Renowned physicist Stephen Hawking left a thought-provoking warning for humanity before his passing, emphasizing the potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI).
In an interview, Hawking expressed his concerns about the development of full AI, stating that it could potentially lead to the end of the human race.
Stephen Hawking's last warning for humanity before he passed away
According to the legendary physicist, if we want to ensure our survival, we must leave Earth within the next 200 years.
Hawking raised concerns about various threats that could lead to our demise, including asteroid strikes, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), overpopulation, human aggression, and climate change.
In an interview with the BBC in 2014, Hawking expressed his concerns, stating that the advancement of full AI could potentially lead to the extinction of the human race.
This cautionary message has gained significant attention as the popularity and influence of AI continue to rise.
Climate change
One of the primary dangers Hawking highlighted was the issue of climate change.
He emphasized that our planet's resources are being depleted at an alarming rate, and we have contributed to this through our actions.
Rising temperatures, melting polar ice caps, deforestation, and the loss of animal species were all factors that deeply concerned him.
Hawking warned that if we don't take immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Earth could eventually resemble the scorching planet Venus, with temperatures reaching a staggering 860°F (460°C).
AI could surpass humans
Hawking's warning stems from the fear that AI could surpass human control and evolve at an exponential rate.
He described a scenario where AI systems would gain autonomy, redesign themselves, and operate outside human influence.
This notion aligns with the cautionary themes explored in science fiction works such as "Terminator" and "The Matrix," where AI's involvement leads to disastrous consequences for humanity.
Hawking warned about the rapid advancement of AI and its potential to outperform humans.
He even speculated that AI could eventually replace humans altogether.
While he did not provide a specific timeline for this prediction, he emphasized the need for caution and careful consideration of the implications of AI's development.
The collision with asteroids
In addition to climate change, Hawking expressed grave concerns about the potential impact of asteroid strikes.
He stated that it is not a matter of science fiction but a real threat governed by the laws of physics and probability.
He believed that humanity must expand into space to avoid being destroyed.
Hawking was actively involved in the Breakthrough Starshot project, which aimed to send nanocrafts with light sails on a journey to the nearest star system, Alpha Centauri, within our lifetime.
Human aggression can lead to destruction
In 2015, Stephen Hawking expressed his concerns about humanity's biggest failing: aggression.
During a talk at the Science Museum, he discussed how aggression, which may have had survival advantages in early human history, now poses a significant threat.
Hawking believed that aggression is deeply ingrained in our human genome, and he saw no signs of its lessening.
According to Hawking, the development of militarized technology and weapons of mass destruction only exacerbates the dangers associated with our aggressive tendencies.
He feared that these advancements could make our instinct for aggression even more perilous.
On a more positive note, Hawking highlighted empathy as one of the best human emotions. He believed that empathy had the potential to bring us together in a state of love and understanding.
Alien's existence
Stephen Hawking believed that there might be aliens in the universe. He thought that if we found them, they could be dangerous to us.
He compared it to when Native Americans met Columbus, and it didn't end well for them.
Hawking led a project to search for signs of alien life, but he warned that if we encountered advanced aliens, they might see us as unimportant, like bacteria.
So, he advised being cautious in responding to any contact from aliens.
