From: mk_thisisit
The concept of time has long fascinated humanity, with questions spanning its fundamental nature, the possibility of time travel, and its implications for the future of civilization.
The Nature of Time
Traditionally, time is viewed as a river flowing in one direction, immutable and irreversible [03:09:00]. However, Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity posits a different understanding, suggesting that time is more akin to a river with eddies, capable of dynamic shifts and even branching into multiple paths [03:13:00]. This perspective implies that time is not a singular, linear flow [03:20:00].
Possibility of Time Travel
Physically, the theoretical construction of a time machine is considered possible [03:51:00]. Stephen Hawking explored this question, suggesting that spacetime tunnels could facilitate travel into the future [03:39:00]. However, he argued against travel into the past, proposing that such an action would create a loop, accumulating energy until an explosion, causing the time machine to self-destruct [03:19:00].
Despite Hawking’s argument, a “loophole” in this theory suggests that if one were to travel to the past only once, it might be possible [03:21:00]. Calculations indicate that a single trip to the past could be feasible if immense energy, specifically Plank energy (10^19 electron volts), is available [03:47:00]. Plank energy is described as the greatest energy in the universe, at which space itself loses stability [02:06:00].
Space-Time Foam
When heated to an unimaginable temperature, space can become unstable, creating spacetime anomalies or “bubbles” known as space-time foam, a concept formulated by Stephen Hawking [02:54:00]. This phenomenon suggests that exceeding Plank energy could lead to the formation of universes, implying that the Big Bang itself could have been such a bubble expanding after reaching Plank energy [02:59:00].
Predicting the Future
While precise predictions of the future are not possible due to the world’s constant change [02:58:00], reasonable assumptions can be made based on the known directions of development in physics and chemistry [06:02:00].
Humanity’s Future Evolution
Humanity is projected to undergo significant transformations in the coming centuries, potentially achieving capabilities akin to mythical gods [00:18:00].
Technological Advancement
- Quantum Computers: The future of computing lies in quantum computers, which are millions of times more powerful than today’s digital computers [06:34:00]. Unlike Newtonian computers that operate with binary states (on/off), quantum computers work in the realm of quantum mechanics, exploring infinite states [07:15:00]. While current quantum computers are not yet universal, they demonstrate immense power for specific problems [07:43:00]. This advancement could make artificial intelligence a widespread reality [06:47:00].
- Brain-Computer Interfaces: Progress includes the ability to connect the human brain to external devices. The US army has invested in enabling veterans to control computers with their thoughts, allowing them to walk, talk, and perform other activities despite paralysis [17:36:00]. An exoskeleton controlled by thought enabled a paralyzed man to open the FIFA World Cup [18:33:00].
- Intelligent Printing Technology: Future printing technology may allow for flexible paper displays where reality can be projected, potentially appearing on clothes [09:24:00].
Human Transformation
- Manipulation of Life and Matter: In the future, humans may be able to manipulate matter, energy, and life itself [08:33:00]. This includes altering the human genome as a whole, not just individual genes, to adapt to hostile environments like other planets, rather than terraforming the planets themselves [09:06:00].
- Understanding the Brain: The human brain, historically a “black box,” is beginning to be understood through mechanical analogies and its partial quantum nature [11:35:00].
- Immortality: Two types of immortality are envisioned:
- Digital Immortality: Achieved by creating a mechanical clone that captures memories, thought patterns, and appearance [12:29:00]. This first generation already exists, allowing for interactive digital images of individuals like William Shatner, whose life story and thoughts are recorded for future generations [13:07:00].
- Organic Immortality: Involves the physical body living forever, potentially by replacing used organs [00:48:00]. Another method involves digitizing the entire human brain, a process that is currently being achieved with insect brains (100,000 neurons) and is considered only a matter of time for the human brain (100 billion neurons) [15:09:00]. This could also involve “reverse engineering” the brain, transferring it to a computer or vice versa [16:39:00].
Superhumans and Space Colonization
Within centuries, humanity may achieve the ability to become “superheroes” or “superhumans” by restoring lost abilities to paralyzed people and eventually giving them super abilities like moving objects telekinetically [19:18:00]. Such superhumans could then colonize Mars and the wider universe [19:35:00].
One vision for future space exploration involves digitizing consciousness, saving thought patterns as software, launching them into space, and connecting them to exoskeletons upon landing on celestial bodies, allowing for exploration through “consciousness journeys” [20:01:00]. Alternatively, exoskeletons could be launched with the ability for human consciousness to control them remotely [20:34:00]. This method, along with controlling robots through organic immortality, could enable colonization of the universe at speeds close to light [21:11:00]. These concepts are believed to align with the laws of physics [21:29:00].
Conscious Machines
The creation of conscious machines depends on the definition of consciousness, for which there is no single universally accepted theory [21:42:00]. However, it is believed possible to create an object that knows its location, understands its position in the universe, is aware of itself and its surroundings, and can interact with other beings [21:52:00].
Civilizational Development and Risks
Physicists categorize civilizations based on their energy mastery:
- Type 1 Civilization: Masters all the energy of its home planet, controlling natural phenomena like earthquakes and volcanoes [23:21:00]. Such civilizations could only colonize a few planets in their solar system region [23:34:00].
- Type 2 Civilization: Utilizes the power of its planet and its star, harnessing all solar energy to power its machines [23:35:00]. The Federation of Planets in Star Trek is cited as an example [23:55:00]. This level of civilization begins to understand the nature of stars [24:45:00].
- Type 3 Civilization: Possesses a galactic character, capable of traversing galactic routes and manipulating phenomena like black holes, as depicted in Star Wars [24:02:00]. These civilizations might have access to Plank energy, potentially using it as a gateway for space travel [25:02:00].
Risks to Civilizations
Civilizations tend to self-destruct [26:32:00]. For Type 1 civilizations, four primary scenarios for self-destruction exist [26:39:00]:
- Nuclear weapons [26:45:00]
- Biological weapons [26:49:00]
- Global warming [26:52:00]
- Artificial intelligence, if used for the wrong purpose [26:56:00]
Despite these risks, an optimistic view of history suggests that looking at centuries, rather than years or decades, reveals incredible progress and a clear direction towards democratization and the dissemination of technology [28:09:00]. Science is believed to have a specific direction towards sharing the fruits of technology, which was not the case in the past [30:06:00].