Billy Joy and the Future

In August 1945, the human race was appalled by the destructive power of nuclear weapons after it was used against Japan. There were thoughts that nothing could be worse than these weapons. At present, people fear of world-wide catastrophe that biological and chemical weapons can bring to the human race. Billy Joy thinks otherwise. He thinks there are things far worse than the threats of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. Without a decisive and conscious action on our part, it is possible for human race to cause its extinction, or at least diminish its importance, by the creation of new technologies called genetic engineering, robotics and nanotechnology.

Robotics, genetic engineering and nanotechnology pose a significant and more dangerous threat to the human race compared to the nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. The latter, once they are detonated, are capable of causing damage only once. Though they may have long-term effects on the physical and psychological health, the fact remains that they will only blow up once. On the other hand, the former are capable of self-replication. They can, with or without our knowledge, multiply and easily get out of control, hurt the human race more than once and even cause its extinction.

Another difference is that nuclear, biological and chemical weapons require conscious and deliberate acts for them to be created, detonated and exploded. They have to be purposely built. Building and creating them, however require not only talent of one person but also access to raw materials and classified information which is not available to everyone. On the other hand, the dangers that may be caused by robotics, genetics and nanotechnology, may be trigged on purpose or even by accident. What makes them more dangerous is that robotics, genetic engineering and nanotechnology do not require any raw materials or elaborate facilities. Knowledge alone is enough.