Future Focus
A new study shows that driverless cars are between 88-92 percent safer than human-operated vehicles. Given continued advances in AI, LIDAR, and various sensor technologies, I feel it is safe to assume that driverless cars will only continue to get better. Does this then mean that driverless cars are definitely the future? Not necessarily. Personally, I think there is a good chance that driverless cars will become accepted by the public, much like elevator technology came to be accepted by society. This does not, however, guarantee that driverless cars will be the future. One major concern of mine is that while it is true that self-driving cars are significantly safer than human-driven vehicles, we must also recognize that driverless cars can be hacked. My fear is that we will replace 40,000 annual deaths with one very sudden and large “cyber event” in which thousands of cars simultaneously crash. Is this scenario likely? Not necessarily. Is it implausible? No. (My prediction is that it will take the actuaries at the big insurance companies some time to figure out how to insure against this risk.)
Farm Focus
I remain bullish on advances in biologicals, but the field is still quite new and not all of the products have been thoroughly vetted. This short piece on sifting biological options with tight margins offers farmers some prudent advice. On an unrelated matter, I continue to be concerned about how “forever chemicals” may impact the farmer. This latest news out of Europe showing that these chemicals are now appearing in food cereals is a troubling sign. In the near future, don’t be surprised if the public, politicians, and regulators begin asking farmers how they intend to help address the issue.
Faith Focus
As I’ve mentioned previously, I am now also writing on spiritual matters on my Substack feed. Rather than provide any links, I thought I’d just share a copy of today’s post. If you’re interested, you are free to sign up for the free daily emails.
Finding the Golden Thread Through the Cloud of Unknowing
In my day job, I am known as a professional futurist and keynote speaker. For years, I’ve been speaking and warning about the power of exponential growth of various technological forces–particularly in the area of artificial intelligence.
The field is now moving so fast that I feel I’ve lost the thread on the future. I can no longer see or understand where the world is headed.
Fortunately, through contemplation and meditation, I’ve regained a sense of “the Golden Thread.” This “golden thread” points and steers us towards a deeper, long-term future.
I mention this not to convince you or to preach to you (everyone must find their own path) but, rather, to encourage you to keep seeking for something beyond yourself.
The material world is powerful, and it is easy to get lost or, worse, sucked under by its relentless gravitational force. Its power and allure can come in many different shapes and sizes, including power, money, status, alcohol, drugs, gambling, and pornography (among other things). All can be either intoxicating or addictive but each, in its own way, keeps us distracted from our real purpose in this world.
One way to begin to loosen the destructive grip of the material world is by going into silence through meditation and contemplation.
One classic little book that can help is The Cloud of Unknowing. It was written in the 9th century by an unknown monk, but it remains strikingly and refreshingly relevant today.
