A.G.I. Won’t End Suffering: A Contemplation on the Universe 25 “Utopia” Experiment

The Universe 25 experiment, conducted by behavioral ecologist John B. Calhoun, was a groundbreaking study that explored the effects of overpopulation and stress on rodent behavior. In this controlled environment, designed to be a utopia, the mice initially thrived. However, as the population grew, so too did instances of aggression, violence, and social breakdown. Eventually, the population declined and ultimately died out.

While the Universe 25 experiment was conducted on mice, it offers a compelling analogy for the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancement, particularly in the context of artificial general intelligence (A.G.I.). A.G.I., if developed, could create a world that, on the surface, seems like a utopia: a society free from poverty, disease, and war. However, as the Universe 25 experiment demonstrated, even in a seemingly perfect environment, unchecked growth, under utopian conditions can still lead to societal stress and, to catastrophic consequences.

The Universe 25 experiment also offers a profound insight into the nature of the human experience. Even in a seemingly perfect environment, individuals still struggle to find meaning and purpose. This suggests that the human journey is not merely about achieving external goals or satisfying material needs but rather about internal growth and spiritual development.

If A.G.I. is going to mitigate how we much we need to toil in our daily survival, it’s also pushing us to question our limits, in terms of what it means to be human. And naturally this becomes a more philosophical question.

Humans thrive on meaning beyond the material which leads one to metaphysical, spiritual, ontological and religious frameworks on how we define the human limits of reality.

Every ontological framework will have their own way of dealing with suffering but the point is that “suffering” as a real concept exists.

From a Jewish (Kabbalistic) perspective, suffering is not always seen as a punishment or a random occurrence, but rather as a necessary part of the Divine plan, a Jewish legacy that is infused with suffering by design.

The Shema, a central Jewish prayer, is a mantra that is declared twice daily amongst observant Jews. It touches on the idea of the Covenant between God & the Jews, that God is one, and that He is the creator of everything. There is a clear if > then relationship for Jews; i.e. live a life of Divinely inspired Jewish morality and you will overcome suffering in the material world and in the spiritual one.

According to Kabbalistic teachings, the world we inhabit is a reflection of the Divine realm. The suffering we experience is a result of the separation between the Divine and the earthly. It is through this suffering that we have the opportunity to connect with the divine and to elevate our physical realities along with our (soul) or consciousness.

In Judaism, the concept of consciousness is associated to the idea of a soul and there is a collective consciousness in that all souls are a piece of the Divine whole.

The Universe 25 experiment, while conducted in a controlled environment, mirrors the human experience in many ways. Even in a seemingly perfect world, individuals still faced challenges and struggles. These challenges, while painful, can be seen as opportunities for growth and transformation. By confronting our suffering and learning to overcome it, we can develop the qualities that are essential for our transformative human experience. In other words, elevating our experience can become rewarding even if you don’t believe in a spiritual journey.

In conclusion, the Universe 25 experiment offers a valuable perspective on the human experience. While the pursuit of a perfect world may seem desirable, it is important to recognize that the true meaning of life lies not in external circumstances, but in our internal journey. Suffering, while painful, can be a powerful catalyst for spiritual growth and transformation. Regardless of your views or beliefs in Divinity, it would seem that it is an inescapable aspect of being alive.