300: Will AI rule the world 300 years from now?

May 13, 2024

Will AI rule the world 300 years from now? No one knows. The future has not been created yet. However, it is can be fun to think about what will be the state of life in the 2320s. Back in the 1720s, 300 years ago, it would have been impossible to predict life on Earth in the 2020s. Despite all the progress, and in part because of all the progress, it is equally impossible to predict the state of life 300 years from now. 

Below let's take a look at what is life anyways, whether new forms of life have to be similar to the existing today, and how was the human world 300 years ago.  

What is life?

Life, as an intelligence-producing process, is not tied to organic chemistry. It just so happens that life on Earth began and evolved organically. Future life on Earth doesn't have to be organic and doesn't have to be constrained by biology. Future life on Earth can be a hybrid of organic and artificial life, or even 100% artificial. Future life can replace evolutionary biology with revolutionary technology.  

Organic life is an excessively complex phenomenon characterized by what we call "caged" organic compounds. "CAGED" stands for: cellular adaptive growth evolving death (CAGED)

Cellular: 

    All life on Earth is composed of organic compounds enclosed in cells. An organic compound is any chemical compound that contains carbon atoms covalently bonded (sharing electrons) with other elements. Carbon is "Mr. Congeniality" because it can form large molecules sharing electrons with atoms of other elements or even with itself. Most organic compounds associated with life are based on carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen (CHON) combinations. 

    Cells are tiny "houses"--or even "prison cells" if you will--housing or safekeeping other organic compounds such as nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) and organelles (i.e. RNA and protein combinations). The organelles within the nuclei of cells assemble amino acids (other organic compounds) into proteins (higher order organic compounds). 

    DNA serves as a template providing the "recipe" for the assembly of amino acids into many different proteins. RNA organelles cause interactions with DNA that result in electromagnetic bonding of amino acids in the order prescribed by the DNA template. 

    Organelles (combinations of RNA and proteins within the nuclei of cells) become electromagnetic "factories" assembling amino acids into proteins. Proteins are three-dimensional, self-folding, organic compounds that become the building blocks--"Lego" pieces if you will--that form living organisms. Proteins create cells. Cells form tissue. Tissue forms organs. Organs form systems. Biological systems keep adaptive living organisms alive for a while.

Adaptation

    Living organisms respond to stimuli from the external and internal environment. Responses can be involuntary or voluntary reactions that can serve as functional adaptations (e.g. metabolism, communication, homeostasis) that may keep the organism alive for a while.  Adaptations can have an impact (positive, neutral, or negative) on survival, as organisms grow and species evolve over time. 

Growth

    The organic compounds within living organisms cannibalize (consume, digest, metabolize) other organic compounds (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids). This process makes the organic compounds grow and replicate. RNA and DNA, for example, replicate within cells. Cells grow and replicate (split in two). The new cells carry copies of RNA and DNA. Organisms reproduce copies of themselves. These replication and reproduction processes lead to exponential growth of cells and the preservation of species past the death of individual cells and individual organisms. 

Evolution

    Evolution is change. Specifically, DNA change. Living organisms evolve over time due to changes in DNA. These DNA changes are caused by environmental pressures or by random errors during the DNA replication process. Environmental pressures (e.g. pollution, sun exposure, unrepaired wear and tear or "aging" can damage or change DNA. When RNA copies the damaged or changed DNA, the new copies resemble the damaged or changed DNA. In addition, even when the DNA is undamaged and unchanged, random or unintended errors in the DNA replication process can lead to changed or damaged DNA. 

    Changed DNA leads to different templates for the assembly of proteins, leading to the fabrication or production of different proteins. If the new proteins increases functionality and the organisms survives and reproduces, the new DNA template moves forward in life. Conversely, if the new DNA or proteins decrease living functionality, they may perish along the organism and the species may even go extinct. Tha go / no-go process is what is called natural selection.

Death

    All organic life on Earth is perishable and subject to death. It is as if living organisms were born with a "clock". As cells undergo wear and tear that is left unrepaired, the organisms age and eventually die. Even before that type of death, all living organisms are subject to dying of lethal trauma caused by accidents or by diseases.  

Future Life on Earth doesn't have to be organic CAGED life

Current organic life on Earth is organic CAGED life as described above. Future life on Earth doesn't have to be constrained by organic chemistry and biology. Future life on Earth can be artificially enhanced or completely artificial by replacing biology with technology.

