Microsoft Word Kurzweil, Ray The Singularity Is Near doc

 
So when the universe reaches Epoch Six {the stage at which the nonbiological portion of our 
intelligence spreads through the universe], what's it going to do? 
C
HARLES 
D
ARWIN
:
 I'm not sure we can answer that. As you said, it's like bacteria asking one another what humans 
will do. 
M
OLLY 
2004:
 
So these Epoch Six entities will consider us biological humans to be like bacteria? 
G
EORGE 
2048:
 
That's certainly not how I think of you. 
M
OLLY 
2104:
 
George, you're only Epoch Five, so I don't think that answers the question. 
C
HARLES
:
 Getting back to the bacteria, what they would say, if they could talk— 
M
OLLY 
2004:
 
—and think. 
C
HARLES
:
 Yes, that, too. They would say that humans will do the same things as we bacteria do—namely, eat, avoid 
danger, and procreate. 
M
OLLY 
2104:
 
Oh, but our procreation is so much more interesting. 
M
OLLY 
2004:
 
Actually, Molly of the future, it's our human pre-Singularity procreation that's interesting. Your virtual 
procreation is, actually, a lot like that of the bacteria. Sex has nothing to do with it. 
M
OLLY 
2104:
 
It's true we've separated sexuality from reproduction, but that's not exactly new to human civilization in 
2004. And besides, unlike bacteria, we can change ourselves. 
M
OLLY 
2004:
 
Actually, you've separated change and evolution from reproduction as well. 
M
OLLY 
2104:
 
That was also essentially true in 2004. 
M
OLLY 
2004:
 
Okay, okay. But about your list, Charles, we humans also do things like create art and music. That kind 
of separates us from other animals. 
G
EORGE 
2048:
 
Indeed, Molly, that is fundamentally what the Singularity is about. The Singularity is the sweetest 
music, the deepest art, the most beautiful mathematics.... 
M
OLLY 
2004:
 
I see, so the music and art of the Singularity will be to my era's music and art as circa 2004 music and 
art are to ... 
N
ED 
L
UDD
:
 
The music and art of bacteria. 

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M
OLLY 
2004:
 
Well, I've seen some artistic mold patterns. 
N
ED
:
 Yes, but I'm sure you didn't revere them. 
M
OLLY 
2004:
 
No, actually, I wiped them away. 
N
ED
:
 Okay, my point then. 
M
OLLY 
2004:
 
I'm still trying to envision what the universe will be doing in Epoch Six. 
T
IMOTHY 
L
EARY
:
 
The universe will be flying like a bird. 
M
OLLY 
2004:
 
But what is it flying in? I mean it's everything. 
T
IMOTHY
:
 That's like asking, What is the sound of one hand clapping? 
M
OLLY 
2004:
 
Hmmm, so the Singularity is what the Zen masters had in mind all along. 

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