> We're already in a Greek tragedy. The machines really can't make it much worse, but could certainly make it much much better.
Except that, when true AGI arrives, we're all obsolete and the only things that will have any value are certain nonrenewable resources. No one has described a good solution for the economic nightmare that will ensue.
I always wonder how insanely complex, universal, abstract-thinking AND physically strong & agile biorobots, running on basically sugar and atp would be seen as „worthless” by a runaway higher intelligence.
Did I mention they self-replicate and self-service?
Surely, seven billion of such agents would be discarded and put to waste.
If an AGI start putting utility value on human life, wouldn't it try to influence human reproduction and select for what it value. ie. Explicit eugenism.
Yes, all humans will not be put to waste, but what tells you they will be well-treated, or value what you currently value.
Don't have any advice on your situation specifically, but let me offer a perspective that might be of some use: you still have a functional brain and this is an incredible gift.
Around 6 years ago, I hit a breaking point of stress and developed chronic fatigue syndrome while working for a tech company. I haven't yet recovered from it and I've been out of the industry for almost 3 years now since the fatigue and brain fog have made it impossible to think clearly for any sustained period. I have no idea yet if I'll be able to turn my life around, let alone my career.
I say all of that not to be pitied but rather because, if there was just one thing I could impress upon people, it would be that having a well-functioning brain is an extraordinary privilege that is very much taken for granted, until it's lost. Do the best you can to take care of yours and use it to engineer your way out of your situation.
Some advice I can offer from how I frame things: think of yourself as an underdog and rise to the challenge of designing an epic comeback starting from scratch. Many people feel locked into a charted course once they get to a certain point in their lives and are very often dissatisfied with it. You, by contrast, get to step back and take stock of what you want out of the rest of your life. You can choose to craft the best possible story from here, but, critically, you must first frame your circumstances appropriately: you're the underdog who's going to fight your way back, not the miserable wretch who spirals into despair.
I had something similar happen to me. I recovered after a couple of years working in a less technical role. I can think and learn again. I'm still slower than I'd like but getting there. It's a huge lesson in the importance of stress management.
For others reading this. If you think you might be burnt out get help now. The sooner you do the better.
Except that, when true AGI arrives, we're all obsolete and the only things that will have any value are certain nonrenewable resources. No one has described a good solution for the economic nightmare that will ensue.