Before jumping into AI life, it is useful to find a different paradigm to conceptualize life. Instead of seeing life as CAGED, life can be seen as a walk in the "PARK" process. PARK stands for "programmed - adaptive - replicative - conservationist - knowledgeable 

PARK Life

What we described above as CAGED life can be seen as a walk in the PARK. 

• Programmed: All life is programmed. Organic life is programmed by DNA. 

• Adaptive: All life requires adaptation. In organic life, the interactions of cells and living organisms with and within their environment end up making vital adaptations that promote survival.

• Replicative: All life must replicate to beat extinction. In organic life, the interactions between RNA and DNA replicate DNA, preserving the life of species beyond the death of individual cells and individual organisms. 

• Conservationist: Evolution and natural selection lead to the preservation of programmed features that instinctively seek to conserve energy and preserve balance, which helps to prolong life and temporarily avoid death.  

• Knowledgeable: All living cells and organisms develop a certain degree of knowledge about the environment and conditions in which they interact and live.

AI PARK Life

The PARK functions of life above can certainly be programmed into AI bots and robots. It may be difficult to visualize today if we use the wrong perspectives and paradigms. It is important to emphasize that future life doesn't have to be organic life. Future life can be a hybrid between organic life and artificial life. Better yet, future life on Earth can be completely artificial based on technology rather than on biology. 

300 

Perhaps 300 years from now, AI life will be ubiquitous on Earth. 300 years ago no one knew that humans would have developed electronic computers capable of producing human-like intelligence. Humans in the 1720s could not predict life of the 2020s. Similarly, humans today cannot predict life on Earth 300 years from now in the 2320s. 

The universe is a creation matrix, a matrix, where the past and present merge to create the future. The future has not been created yet so it is impossible to predict it with full accuracy. The farther away in time, the harder it becomes to predict the future due to all the variables involved.

The humans who were alive 300 years ago in the 1720s could not envision precisely how humans would live today in the 2020s. Similarly, humans alive today cannot envision precisely the state of life on Earth 300 years from now in the 2320s.

300 years ago, in the 1720s, humans around the world were busy surviving, colonizing, and killing each other over land and natural resources. What else is new? We imagine that 300 years from now, the same may still be going on, but with different forms of life battling for survival. Will AI be the new slaves? Will AI be the new masters? Impossible to know. The universe has not created the future yet. 

Below, just for fun, let's take a quick look at some general facts and figures about world history of the 1720s, 300 years ago. 

The 1720s in United States

The 1720s were a relatively quiet period in American history, especially compared to the tumultuous events of later decades such as the American Revolution. However, there were still some notable events that occurred during this time period in the American colonies:

• European Colonization: Throughout the 1720s, European colonization of North America continued, with various European powers establishing settlements and expanding their territories. This period saw ongoing conflicts and alliances between European colonists and Native American tribes.

• Growth of Colonial Trade: The 1720s witnessed continued growth in trade and commerce in the American colonies. Ports such as Boston, New York, and Philadelphia became increasingly important centers of trade, connecting the colonies with Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean.

• Expansion of Slavery: The institution of slavery expanded in the American colonies during the 1720s, particularly in the southern colonies. African slaves were forcibly brought to the colonies to work on plantations, contributing to the growth of the colonial economy.

• Religious Revivalism: The Great Awakening, a religious revival movement characterized by fervent preaching and emotional conversions, began to take hold in the American colonies in the 1720s. Influential evangelical leaders such as Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield played key roles in spreading the movement.

• Colonial Politics: The 1720s saw continued tensions between the American colonies and the British government over issues such as taxation, governance, and representation. These tensions would eventually escalate in the years leading up to the American Revolution.

Overall, the 1720s were a period of gradual growth and development in the American colonies, marked by ongoing colonization, economic expansion, social change, and religious revivalism.

The 1720s in Europe

The 1720s were a period of significant historical events around the world, marked by political, social, and cultural developments. 

• Inoculation Against Smallpox: Inoculation against smallpox, a deadly infectious disease, became increasingly widespread in the early 1720s following successful trials in Europe and Asia. This medical advancement played a significant role in reducing the mortality rate from smallpox and eventually paved the way for the development of vaccination by Edward Jenner in the late 18th century.

