30
Feb 2009
AI
bIo enhAnCeD nAno neURo hUMoR FoReVeR YoUng
T
he Singularity. Ray Kurzweil has popularized it and, by
now, some of our readers no doubt drop it frequently
into casual conversation and await it like salvation.
(The second "helping?") but many more are still unfamiliar
with the concept.
The contemporary notion of the Singularity got started
with legendary SF writer Vernor Vinge, whose 1981 novella
True names pictured a society on the verge of this "event." In
a 1993 essay, "The Coming Technological Singularity," Vinge
made his vision clear, writing that "within thirty years, we will
have the technological means to create superhuman intelligence.
Shortly after, the human era will be ended."
We caught up with Vinge at the 2008 Singularity Summit
in San Jose, California, where he opened the proceedings in
conversation with bob Pisani of CnbC.
Vinge's most recent novel is Rainbow's end.
SINGULARITY
101
with Vernor Vinge
DOUG WOLENS
30
