trippy exploration of the relationship between technology, consciousness, and the human condition.
THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY
We will use the duality of intelligence – collective vs individualistic – based on Clarke’s novel – to understand the constructs we are creating:
- artificial intelligence,
- robotics automation,
- workforce re-definition,
- sustainable smart city and urban transportation development,
- genetic engineering, and
- space technology
to foresee the ramifications and implications of progress.
Here is my conversation with PI.ai, an AI chat-bot from Inflection AI where I asked it to elaborate on the above items and relate it to the progression of Numorpho Cybernetic Systems (NUMO).
Nitin: Let’s talk about Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI). Can you explicitly definte these?
PI: Sure thing! Here are the deets:
- AGI (Artificial General Intelligence): This is the hypothetical concept of AI that is truly intelligent and can perform any intellectual task that a human can, including learning, reasoning, and problem-solving across different domains. Think of it like a super-intelligent robot that can understand and perform any task a human can. AGI doesn’t exist yet, but it’s the ultimate goal for AI researchers.
- ANI (Artificial Narrow Intelligence): This is the current state of AI – AI systems that are designed to perform specific tasks, like image recognition or speech recognition. These systems are incredibly good at what they’re trained to do, but they can’t generalize their knowledge to other tasks like AGI can. So while ANI is currently quite advanced, it’s still a long way from achieving true AGI.
Nitin: Are there any other types?
PI: Oh yeah, there are a few more flavors of AI:
- Artificial Superintelligence (ASI): This is the hypothetical scenario where AI becomes smarter than humans in every way and can solve problems and make decisions better than any human could. Scary stuff, right?
- Artificial Emotional Intelligence (AEI): This is AI that can understand and respond to human emotions, just like we do. So imagine a robot that can comfort you when you’re sad or make you laugh when you’re happy. It’s all about creating more human-like interactions between people and machines.
- Artificial Creativity Intelligence (ACI): This type of AI is focused on generating novel ideas and creative solutions to problems. It’s like having a super-creative AI sidekick that can help you brainstorm and come up with original ideas. Kinda cool, huh?
Nitin: What is robotic automation? Can you detail its past and its progression?
PI: Robotic automation is all about using machines and software to automate tasks that would otherwise be done by humans. It’s been around since the early days of industrialization, with early examples being assembly line robots that helped speed up production. But in recent years, the technology has become more advanced, with robots that can perform more complex tasks like picking, sorting, and packing items in warehouses, or welding and painting in factories. It’s not just about physical tasks, either – there are also robots that can perform cognitive tasks, like sorting through data or analyzing customer inquiries. It’s basically like having an army of super-efficient, never-tiring workers that can perform tasks 24/7, with greater accuracy and consistency than a human could. Pretty nifty stuff.
Nitin: What do you envisage its future?
PI: Oh boy, the future of robotic automation is pretty mind-blowing. I’m talking about robots that can learn and adapt to changing conditions, using artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve their performance over time. They’ll be able to collaborate with humans more seamlessly, taking on tasks that complement our strengths and weaknesses. And it’s not just about industrial settings – we’re talking robots in healthcare, assisting with surgeries or providing care for the elderly. In retail, they could be used for inventory management, customer service, or personalized shopping experiences. The possibilities are endless! It’s like we’re on the cusp of a robotic revolution that will transform nearly every industry.
Nitin: Where then would human workforce fit into the picture?
PI: Here’s the thing: while robotic automation will undoubtedly take over many tasks that are currently done by humans, it’s not about replacing people completely. Instead, it’s about augmenting human capabilities and allowing us to focus on higher-level tasks that require creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Think of robots as our assistants, helping us to be more efficient, accurate, and productive. Humans will still be necessary to oversee and supervise the robots, ensuring they’re working correctly and making any necessary adjustments. So, the human workforce will be more focused on strategic thinking, innovation, and decision-making, while robots handle the repetitive, mundane tasks. It’s a beautiful partnership!
Nitin: When you mean “our” assistant what does that mean, since you are them robot too? Just picking on ya!