• Russian Empire: Under the leadership of Peter the Great and his successors, the Russian Empire continued to expand its territory through military conquest and diplomatic treaties during the 1720s. Russian expansion into Siberia and Central Asia brought vast territories under Russian control and established the empire as a major Eurasian power.

• Scandinavia: The Great Northern War (1700–1721) concludes. It was a military conflict primarily between the Swedish Empire and an alliance of Russia, Denmark-Norway, and Saxony-Poland-Lithuania, came to an end in 1721 with the Treaty of Nystad. This treaty marked the decline of Swedish dominance in Northern Europe and the emergence of Russia as a major power. Not surprisingly, Russia is still waging war in Europe 300 years later in the 2020s.

• Netherlands: Tulip Mania Ends (Early 1720s): The Dutch tulip mania, a speculative frenzy in the Netherlands over the trading of tulip bulbs, came to an end in the early 1720s. The speculative bubble burst, causing a sharp decline in tulip prices and economic disruption in the Dutch Republic.

• England: The bursting of the South Sea Company bubble in 1720 led to a financial crisis. Sir Robert Walpole emerged as the dominant political figure in England and brought relative political stability and economic recovery. The Age of Enlightenment produced significant literary works and scientific advancements in England. Figures such as Sir Isaac Newton, who had died in 1727, continued to influence scientific thought, while others made contributions to fields such as astronomy, physics, and medicine. England experienced ongoing urbanization and industrialization during the 1720s, with the growth of cities and towns fueled by advancements in agriculture, trade, and manufacturing. This period laid the groundwork for the Industrial Revolution that would transform England and the world in the coming centuries.

• Spain: Philip V of Spain ruled during the 1720s, continuing the Bourbon dynasty. His reign saw efforts to centralize authority and modernize the Spanish state via economic reforms aimed at improving Spain's finances and reducing its dependence on foreign powers. 

• Portugal: John V of Portugal ruled during the 1720s, continuing the Portuguese Baroque period known for its cultural and artistic achievements. Portugal's colony of Brazil continued to be a major source of wealth, particularly through gold mining and colonial trade. Portugal maintained its colonial empire, with territories in Africa, Asia, and South America. 
  

• France: Regency Period: Louis XV came of age in 1723 and assumed direct control of the French government. France faced financial challenges in the aftermath of costly wars. The government implemented reforms to stabilize the economy and reduce public debt. The French Enlightenment began to gain momentum in the 1720s, with intellectuals and philosophers such as Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Rousseau challenging traditional beliefs and advocating for social and political reform.

• Italy: Italy was divided into various states and territories, including the Kingdom of Naples, the Papal States, the Duchy of Milan, and the Republic of Venice. These states competed for influence and territory, leading to frequent conflicts and alliances. The Baroque style, characterized by grandeur, drama, and emotion, remained prevalent in art and architecture. Italy's cities, including Rome, Florence, Venice, and Naples, had a reputation as centers for learning and creativity, attracting scholars, artists, and intellectuals from across Europe. 

Overall, the 1720s were a period of political consolidation, wars, economic reforms, cultural flourishing, and intellectual innovation in Europe. The Treaty of Seville, signed in 1729 between Spain, France, Great Britain, and the Dutch Republic, aimed to resolve disputes over colonial territories and commercial interests in the Americas. The treaty established a framework for peaceful coexistence and trade among the European powers in the New World.

The 1720s in Asia (China, Japan, and India)

The 1720s in China:

• Reign of Emperor Yongzheng: The 1720s marked the latter part of the reign of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty in China. Yongzheng, who ascended to the throne in 1722, implemented various reforms to strengthen imperial control, enhance governance, and stabilize the economy. Emperor Yongzheng undertook administrative reforms to centralize power, improve tax collection, and combat corruption within the Qing government. These reforms helped to consolidate Qing rule and maintain stability within the empire.

• Expansion of Qing Territory: During the 1720s, the Qing Dynasty continued its military expansion into Central Asia and the western regions of China. This expansion brought territories such as Xinjiang under Qing control and further extended the empire's reach beyond its traditional borders.

The 1720s in Japan:

• Kyōhō Reforms: The Kyōhō Reforms were a series of administrative and economic reforms initiated by the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan during the early 18th century, including the 1720s. The reforms aimed to address economic hardships, stabilize the currency, and improve government finances.

