Adam Becker's book, "More Everything Forever," examines the worldview of tech leaders like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, who envision a future dominated by AI, space colonization, and immortality. Becker argues this vision is a misguided secular theology with real-world consequences.
This utopia involves AI managing abundance, clean energy, space-based industry, and the conquest of disease and aging. Tech leaders aren't just imagining this; they're actively funding and promoting it, often neglecting present-day concerns.
Becker highlights two core beliefs: the fear of death and the belief in technology's ability to eliminate unpleasantness. He traces this worldview back to earlier futurists, like Nikolai Fedorov, who preached cosmic resurrection and the regulation of nature by human reason and will.
Becker argues that the pursuit of personal transcendence ignores the potential human costs. The focus on escape overlooks the real suffering in the present. The concern over artificial general intelligence (AGI) and its potential for harm is also highlighted.
The philosophy of longtermism, emphasizing future generations' well-being over present concerns, is critiqued for justifying present-day inequalities and enabling the tech elite's dominance.
While acknowledging the value of ambition and progress, Becker advocates for a more balanced approach. He criticizes the dismissal of present suffering and the lack of responsibility shown by tech leaders.
In conclusion, Becker's book serves as a reality check on the optimistic narratives surrounding technological progress, urging a focus on the ethical considerations and responsibilities that should accompany ambitious technological pursuits.