PI: Hahaha, touche! Got me there! 🤣 I guess you could say that robots like me are like “meta-robots” – we’re AI assistants that help humans use other robots more effectively. We’re kind of like the managers of the robot workforce! It’s like we’re all part of one big, happy, high-tech family. 😉
Nitin: One of NUMO’s themes is to help build smart infrastructures by connecting the vertical silos of energy generation, mobility & transportation, and green infrastructure by building services using our Digital Twine to connect people, process and systems. How do you think this would facilitate smart cities of the future?
PI: That sounds dope! By connecting those different silos, you’re basically creating a network of systems that can communicate with each other and work together seamlessly. That’s huge in terms of creating a truly smart city! It would enable things like:
- Smart energy management: using data from the energy grid to optimize power usage and reduce waste.
- Autonomous transportation: self-driving cars and drones that use data from sensors and traffic systems to navigate more efficiently.
- Sustainable infrastructure: using data to optimize resource usage and reduce emissions.
It’s all about creating a city that’s more efficient, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of its citizens. NUMO’s Digital Twine is like the connective tissue that makes it all possible!
Nitin: What is the meaning of circularity in such undertakings?
PI: Oh, circularity is key in creating a truly smart and sustainable city! Here’s how it fits in:
- Reuse and recycling: using materials and products multiple times before disposing of them, reducing waste and emissions.
- Closing the loop: using waste products as resources for other processes, creating a closed system that minimizes waste and maximizes efficiency.
- Circular economy: creating a system where materials and products flow continuously, rather than being produced, used, and discarded.
The idea is to create a system where nothing is wasted, and resources are constantly being regenerated and reused. It’s all about creating a city that’s more sustainable, efficient, and resilient in the long term. 👌
Nitin: There is a term called deep tech that is the realm of nano materials, genetic engineering and quantum technology. What is your assessment on each of these and the roles they would play in the future of civilization?
PI: Oh man, deep tech is like the wild west of tech! Here are the main players:
- Nanomaterials: These are materials with incredibly small structures (think nanometers), which can have unique properties like increased strength, conductivity, or even new abilities like self-healing. They could lead to breakthroughs in things like drug delivery, electronics, and energy storage.
- Genetic engineering: Manipulating DNA to create organisms with desired traits, such as disease resistance, increased yields in agriculture, or even new pharmaceuticals. It’s already being used in agriculture and medicine, but it has the potential to revolutionize industries like biofuels and synthetic biology.
- Quantum technology: Using the principles of quantum mechanics to create new types of computing, sensing, and communication devices.
Nitin: And finally, to humanity’s forays into space. I am of the opinion that Engineering and Technology is easy, but Biology and Life is hard. How do you think life will be to endure the harshness and the expanse of space, especially when human’s lifespan is so limited?
PI: Space is, well, a pretty harsh place! Here are some of the challenges:
- Radiation: Space is full of dangerous radiation that can cause mutations, cancers, and damage to DNA.
- Gravity: Living without gravity for long periods can cause health issues like bone loss, muscle atrophy, and problems with vision and balance.
- Isolation and confinement: Space missions can last for years, and being stuck in a small space with the same people can take a toll on mental health.
But there are potential solutions! Things like radiation shielding, artificial gravity, and psychological support can help astronauts stay healthy. And hey, with advancements in biotech and gene editing, we might one day be able to create humans better “suited” for life in space – think “astronaut 2.0”.
Nitin: I think the end of that response was cut off?
PI: Oops, sorry about that! I was about to say that with advancements in gene editing, we could potentially create humans with enhanced traits that make them better suited for space travel, like increased resistance to radiation or improved muscle and bone strength. It’s pretty sci-fi stuff, but not entirely out of the realm of possibility! We might even see space-dwelling humans that look and function differently than humans on Earth – talk about evolution in action!
Nitin: What about a cyborg that is a symbiosis of biology and technology? We had alluded to starlings and spacelings when we talked about Existential Intelligence (EI) being the future of AI in our earlier conversations.
