Butler predicts machines will enslave humanity

In the midst of the American Civil War, a New Zealand sheep farmer named Samuel Butler published a letter on June 13, 1863, in Christchurch's The Press. The letter expressed alarming concerns about the evolution of machines and their potential to dominate humanity, referring to a future where humans might become subservient to mechanical beings. Butler suggested that humans were creating their own successors, implying a relationship akin to the one between humans and their domesticated animals. His reflections on humanity's relationship with machines foreshadowed the potential threats posed by evolving technology, resonating with contemporary debates surrounding artificial intelligence and automation. Following his original letter, Butler further explored his ideas in his 1872 novel Erewhon, which depicted a dystopian society that had prohibited most technological advancements. In this imagined world, citizens eradicated machines developed within the last three centuries, highlighting the drastic fear of technology's control over human life. This narrative showcased how Butler's views on machines were not only prescient but emphasized the powerful relationship between humanity and the devices they create. His depiction of a future where machines might take precedence over their creators resonates deeply with modern anxieties about artificial intelligence. Notably, Butler's predictions were ahead of his time, especially considering the elementary nature of technology in 1863 compared to the complexities of contemporary computing. The most advanced devices during Butler's era were rudimentary calculators and slide rules, yet he remarkably anticipated a time when mechanical intelligence might arise. His ability to foresee the evolution of machines has led to discussions about the implications of such advancements for society. Fast forward to the present, recent reactions to technological advancement echo Butler's concerns. In 2023, a significant number of AI researchers and tech leaders raised alarms about potential risks associated with highly advanced artificial intelligence, mirroring Butler's warnings from over 150 years ago. The ongoing dialogue about our dependency on machines remains relevant, showcasing how Butler's warnings were not only reflective of his time but continue to resonate in today's discussions about the future of humanity in a technology-driven world.