"Brain-computer interfaces are far from implementable - but if we figure out a non-invasive way to integrate tech with the human brain, it might result in a form of signaling, that allows for a simple, instinctive form of frictionless communication (the way we use indicators in a car to signal intent). This would enable a shift from indirect to direct inputs to cognition, accelerating human learning."

I still hold that there is tremendous potential for VR/AR in education that is largely untapped. The next logical step is a direct brain/computer interface, but we are likely decades away from something like that.

Hi Kassi,

When I like the link to the Medium article to follow, I get a 404 error. I am also on Medium https://medium.com/@j-lund but I primarily focus on substack https://www.lianeon.org/ 

"The people able to use their capital towards space exploration are free to do so. The so-called “space tourists” have every right to spend their money how they like. We are not going to get to Mars if we wait for it to be cheap enough for everyone. Governments cannot afford to send even a fraction of people to the outskirts of the atmosphere, yet there is this strange notion floating around, that it’s unfair for some to go while most cannot."

Two additional points I might add here:

1) Technological progress has always progressed in this manner. Wealthy individuals buy new products for novelty or vanity and that creates the seed funding for better and cheaper products that everyone can enjoy down the road. It is in our interest to allow the wealthy to pursue these crazy ideas.

2) In some circles, and you alluded to this, the notion of billionaires with their own space programs of scoffed at. They see it as an "escape hatch" for the rich while the poor toil on a dying Earth.  This notion is downright laughable. The first Lunar/Martian colonies are going to be hell for colonists. Hard work, monotony, no fresh air, risk, danger, and death at every corner. They will not be an escape hatch for the wealthy at all.  

I just picked up a copy of Superabundance, it is next on my reading list, and will do a review of the book in the coming weeks. Super excited.

Non-technical question, how does one contribute to HumanProgress.org? Several of my articles were hosted there, but I would love the opportunity to contribute more. Every time I reach out directly, I get no response. I would like an opportunity to further the mission.

All good points. Even such concerns as the pileup of animal waste in New York City, the pollution problem of the day, were solved through the unexpected popularization of the automobile.

I think the risk for us "Progress-types" is to assume that all problems will be solved and solved timely. 

I am somewhat pessimistic, for example, about population decline. I do not see any one problem as insurmountable, but confronting many challenges with fewer minds to solve them worries me. In the 21st Century, we may create problems faster than we can solve them. 

On the other hand, perhaps AI will be advanced enough also overcome this challenge as well? I think only time will tell. 

"So the usual, natural state is the state of those millions of weavers who preceded Kay, who never knew another innovator and so never even received the idea of innovating."

What if there had been innovation that entire time, but that innovation was more an exercise of physical skill?

No doubt that it took great skill to exercise their craft and they refined their processes by improving their skills to execute them. Once the limits of human potential were achieved, naturally, the next step is to improve technology itself.