One of the many areas affected by the contemporary AI zeitgeist is life after death. While many might perceive this topic as delicate or even macabre, I am of the conviction that it deserves a thorough examination.
Over the past several months, I've delved deeply into this subject, uncovering a myriad of insights from modern organizations, cutting-edge technology, emerging theories, and evolving philosophies. As a result, I've discovered not only many intriguing possibilities of transcending mortality through trans-humanism but also the potential risks of being revived without one's consent...yikes! On a brighter note, as we approach the week of October 30th, there's some groundbreaking news that is sure to capture the world's attention. The Beatles are releasing a new song. While it may be strange to read that sentence out loud or in your head - I can assure you, you're not day tripping! Peter Jackson, Giles Martin (son of late producer George Martin), and a team of engineers were able to use AI to separate and extract John's voice from a track given to Paul by Yoko Ono after Lennon's death. The song will release Nov. 3rd, preceded by a short documentary on Nov. 2nd. I'm not a betting man, but if I were, I'd wager this occasion is bound to be etched in the annals of music history.
In the developing realm of music, recent AI developments have sparked a series of intriguing questions. One can't help but wonder: How long before we're serenaded by a holographic Tupac delivering fresh tracks, reminiscent of Dave Chappelle's predictions from years past? In a recent expose by Variety, it was revealed that Michael Jackson's esteemed music catalog is being negotiated for a staggering sum of $800-$900 million. Such an acquisition leads one to speculate: Will the prospective custodians of this legacy harness the power of AI to craft an auditory model of the King of Pop, unveiling never-before-heard tracks in 2024 and beyond? Venturing into such uncharted territory raises a plethora of legal and ethical conundrums. Perhaps most poignantly how might the public respond to such a creation? The music industry is, undoubtedly, on the brink of a new frontier.
Turning to trans-humanism, I ran across the Church of Perpetual Life. Based in Pompano Beach, Florida, this organization claims to offer fellowship to those looking to escape death or reverse aging. To summarize their beliefs in their own words, 'We refer to ourselves as Immortalists, not because we have defeated death, but because we believe that future technology will conquer disease and aging, as well as death itself. While we fully understand that this technology does not appear to be currently available, the impressive history of human problem solving and technological advancement gives us faith in its inevitability.'
During a normal service, founder Bill Faloon, along with a curated lineup of weekly experts, captivate their audiences with engaging and animated sessions. These interactive services, often broadcasted via platforms like Zoom, delve into the latest medical supplements, pioneering age-reversal methods, and new scientific advancements of our era.
Of particular interest to me were the cryogenic facilities the church recommends to those who can afford them. While there are a few options, the Alcor Life Extension Foundation is the chief service used amongst their members and their pets. That's right, for a fee of $200,000 or $80,000 for your pet, you too can opt for cryogenic preservation, hoping to be revived in a future where terminal illnesses might be treatable! Not to worry - regular sessions to remember the resurrectables are held to keep the memory of you and your beloved pet alive and vibrant until revival. I was able to dig up a relatively recent tour through one such facility in Arizona. Of particular note, renowned author and futurist Ray Kurzweil has planned to avail Alcor's services should his health deteriorate significantly. Thousands have registered for these services, several whom are well-known celebrities.
While all of this was interesting, the proposition of transforming the deceased into interactive AI entities particularly captivated me. One might wonder, is it feasible to extract ample data from social media profiles, archived videos, or voice recordings to craft an interactive AI representation of a departed loved one? My research shows it is largely possible, though with many certain complexities.
I will save that tale for my next post. Until next time.
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