We only have to look at ourselves to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn't want to meet.
Stephen HawkingRead
I think computer viruses should count as life ... I think it says something about human nature that the only form of life we have created so far is purely destructive. We've created life in our own image.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that computer viruses, as creations of humans, reflect destructive aspects of human nature.
Stephen Hawking's quote highlights a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of life and creation. By suggesting that computer viruses should be considered a form of life, he indicates that our technological creations mirror human attributes, particularly our capacity for destruction. This raises questions about the ethical implications of our innovations and what it reveals about our own tendencies as creators.
Themes
ComputerVirusesLifeHuman NatureDestructiveCreation
In practice
Example use cases
In a technology ethics discussion, one might cite this quote to prompt a conversation about the implications of creating artificial intelligence.
More from Stephen Hawking
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It surprises me how disinterested we are today about things like physics, space, the universe and philosophy of our existence, our purpose, our final destination. Its a crazy world out there. Be curious.
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I was not a good student. I did not spend much time at college; I was too busy enjoying myself.
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The world has changed far more in the past 100 years than in any other century in history. The reason is not political or economic but technological-technologies that flowed directly from advances in basic science. Clearly, no scientist better represents those advances than Albert Einstein: TIME's Person of the Century.
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In my opinion, there is no aspect of reality beyond the reach of the human mind.
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