The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI

by Ray Kurzweil

Before we explore specific examples in detail, it’s important to begin with a clear conceptual understanding of this dynamic. My work has sometimes been mischaracterized as claiming that technological change itself is inherently exponential, and that the law of accelerating returns applies to all forms of innovation. That’s not my view. Rather, the LOAR describes a phenomenon wherein certain kinds of technologies create feedback loops that accelerate innovation. Broadly, these are technologies that give us greater mastery over information—gathering it, storing it, manipulating it, transmitting it—which makes innovation itself easier. The printing press made books cheap enough that education could become accessible to the next generation of inventors. Modern computers help chip designers create the next generation of faster CPUs. Cheaper broadband makes the internet more useful to everyone, because more people can afford to share their ideas online.