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The notion of superhumans is using bioengineering and artificial intelligence to upgrade human abilities. If they use the power to change themselves, to change their own minds, their own desires, then we have no idea what they will want to do.
Yuval Noah Harari
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote highlights the potential of bioengineering and AI to enhance human capabilities and the unpredictability of such changes in desires and intentions.

Yuval Noah Harari discusses the concept of superhumans who harness advancements in bioengineering and artificial intelligence to augment their abilities. However, he warns that if individuals modify not only their physical capabilities but also their very thoughts and desires through these technologies, it leads to an unknown future where their goals and intentions could deviate significantly from what we currently understand. This raises important ethical and philosophical questions about the trajectory of human evolution and autonomy.

Themes

BioengineeringArtificial IntelligenceSuperhumansHuman EnhancementEthicsDesirePower

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a technology conference to spark discussion about the future of AI.

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