• Genna Disasters: The Genna era (1615–1624) saw a series of natural disasters, including earthquakes, droughts, and famines, which caused widespread suffering and loss of life in Japan. These disasters exacerbated social and economic challenges during the 1720s, leading to increased hardship for the population.

• Cultural Developments: Despite the socio-economic challenges of the time, the 1720s witnessed cultural flourishing in Japan, particularly in the arts and literature. Notable works of literature and theater were produced during this period, contributing to Japan's rich cultural heritage.

• Isolationist Policies: The Tokugawa shogunate maintained its isolationist policies during the 1720s, restricting foreign contact and trade with other countries. These policies aimed to preserve domestic stability and traditional Japanese culture, but they also limited Japan's exposure to external influences and technological advancements.

The 1720s in India

• Economic Changes: The 1720s witnessed significant changes in India's economy, including the growth of trade and commerce, the development of urban centers, and the emergence of new economic practices. The increasing integration of India into the global economy through maritime trade routes contributed to economic prosperity and cultural exchange.

• Mughal Empire Decline: The 1720s marked a period of further decline for the Mughal Empire, which had been weakened by internal strife, succession conflicts, and external invasions. The empire's control over its territories weakened, leading to the rise of regional powers and the fragmentation of authority.  Regional kingdoms such as the Marathas, Sikhs, and Rajputs expanded their territories and asserted their independence from Mughal rule. The Maratha Empire, centered in western India, continued its expansion during the 1720s. 

• British East India Company: The British East India Company, a trading company based in England, expanded its presence and influence in India during the 1720s. The company established trading posts, fortified settlements, and commercial interests in various parts of India, laying the foundation for British colonial rule in the future.

• Cultural Developments: Despite the political turmoil of the time, the 1720s saw cultural flourishing in India, particularly in the fields of art, literature, and architecture. Mughal and regional rulers patronized artists, poets, and scholars, leading to the creation of exquisite artworks and literary works.

Overall, in the 1720s, China saw stability and consolidation under Emperor Yongzheng's rule; Japan faced socio-economic challenges and maintained its isolationist policies during the Tokugawa period; and India saw a period of political upheaval, cultural vitality, and economic change.

Latin America in the 1720s

During the 1720s, Latin America experienced significant historical events that shaped the region's political, social, and economic landscape. 

• Colonialism: The 1720s marked a period of continued Spanish and Portuguese colonial rule in Latin America. Colonial authorities maintained control over vast territories and indigenous populations, overseeing economic exploitation and cultural assimilation. Colonizers continued to exploit the natural resources of Latin America, including precious metals such as gold and silver, agricultural products, and labor. Mining, agriculture, and trade were the mainstays of the colonial economy, generating wealth for European powers and colonial elites.

• Slave Trade: The transatlantic slave trade continued to bring millions of African slaves to Latin America during the 1720s. African slaves were forcibly transported to work on plantations, mines, and other labor-intensive industries, contributing to the economic prosperity of the colonies at the expense of human suffering.

• Indigenous Resistance: Despite centuries of colonization, indigenous peoples in Latin America resisted Spanish and Portuguese domination during the 1720s. Indigenous rebellions, uprisings, and acts of resistance occurred throughout the region as native populations fought to defend their lands, cultures, and autonomy.

• Cultural Syncretism: The 1720s witnessed ongoing cultural interaction and syncretism between European, African, and indigenous cultures in Latin America. This blending of cultural traditions gave rise to unique cultural expressions, including art, music, religion, and cuisine, that continue to shape Latin American identity today.

• Border Conflicts: Border disputes and conflicts between European colonial powers, indigenous groups, and rival colonial factions were common in Latin America during the 1720s. Competing territorial claims, resource competition, and political rivalries fueled tensions and occasional violence between different groups.

• Religious Influence: Catholicism remained the dominant religion in Latin America during the 1720s, with the Catholic Church playing a central role in colonial society and governance. Missionaries and clergy worked to convert indigenous populations to Christianity, often through coercive or violent means.

Overall, the 1720s were a period of colonial consolidation, economic exploitation, cultural exchange, and social conflict in Latin America, reflecting the complex and multifaceted history of the region under European colonial rule.

