THE GOD TEST (Part 1): Are You Ready for Superintelligence?

Podcast: The Next Big Idea (LS 59 · TOP 0.1% what is this?)Episode: THE GOD TEST (Part 1): Are You Ready for Superintelligence?Pub date: 2026-06-25Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationDoes the logic of human destiny now lead to artificial intelligence? Are we creating a higher form of intelligence in our own image? And, if so, what kind of image is that? These are the questions celebrated author Robert Wright asks in his new book, The God Test, which was published this week. Bob argues that we should not be surprised to see signs of deception, power-seeking, flattery, and autonomy in AI systems. These are not alien traits; they are behaviors that show up again and again in intelligent systems — including us. And if there is an evolutionary process at work in AI, then we are not just observers: we are part of the selection pressure. In the end, we may get the AI we deserve. This was such a wide-ranging conversation that we’ve divided it into two episodes. Today, we begin with the cosmic story: how life became mind, how mind became culture, and how culture has now begun to build a new mind — one that may surpass us. 🔗 SPONSORED BY: Fora ➡️ Build and scale your own travel business by becoming a Fora Advisor today at foratravel.com/idea Northwest Registered Agent ➡️ Helping small business owners and entrepreneurs launch and grow businesses for nearly 30 years. Learn more at northwestregisteredagent.com/nbifree Shopify ➡️ Launch your business for just $1/month. Start selling today at shopify.com/nbiThe podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Next Big Idea Club, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.