THE NEXT SPECIES: BEYOND DNA: From the Dawn of Life to Super-intelligent AI

We are at the crossroads of the next evolutionary leap. It could be an inevitable odyssey we have to take in a short while. It could be a symbiotic merging with the intelligent machines we are creating, or it could be a strife between biological and digital intelligence. A glimpse back at the past is an essential requisite for navigating the future. This book explores how we evolved from an accidental protein to the exalted human species through the processes of natural selection and rejection, collectively known as ‘evolution,’ spanning the past 3.5 to 4 billion years. It examines how various life forms evolved and how we transformed from our ape-like ancestors into self-aware, intelligent, and beautiful humans. Evolution appears to favour increased beauty and intelligence in all living things. This non-fiction book,‘The Next Species: Beyond DNA.’, explores the exciting/frightening possibilities for the future of humanity. I’ve made every effort to present these ideas in a way that is accessible to everyone. That said, some academic terms might have slipped in here and there. It is hard to avoid entirely. The topics are arranged in a logical, step-by-step order, but feel free to skip a chapter or section if you find it too technical. The goal is for you to enjoy the journey and grasp the bigger picture. We have surpassed nature and taken control of our evolutionary saga through advances in genetic engineering and nanotechnology. At the same time, digital technology is making us more and more dependent on computers, mobile devices, and the internet. AI is projected to surpass human intelligence in a few years. One of the challenges our species faces is whether super-intelligent machines will dominate the world, rendering humans subservient. What kind of morality and ethics, these machines adopt if at all they develop consciousness? This book aims to reflect on the future of humanity in this super-fast developing technology, with a discussion on the opinions of scientists, philosophers, theologians, teleologists, and others. Read more