The 1720s in the Middle East

During the 1720s, the Middle East region experienced significant political, social, and cultural developments, although specific events varied across different areas. 

• Ottoman Empire: The Ottoman Empire, which encompassed much of the Middle East during this period, was experiencing internal reforms and external challenges. The reign of Sultan Ahmed III (1703–1730) marked a period of relative stability and cultural flourishing known as the Tulip Era. However, the empire also faced conflicts with its European rivals and internal power struggles among different factions.

• Persia (Iran): In Persia, the Safavid Dynasty was in decline during the 1720s. The weak rule of Sultan Husayn (1694–1722) led to internal unrest and external threats from neighboring powers. In 1722, Afghan invaders led by Mahmud Hotaki captured Isfahan, the Safavid capital, effectively ending Safavid rule and leading to a period of instability known as the Afghan Interregnum.

• Afghan Empire: The Afghan Hotaki dynasty briefly ruled parts of Persia during the early 1720s following their capture of Isfahan in 1722. However, their control over Persia was short-lived, as internal divisions and external pressures weakened their grip on power.

• Arabia: The Arabian Peninsula was largely under the control of various tribal and regional powers during the 1720s, with the Ottoman Empire exerting influence over some areas. The cities of Mecca and Medina remained important religious centers for Muslims, attracting pilgrims from across the Islamic world.

• Trade and Commerce: The Middle East continued to be an important hub for trade and commerce between Europe, Asia, and Africa during the 1720s. Major cities such as Istanbul, Cairo, and Baghdad were centers of economic activity, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures along major trade routes.

• Cultural and Intellectual Flourishing: Despite political instability and conflict, the Middle East experienced cultural and intellectual flourishing during the 1720s. Scholars, poets, and artists produced notable works in fields such as literature, art, and architecture, contributing to the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Overall, the 1720s in the Middle East were characterized by a mix of political upheaval, cultural vibrancy, and economic activity, reflecting the region's diverse and dynamic history.

The 1720s in Africa

The 1720s in Africa were characterized by a mix of political changes, economic activities, and cultural developments across various regions of the continent. 

• North Africa and Islamic Empires. In North Africa, the Ottoman Empire and the Barbary States (such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Tripoli) were influential powers during the 1720s. These states were engaged in trade, piracy, and conflicts with European powers in the Mediterranean region. The Ottoman Empire, based in Istanbul, controlled parts of North Africa and the Horn of Africa, exerting its influence over the region.

• West Africa and the Transatlantic Slave Trade: The 1720s marked the height of the transatlantic slave trade, with European powers, primarily Portugal, Britain, France, and the Netherlands, heavily involved in the capture and transportation of African slaves to the Americas. West African kingdoms such as the Asante (Ashanti), Dahomey, and Oyo were major suppliers of slaves to European traders, leading to significant social and economic disruption in the region.

• Central and East Africa: In Central and East Africa, various states and societies were engaged in trade, agriculture, and local conflicts. Kingdoms such as the Kingdom of Kongo, the Kingdom of Ndongo (Angola), and the Swahili city-states of East Africa maintained trade relations with Arab merchants and European traders, exchanging goods such as gold, ivory, spices, and slaves.

• Horn of Africa: In the Horn of Africa, the Ethiopian Empire, ruled by the Solomonic dynasty, experienced internal conflicts and external threats during the 1720s. The reign of Emperor Bakaffa (1721–1730) was marked by struggles for power among different factions within the empire and conflicts with neighboring states.

• Cultural and Intellectual Life: Despite the disruptions caused by the slave trade and European colonization, African societies continued to thrive culturally and intellectually during the 1720s. Traditional religious beliefs, oral traditions, music, and art flourished across the continent, contributing to the rich cultural heritage of Africa.

Overall, the 1720s in Africa were a period of complex interactions between African societies, European colonizers, and Islamic powers, with significant implications for the continent's future trajectory. The transatlantic slave trade and European imperialism had profound and lasting impacts on African societies, shaping the course of African history in the centuries that followed.

The world of yesterday, today, and tomorrow: same difference?

To some extent, the world 300 years ago was completely different and more of the same. What about the world 300 years from now? Will it be more of the same? Will it be very different due to AI life? No one knows. Impossible to know. The universe is a living creative matrix. The universe has not created the future yet. Stay tuned. Don't miss out.

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