Bootstrapping the Singularity

A combination list/weblog of potential micro-singularity memes and devices
from the past, present, and future of humanity

by J.R. Mooneyham
_______This page last updated on or about 1-3-2003_______
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AUTHOR'S NOTE: If you're unfamiliar with Vernor Vinge and his idea of a technological singularity, CLICK HERE for something of an explanation. END NOTE.

DRAFT: UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Micro-singularity memes (ideas), delivered over the internet, could be just the ticket. Micro-singularity memes (or ms memes for short) would be ideas or algorithyms capable in themselves of causing a paradigm shift in a certain social, economic, or technological niche, very quickly (sometimes virtually overnight).

Other principles descriptive of ms memes might include:

* techniques immediately and easily/cheaply applicable to solve or lessen a particular nagging problem or annoyance, largely through software programming or a relatively small change in social perspectives or policies (social engineering)

* such concepts are usually capable of propagating over the internet either directly or indirectly (where the internet exists; otherwise such memes may also move via telecommunications, post, and other means)

* such ideas usually may capitalize on the net effect; i.e., the more people who learn of it and implement it, the faster the solution comes to realization and the more effective it is

* typically affects virtually everyone-- or at least the majority of those who take it up (in a 'win-win' situation, where the meme is benevolent)

* concepts striking in their simplicity and elegance and valuable in their potential for improving the human condition (at least where 'good' or benevolent memes are concerned)

* ideas which are largely unexpected-- surprises (people tend to notice and spread word of unanticipated or unusual events and ideas more than others; info theory also tells us that the more densely a message is packed with surprises, the more real info it tends to contain); ideas which are sufficiently intriguing and accessible to spread in a way similar to 'juicy gossip'; the more surprising or 'out of the blue' a ms meme is, the better (in terms of likely replication)

* something which almost anyone who learns of it will wish to try for themselves

* the success and functionality of an implemented ms meme is usually unmistakeable, tangible, and measurable

* most or all may be just as applicable for evil purposes as good; the law of entropy and basic human nature combined may often tilt the balance of likely consequences towards evil (or at least a greater quantity or magnitude of anarchy, chaos, and destruction). Thus, some effort or guidance may be required to prevent one or more released ms memes from leading to the end of the world-- or worse.

Note that of all the large (possibly infinite) number of potential ms memes we could generate to propel the human race forward, there could be one or more capable of initiating a full-blown Vinge Singularity all on their own-- if we could but isolate it/them from the rest.

It could also be that the triggering of the macro singularity is a potential possibility inherent in ALL ms memes-- with the main differences being in the gestation period required and the necessity for a presence of certain other catalysts too in a given frame of reference.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Keep in mind that while many folks look forward to the possible triggering of a real Vinge singularity with almost religious fervor, believing or hoping that the technological advances it might bring could result in heaven on Earth, even Vinge himself has strongly cautioned that the conditions on the far side of the event are likely unpredictable in the extreme, and perhaps even hellish. However, there's some reason to hope that we might affect that outcome significantly by how peaceful, tolerant, generous, thoughtful, and civilized we all are just prior to the event itself. CLICK HERE to see some ways we might help ourselves go to heaven rather than hell via a passage through the singularity. END NOTE.

Since an idea must propagate to qualify as a meme-- and do so at a fairly speedy pace-- this log will only consider concepts which originated after the speed of communications in general reached minutes or less, and for more than one continent on Earth. This puts the starting point at around 1866, since that's when the first major telegraph cable across the Atlantic cut possible message time between continents dramatically.

Also note that in the early stages improvements in communications, processing power, and the quantity and quality of knowledge and its accessibility to the populace make up the core of any potentially exponential developments like micro-singularity events. And in the early decades of a bonafide technological society, many of the breakthroughs may be prohibitively costly for anyone but the wealthiest of individuals, businesses, or governments to exploit. Or may languish unused due to less than enlightened business or government behavior or policies (i.e., check out the year cell phones were first invented).

1866: The new transatlantic telegraph cable reduces the time required to send a message between New York and London to several minutes down from the week necessary before.

-- The slowing pace of progress By Phillip J. Longman, US News & World Report, found on or about 12-30-2000