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One way that future robots could conquer the world is by violence. But that seems both inefficient and uncreative. Allow me to suggest some smarter ways for robots to do their conquering. I start by imagining what happens when the first computer achieves what is called The Singularity. That's the moment the computer can program itself faster than humans can program it. Soon after that point, futurists say, you would see the computer rapidly evolve to have super intelligence and perhaps something that looks like free will. I'm going to assume that computers will only program themselves after humans have given them an artificial "purpose" in life so the machines can evolve in a productive direction. Let's assume the computer doesn't go all Terminator and destroy humanity in the name of efficiency. I'm more interested in how a super-intelligent computer could gain control of humans without violence. If I'm the first post-singularity computer, I start by inventing Bitcoin.

The Society for Librarians* Who Say "Motherfucker" Michael Shermer From Atheist to Hindu? Religion and My Intercultural Marriage | Gori Girl Me? Oh, well, I don’t have a faith. And, no , I’m not interested in getting one either. That was my polite non-answer when asked about my religious beliefs by two Christians who stopped by Aditya’s and my doorstop to proselytize last weekend. And it was as true, as far as it goes – I’m not one much for simple faith in any context. When discussing my religious beliefs with friends & family, I’m most likely to to describe myself simply as an atheist. Yeah, it’s a bit of a complicated situation; I blame Aditya for it completely. My religious past Growing up, I’d describe my family as nominal Christians, like so many other Americans. I never really “got” religion. Maybe the kids of Adam and Eve interbred with the evolved humans, and people who are particularly stupid or do bad things like murder and steal are that way because they have more monkey genes! Moral theory, eugenics and faith-based science in one sentence from a six year old! Hinduism & Aditya Becoming a Hindu?

M.J. Akbar - THE SUNDAY GUARDIAN : Editor, Author and Veteran Journalist Shobhaa De