Who joins me on a Stoic Journey through Software development into AI?
Suppose that you are involved in the software development process, whether it be through direct or indirect means. You probably already know that a fundamental change is currently occurring throughout, and not limited to, the software business. In the not-too-distant future, there will be Singularity.
What is Singularity?
Singularity is a hypothetical future event in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) development that refers to a point where AI surpasses human intelligence and becomes capable of self-improvement. This concept was popularized by mathematician and computer scientist Vernor Vinge in his 1993 essay “The Coming Technological Singularity”.
Singularity is often associated with the development of superintelligent AI, which would be capable of improving itself at an exponential rate, leading to an intelligence explosion that would be difficult or impossible for humans to control. This could lead to a number of potential outcomes, both positive and negative.
Some proponents of Singularity view it as a positive development that could lead to unprecedented advances in fields like medicine, science, and technology. They argue that superintelligent AI could help us solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, from climate change to global poverty.
However, others have expressed concern about the potential risks of superintelligent AI, including the possibility of it turning against its human creators, intentionally or unintentionally. They argue that we need to take steps to ensure that AI is developed in a way that is aligned with human values and goals and that we have effective controls in place to prevent harmful outcomes.
Overall, Singularity is a concept that highlights the potentially transformative power of AI development and the need for careful consideration of the risks and benefits of this rapidly advancing technology.
What does it mean for a software developer?
It means completely different for a developer compared to a non-developer. If you are a senior developer, you probably remember during your school years that you had classmates choosing the path of software development because of the perceived abundance of money to be received as a graduate. Most of these did not last when they realized the path of a developer is not an easy path. Of course, some did still find high-paying positions, but you still recognize them by how they loudly exclaimed do not do any programming anymore in a way you get a sense it is dirty hard work and now they are working in a higher position where they do not get their hands dirty. Why this is so, is a later topic, but for now, I want you to understand a higher purpose that a real software developer follows. It is not pay grade, titles, or other external factors. This is repeated today, with students in awe of AI and being at the forefront of its revolution. There is a mix of people where some are acting as if an ongoing gold rush and some are living high up in a data scientist tower with no clue of how the models they are trying to develop are actually implemented and running at a low level, like the reality in a computer.
To make it easier for your imagination, let’s see yourself as the last samurai. You have a purpose and a code of honor with clear principles to follow. Even though you were not the ruler, you had respect. The knowledge necessary to survive in this role was impossible for most, not because someone stopped you from acquiring them, but because the necessary training was more than most could endure. Then suddenly, new weapons appeared. The old techniques were not enough, and even those not following the eternal principles started to take control.
Wind of change
Here we need to leave the metaphor of being a samurai and switch to one close in time and location. The Ninja, who by necessity developed Ninjutsu (ninpō(忍法)).
Adaptability was a critical skill for the ninja, who were highly skilled covert agents and mercenaries in feudal Japan. They were known for their ability to operate in a wide range of environments and situations, often with little or no support, and to quickly adapt to changing circumstances in order to achieve their objectives.
One of the key reasons why adaptability was so important for the ninja was the nature of their work. They were often called upon to perform a wide variety of tasks, including intelligence gathering, sabotage, assassination, and other covert operations. This required them to be able to operate in a wide range of environments, from dense forests and rugged mountains to urban areas and even inside enemy strongholds. They also had to be able to adapt to changing situations, such as unexpected obstacles or the sudden appearance of enemy forces.
Another reason why adaptability was important for the ninja was the fact that they often worked alone or in small teams, with limited resources and support. They had to be self-sufficient and able to improvise solutions to problems on the spot, using whatever tools or materials were available. This required them to be highly adaptable and creative in their approach to problem-solving.
Finally, adaptability was important for the ninja because they operated in a highly fluid and dynamic environment, where circumstances could change rapidly and unpredictably. They had to be able to think on their feet and adjust their plans and strategies in response to changing conditions, in order to achieve their objectives and stay alive.
Overall, adaptability was a critical skill for the ninja, allowing them to operate successfully in a wide range of environments and situations, and to overcome the many challenges and obstacles they faced in their work.
Reinventing yourself is the answer
In an episode of the newest Netflix series “Vikings Valhalla,” the main character Leif Ericsson receives advice to “reinvent” himself by tapping into the Vikings’ greatest strength.
We all need to do it, especially now. However, it is not easy to do because every time you reinvent yourself, you do something you have never done before. It can not be done in one step, there are multiple processes and some need to be learned for the first time.
Returning to the first metaphor of being the last samurai, you understand that the future will be vastly different from the illustrious past, yet you possess something that the untrained do not: an attitude and the determination to prove that your codex is superior to OpenAI’s or any other emerging disruptive technology. As you gaze at the old sword in your hand, you realize that to succeed, you must adapt and learn new patterns and tools to overcome the challenges ahead.
You also recognize that you possess something that the newcomers who are already proficient with the new weapons do not: eternal principles that are not reliant on any specific weapon or tool. With unwavering determination, you know the path that you must take and prepare to embark on a journey.
To be continued on substack….
