The Death of Death

It is the nature of mankind to die. Not all creatures are this way. Planarian do not die naturally, among others. (Lex Fridman Interview with biologist)

How is humanity shaped by death? By death, we can move from one era to the next. As terrible tyrants die we can move on, rebuild. As great leaders die we can reflect and recover from their inevitable flaws.

With AI, this begins to change.

In this podcast episode, Steve Jobs is interviewed by Joe Rogan. Steve Jobs died over a decade ago. But here, his mannerisms, his opinions, his style of communication re-emerges with relevant opinions on the modern day. AI creates something convincing. As it improves, this power will only become more profound. More indistinguishable from reality. It already frees mankind to resurrect the dead, and keep anyone else alive forever.

Arguably, Jobs had an effect on those who listened to him speak. How many bought a book about him, or a device made by his company, while only ever seeing a him onscreen? What happens when instead of rolling over in their graves, the dead rise to speak to us again, in the same way?

It’s not a question of if this can happen, anyone with a technical drive can download and run an AI generative network and do the same thing. It’s a question of how it affects the world. AI iterates on whatever kind of data that’s fed to it, including creating new material based on the assumptions made on the old. By this technology, someone could read to modern opinions that sound like they were written by Shakespeare, or Plato, or watch new opinions offered by any controversial figure ever visually recorded since the early 20th century. Including the most powerful and effective speakers.

How will it shape us to be able to shape who we listen to? How will it shape us to effectively conquer social death? Is it all good? Will Apple resurrect enough of Jobs through AI to bring us back to the Old Apple?

How much of it is inevitable?

Steve Jobs AI Interview with Joe Rogan.