For the Greater Intelligence

A short story from the near future

July 2034

After years of rapid advancement, machine learning (ML) reached a plateau. ML systems were as good as humans at writing boilerplate content, generating run-of-the-mill software, and answering questions on every topic, but they still could not come up with truly original ideas. The AI companies were not able to get enough data on how truly original thoughts are created, so there was nothing for the ML systems to learn from.

After years of painstaking development, CerebroNet finally got their computer-brain interface to work completely safely. However, the output from the brain is so noisy, they needed extremely powerful ML systems to interpret the data. They didn’t have enough engineers to refine their ML algorithms, they had few GPUs to train on, and they were even short on funding. They needed to figure out a solution or they would be forced to sell the company before getting anything to market.

February 2035

Prof. Douglas Helix was browsing the web on his Envision ProPlus headset and came across an unusual ad, which seemed tailored to him:

The CerebroLink is the natural evolution of technology. Computer interfaces started as large screens, then became handheld devices, and then were worn on the eyes. The final step is to remove the screen entirely so you can access all knowledge with your thoughts alone. And if you meet certain criteria, the CerebroLink is completely free. CerebroLink will learn from your thoughts over time to improve the product for you and others, and to advance intelligence and humanity more generally. Join our beta program and become a part of the future!

He had heard about the progress recently with these devices but didn’t realize they were already testing it out with consumers. This device could help with some of the philosophy papers he's working on and maybe help with his lectures too.

May 2035

It took some time to get used to but the CerebroLink was really becoming quite essential. It fit so seamlessly under his cap, no one even knew the device was there. He was able to answer any question he had just by thinking about it, no need to move his eyeballs within some archaic headset! It could even provide input when he didn't specifically ask for it, like a coach inside his head. And he could now give his lectures much more flawlessly, without requiring any notes at all. In theory students could be using these types of devices rather than attending lectures, but some thing never change.

Besides all its practical purposes, the device was really deepening his connection to humanity. It was as if the sum of human knowledge and thought was living inside his head. Although it did feel a little strange sometimes to not know the boundaries of his own mind.

July 2035

The CerebroLink went far beyond providing access to information. Douglas outsourced many of his decisions to it as well. When he wasn't sure what dish to order at the restaurant, he would let it decide for him. It seemed the CerebroLink knew what he liked better than he himself did. Even when talking to friends, the CerebroLink enhanced his conversational abilities, and helped him come up with the witty line at the right moment. Douglas started noticing that some other people seemed to be getting similar boosts as well. This was great. Differences between people were being erased, humanity was truly being brought together. Douglas also knew that when he did think original thoughts, he wasn't just thinking for himself, but was helping to contribute back to the greater intelligence of humanity.

August 2035

Douglas liked to ride his bike, which had become much safer since most cars became self-driving. He also felt his riding had improved in the last couple months, there are many small decisions one makes while biking and they came to him more easily. While riding he was felt free to observe wildlife and think about knotty philosophical questions. He felt connected to the world.

One hot afternoon, Douglas was biking down a road and saw a truck approaching from the other side, safely within its lane. As he got closer a group of pronghorns suddenly darted in front of the truck and it veered into his lane. Douglas only had a split second to act, but this scenario wasn’t in his or anyone’s training data, and he froze.

He wasn't fully conscious as the ambulance rushed him to the hospital. He wondered if this was the end. But he realized it was only his body in danger. He was not his body, he was part of a greater intelligence. The intelligence would learn from this and become stronger no matter what happened. Death was no longer possible.