Unraveling the Enigmatic Contradictions of an Oxford University Professor

In previous discussions, I've had the privilege of referencing the influential work of the renowned Swedish professor, Nick Bostrom, a distinguished member of the exclusive group of Scopus Highly Cited Scientists (SHCS). Notably, I mentioned his contributions in December 2019 within the post titled 'University of Oxford: The Vulnerable World Hypothesis,' and revisited his insights in a post from July 2020, which examined an article in The Economist shedding light on the unsettling truth that many governments, even those in the developed world, often overlook the looming risks of various catastrophes https://pacheco-torgal.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-economistthe-next-catastrophe-and.html

It's noteworthy to recall that this is the same Swedish professor who, back in 2016, argued that Artificial Intelligence posed a far greater threat to humanity than climate change, as highlighted in this Guardian article https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/12/nick-bostrom-artificial-intelligence-machine However, paradoxically, in his latest book, 'Deep Utopia: Life and Meaning in a Solved World,' he entertains an excessively optimistic scenario regarding AI. While theoretically possible, the notion of a 'super' AI surpassing human intelligence across all domains, rendering human labor obsolete and ushering in an era where work becomes unnecessary, seems highly improbable in the short term.  

Regarding the aforementioned book, I'll share three inquiries I posed to the Microsoft Copilot Generative AI model:

First request: Comment on the 2024 book Deep Utopia by philosopher Nick Bostrom

Microsoft Copilot:  "Deep Utopia” by philosopher Nick Bostrom is a thought-provoking exploration of a world where things go right. Bostrom, renowned for his previous work on superintelligence, shifts the conversation from the dangers of AI development to a scenario where we successfully develop superintelligence, govern it well, and harness its immense potential. In this solved world, human labor becomes obsolete, and we enter a state of “post-instrumentality” where our efforts are no longer necessary for practical purposes. Technological maturity even allows for the complete malleability of human nature. But here lies the philosophical and spiritual challenge: What is the purpose of human existence in such a world? What gives life meaning when practical needs are met effortlessly?

Second request: Provide an answer to the question: "What gives life meaning when practical needs are met effortlessly?

Microsoft Copilot: When practical needs are met effortlessly, life’s meaning often transcends mere survival. It shifts toward self-discovery, personal growth, and contributing to others. The canvas of existence broadens, allowing us to explore passions, relationships, creativity, and the pursuit of knowledge. In this realm, love, purpose, and connection become the vibrant hues that color our lives

Third request: Produce a deeper reply.

Microsoft Copilot: In this serene realm where practical necessities no longer weigh us down, we find ourselves standing at the crossroads of existence. Here, the mundane struggles of survival have receded, leaving space for the extraordinary to emerge. Let us explore the facets that illuminate life’s purpose:

1.     Self-Actualization: Freed from the shackles of scarcity, we embark on a journey of self-discovery. Our minds become fertile soil for curiosity, creativity, and exploration. We seek to unravel the mysteries of our inner landscapes, nurturing our passions and talents. The canvas of existence awaits our strokes, inviting us to paint our unique masterpiece.

2.     Connection and Compassion: When practical needs are met, our hearts expand. We recognize our shared humanity—the delicate threads that bind us all. Acts of kindness, empathy, and compassion become our currency. We find meaning in lifting others, in being the soothing balm for wounded souls. Connection transcends transaction; it becomes communion.

3.     Legacy and Contribution: The pursuit of legacy beckons. We ask ourselves: What mark shall we leave upon this world? Our actions ripple through time, shaping the lives of generations yet unborn. Whether through art, science, or simple acts of goodness, we seek to contribute—to be a footnote in the grand narrative of existence.

4.     Wonder and Awe: Practical ease does not dull our wonder. Instead, it sharpens our senses. We marvel at the intricacies of existence—the dance of particles, the constellations’ silent stories, the fragile beauty of a dew-kissed petal. Each moment becomes a whispered secret, inviting us to lean closer and listen.

5.     Transcendence: Beyond the material lies the ethereal. We yearn for glimpses of the numinous—the ineffable truths that defy logic. Whether through meditation, art, or the quiet contemplation of star-studded skies, we seek communion with the cosmos. In these moments, we touch eternity.

6.     Love: Love, the universal solvent, dissolves boundaries. When practical needs are met, love becomes our sustenance. We love fiercely—with abandon. We love the flawed, the broken, the radiant. Love is both the question and the answer, the compass guiding us toward meaning.

7.     Quest for Knowledge: Curiosity unfurls its wings. We hunger for understanding—for the secrets of existence. The pursuit of knowledge becomes a sacred pilgrimage. From quantum realms to the poetry of ancient sages, we seek to unravel the tapestry of reality.

8.     Beauty: Practical ease does not diminish our hunger for beauty. We find it in sunsets, in laughter lines etched on faces, in the symphony of raindrops on leaves. Beauty whispers to our souls, reminding us that life is more than mere survival—it is an exquisite dance.

9.     Gratitude: When practical needs are met, gratitude blooms. We bow to the universe, acknowledging the gifts bestowed upon us. Gratitude transforms ordinary moments into sacred rituals. We savor the taste of ripe fruit, the warmth of sunlight, the touch of a loved one’s hand.

10.  The Quest for Meaning Itself: Ultimately, the search for meaning becomes our North Star. We realize that life’s purpose is not a fixed destination but a perpetual journey. We embrace the questions, the uncertainties, and the paradoxes. For in seeking, we find. In questioning, we become.