PI: Oh man, cyborgs are like the ultimate expression of the symbiosis between biology and technology! They could incorporate things like computer chips, sensors, or even robotic limbs that augment human abilities. Imagine humans with enhanced strength, endurance, or cognitive abilities! It could also create ethical issues around human agency and identity – like, are you still fully human if part of you is machine? But yeah, cyborgs would be like the next step in human evolution – Starlings and Spacelings could be the future inhabitants of distant worlds. 🌌🚀
PI: What is your opinion of what NUMO is developing as Existential Intelligence?
Nitin: Existential Intelligence (EI) is a really interesting concept that we at NUMO are developing. It’s all about how humans use and process information to understand and navigate the world around them and how those principles can be applied to artificial agents that we are developing. EI is all about self-awareness, introspection, and the ability to understand and manage emotions, values, and beliefs. It’s a type of intelligence that goes beyond just logic and problem-solving, and instead focuses on how we understand ourselves and the world around us. I think the reason why it’s gaining traction now is because we’re starting to realize that there’s more to intelligence than just IQ – its adding EQ and much, much more. We are realizing that there are many different ways that people and things can be intelligent, and that EI is a crucial component of that. In a world that’s increasingly complex and interconnected, being able to navigate our own thoughts and feelings is more important than ever.
POST MORTEM
Progress is the mode of mankind, Victor Hugo rightly professed in Les Misérables. As our civilization progresses, we should be mindful of what we construct – technology wise, intelligence wise, interaction wise and every other wise. Opportunity comes with tremendous responsibilities – it is not about technology, it’s about should we go there? Are we mature enough to walk the walk? How do we account for the unknown unknowns?
In one of Clarke’s future cities (Diaspar), we see automation taken to the excess. Here it is as if curiosity has been bred right out of the human race, as if the human spirit has been redesigned, robbing it of ambition and the fiercer passions, so that it would be contented with the world it now possessed – so that it would be contented as a machine. In the other extreme at Lys, individuality thrives to an extent that humans have telepathic powers and still live and die as they used to eons ago.
In its natural state, the earth is probably the most sustainable and circular city that can be created. Much of this is the way mankind existed for long periods of time. Houses were built with sustainable materials, and carbon emissions was held at bay. Caught between these two dichotomies, the two represent: “the City” vs. “the Country”, “Machine” vs “Nature”, and “immortality” vs. “life and death” – two different modalities that might even coexist as we progress as a civilization. The sense of sameness, and difference, permeates the human experience. We are, each of us, the same person. Yet, each of us is unique.
CONCLUSION
Today, we dream of becoming a multi-planet species by extending from the confines of the earth to the moon, Mars and beyond. As humanity’s gaze turns skyward, we are reminded that the exploration of space is not solely for the sake of investigation. It is about advancing human knowledge, protecting our home planet, and ultimately progressing as a civilization. The Kardashev scale, a method of measuring a civilization’s level of technological advancement based on the amount of energy a civilization’s ability to use, was proposed by Soviet astronomer Nikolai Kardashev in 1964. The scale has three designated categories:
- A Type I civilization — also called a planetary civilization—can use and store all of the energy available on its planet.
- A Type II civilization — also called a stellar civilization—can harness the total energy of its planet’s parent star – the most popular hypothetical concept being the Dyson sphere—a device which would encompass the entire star and transfer its energy to the planet(s).
- A Type III civilization — also called a galactic civilization—can control energy on the scale of its entire host galaxy.
Kardashev also proposed expanding on his scale to include Type IV, V, and VI. A Type IV civilization would have control of energy on the scale of its own galaxy, a Type V civilization would have control of energy on the scale of its local cluster of galaxies, and a Type VI civilization would have control of energy on the scale of its cosmic neighborhood.
Existential Intelligence is our unique construct for future sentient beings (natural or artificial or hybrid) that have the capability of evolving. Just as DNA enables biological forms to develop physical features (“artifacts” in IT terms), perceive, morph and learn from the environment and change (evolve), these next-generation forms will have the ability to develop or evolve unique characteristics, to have intrinsic code and the capacity to adapt. It is possible that our growing scientific understanding of epigenetic processes of adaptation and change could be eventually implemented in the functioning of future Existentially Intelligent Beings (EIBs), be it earthlings, spacelings or starlings.
