The Singularity Principles: Anticipating and managing cataclysmically disruptive technologies

This book is dedicated to what may be the most important concept in human history, namely, the Singularity – what it is, what it is not, the steps by which we may reach it, and, crucially, how to make it more likely that we’ll experience a positive singularity rather than a negative singularity.

For now, here’s a simple definition. The Singularity is the emergence of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), and the associated transformation of the human condition. Spoiler alert: that transformation will be profound. But if we’re not paying attention, it’s likely to be profoundly bad.

Despite the importance of the concept of the Singularity, the subject receives nothing like the attention it deserves. When it is discussed, it often receives scorn or ridicule. Alas, you’ll hear sniggers and see eyes rolling.

That’s because there’s a kind of shadow around the concept – an unhelpful set of distortions that make it harder for people to fully perceive the real opportunities and the real risks that the Singularity brings.

These distortions grow out of a wider confusion – confusion about the complex interplay of forces that are leading society to the adoption of ever-more powerful technologies, including ever-more powerful AI.

This book seeks to dispel the confusion, to untangle the distortions, and to attract much more serious attention to the Singularity. The future of humanity is at stake.

Reviewer comments

“An excellent and detailed introduction to the AI Safety problem, the Singularity, and our options for the future.”
Roman Yampolskiy, Professor of Computer Science, The University of Louisville

“It truly is gratifying to see deep thought on these crucial issues.”
David Brin, Science fiction author and scientist, Winner of Nebula, Locus, Campbell, and Hugo Awards

“One of the most important books that you will read this decade, which David Wood calls ‘The Decade of Confusion’. The 2020s bring us to the cusp of a transformation in human civilization quite unlike any we have previously experienced. David’s book is an essential handbook to aid you in navigating this transformation.”
Ted Shelton, Expert Partner, Automation and Digital Innovation, Bain and Company

“David’s book provides a powerful overview of what’s ahead of us, and thoughtfully describes the opportunities and challenges brought on by the rise of exponential technologies. A must-read for anyone that is looking to increase their Future-Readiness.”
Gerd Leonhard, Futurist, CEO The Futures Agency, Author and Film Maker, The Good Future

“I have followed David’s work for nearly twenty years. It’s great to see him taking his thinking to the next level. AGI is arriving faster than many expected. It’s vital to raise the calibre of the discussion on AGI and on the Singularity. That’s what this timely, valuable book achieves.”
Ajit Jaokar, Visiting Fellow and Course Director, Artificial Intelligence: Cloud and Edge Implementations,
University of Oxford

“David Wood is a man of great intellect which shines through in this erudite analysis of the potential benefits and costs of cataclysmically disruptive technologies. David’s Singularity Principles provide a strong basis for the critical tasks of the anticipation and management of alternative outcomes. I commend this book most warmly to friends and colleagues alike.”
Hugh Shields, Chairman and Founder, The Centre for Research into AI and Mankind

“The Singularity Principles is an absorbing, comprehensive overview of the challenges I truly believe we will soon face as AGI arrives. Are we intellectually and emotionally ready to have serious discussions about it?”
Patty O’Callaghan, Google’s Women Techmakers Ambassador