WHY THE FUTURE DOES

NOT NEED US

A controversial essay by Bill Joy, 2000.

 Genetics, Nanotechnology, and
Robotics (GNR)
 Joy’s worries focus on the transforming technologies
of 21st century which is the GNR
 It threatens to make humans an endangered species.
What is particularly problematic about them is that
they have the potential to self-replicate
 21st century technologies allow for small groups or
individuals to bring about massive destruction
 This possible extinction of the species may largely
come about due to the unreflective and
unquestioning acceptance of new technologies by
humans
 The Atomic bombing of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki

Brilliant physicists, led by J. Robert Oppenheimer,

brought into existence a deadly nuclear weapon. A definite
testament to the success of science and technology, the atomic
bomb was also a fatal reminder of its destructive power. An
example of this is the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in
1945 which killed over a hundred thousand of people.
 Science and technology may be the highest expression
of human rationality. People are able to shape or destroy the
world with it.

“I have felt it myself. The glitter of

Theoretical nuclear weapons. It is irresistible if you
physicist and come to them as a scientist. To feel it’s there
mathematici in your hands, to release this energy that
an Freeman fuels the stars, to let it do your bidding. To
Dyson, in the perform these miracles, to lift a million tons
documentary of rock into the sky. It is something that
The Day
gives people an illusion of illimitable power,
and it is, in some ways, responsible for all
After Trinity our troubles- this, what you might call
(1981) technical arrogance, that overcomes people
when they see what they can do with their
minds.”
Conclusion
Genetics, nanotechnology, and robotics
are too dangerous to pursue. They are a
significant threat to the future of humanity.
Joy concludes that we ought to relinquish
these technologies before it’s too late. Yes, GNR
may bring happiness and easiness, but should we
risk the survival or the species for such goals?
Joy thinks not.
Conclusion
Human nature may be corrupted when the
powers of our mind, our rationality, and our
science and technology become manifest. If we
are not able to rein in the vanity and arrogance
that such powers unleash, then we are on the
way to destroying the world.
“The wasteland grows; woe unto him
who harbors the wasteland within.”

- Friendrich Nietzsche