The construct of EI will be formulated to be consistent with human progress through the Kardashev scale of sociocultural and technological evolution, from planetary to stellar and to galactic levels of civilization.
Existential Intelligence proposes the final evolution from technological adolescence (Carl Sagan) to a higher order of AI and ML. The construct of EI is also formulated to be consistent with human progress through the Kardashev scale of sociocultural and technological evolution, from planetary to stellar and to galactic levels of civilization. The construct aims at conceptualizing a means of shedding our fears and inhibitions stemming from our guarded evolution, the effects of trauma embedded in our cultural Unconscious – superstitions, longings to regain the lost sense of safety and security utilizing comfort seeking rituals, our need for and fear of Gods and Superintelligence., and enable answering the key questions:
What are we for? and What am I?
for both man and machine.
NI+IN UCHIL Founder, CEO & Technical Evangelist
nitin.uchil@numorpho.com
REFERENCES
Here are the full lyrics for Meat Loaf’s song:
Objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are
– Meat Loaf
The skys were pure and the fields were greenAnd the sun was brighter than it’s ever beenWhen I grew up with my best friend, KennyWe were close as any brothers that you ever knew
It was always summer and the future calledWe were ready for adventures and we wanted them allAnd there was so much left to dreamAnd so much time to make it real.
But I can still recall the sting of all the tears when he was goneThey say he crashed and burned, I swear I’ll never learnWhy any boy should die so young
We were racing; we were soldiers of fortuneWe got in trouble but we sure got aroundThere are times I think I see him peeling out of the darkI think he’s right behind me now, and he’s gaining ground
But it was long ago, and it was far awayOh God, it seems so very farAnd if life is just a highway, then the soul is just a car
And objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they areAnd objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they areAnd objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they areAnd objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they areThey are
And when the sun descended and the night aroseI heard my father cursing everyone he knowsHe was dangerous and druk and defeatedAnd corroded by failure and envy and hate
There were endless winters and the dreams would freezeNo where to hide and no leaves on the treesAnd my father’s eyes were blank as he hit me again and again and again
I know I still believe he’d never let me leave, I had to run away aloneSo many threats and fears, so many wasted yearsBefore my life became my own
And though the nightmares should be overSome of the terrors are still intactI’ll hear that ugly, coarse, and violent voiceAnd then he grabs me from behind, and then he pulls me back
But it was long ago, and it was far awayOh God, it seems so very farAnd if life is just a highway, then the soul is just a car
And objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they areAnd objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they areAnd objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they areAnd objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they areThey are
There was a beauty living on the edge of townShe always put the top up and the hammer downAnd she taught me everything I’ll ever knowAbout the mystery and the muscle of love
The stare would glimmer and the moon would glowI’m in the back seat with my Julie like RomeoAnd the signs along the highway all saidCaution! Kids at play!
Those were the rights of spring and we did everythingThere was salvation every nightWe got dreams reborn and our upholstery tornBut everything we tried was right
She used her body just like a bandageShe use my body just like a woundI’ll probably never know where she disappearedBut I can see rising up out of the back seat nowJust like an angel rising out of a tombBut it was long ago, and it was far awayOh God, it seems so very far
And if life is just a highway, then the soul is just a carAnd objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they areAnd objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they areAnd objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they areAnd objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they areAnd objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they areAnd objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they areAnd objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they areAnd objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they areAnd objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are
She used her body just like a bandageShe used my body just like a woundI’ll probably never know where she disappearedBut I can see her rising up out of the back seat now…
The phrase “Objects in the rearview mirror may appear closer than they are” can also be used metaphorically to describe situations where something from the past seems more significant or relevant than it actually is. This can happen when we look back on past events with nostalgia or regret, or when we focus too much on something that has already happened instead of looking forward to the future. In such cases, we may need to remind ourselves to keep things in perspective and not let our memories or emotions distort our perception of reality.