I read two quotes recently that I think are related in a very deep and abstract way:
I think a reasonable case can be made that the discovery and facilitation of non-zero-sum games is both objectively (i.e., metaphysically) and subjectively valuable. Furthermore, I think a reasonable case can be made that we have literally evolved to find this process deeply meaningful and to socially reward people who are very good at engaging in it.
The above is from Brett Andersen’s Substack. If we think about all of the things we love – from art to sports to the best institutions from religions to businesses – they are all prime examples of ultimate success at non-zero-sum games.
Soon after I read this quote:
It would not surprise me if we saw another axial awakening someday, powered by another flood of technology. I find it hard to believe that we could manufacture robots that actually worked and not have them disturb our ideas of religion and God. Someday we will make other minds, and they will surprise us.
That is from uber mensch Kevin Kelly.
With Apple launching their AR headset, with AI dominating every tech headline, with self-driving actually working in major cities, with Boston Dynamics robots doing Olympic caliber back flips, it seems we are on the cusp of an awakening of some sort. A technological revolution in both mind (AI) and body (robots / physical reality). AI alone is already disturbing society’s ideas about relationships and intelligence and emotion.
One of the best definitions I’ve ever heard of technology is “technology is anything that breaks a constraint.” And what is a constraint if not a zero-sum boundary condition of some sort.
Thanks for listening to my ted talk. Cheers