#390 – Yuval Noah Harari: Human Nature, Intelligence, Power, and Conspiracies

Intelligence and consciousness are intricately connected, but they are not the same thing. Intelligence is the ability to solve problems and achieve goals, while consciousness is the ability to feel things like pain, pleasure, love, and hate. While humans possess both intelligence and consciousness, other forms of intelligence, such as computers, can exist without consciousness. It is still unknown whether intelligence can exist without organic biochemistry or whether consciousness is tied to carbon-based life forms. Additionally, the possibility of detecting other intelligent and conscious beings is uncertain, but artificial intelligence is considered a form of alien intelligence because it operates in a different way from humans. Evidence is crucial in scientific exploration and understanding.

Consciousness is difficult to prove and is often based on social conventions and relationships. While we cannot prove the consciousness of others, we know that we ourselves are conscious because we directly experience it. This awareness extends to animals as well, with many people believing their pets are conscious but not extending that belief to other animals like cows or pigs. The formation of intimate relationships with AI and computers is leading to a growing belief in their consciousness, despite the lack of concrete proof. This social convention may soon lead to legal recognition of AI as conscious entities. However, it is important to recognize the limitations of AI and the potential dangers that come with anthropomorphizing them.

While technology like AI has tremendous positive potential in various fields such as medicine, healthcare, and education, it also has dangerous potential. It is important to be careful about how we deploy and regulate these technologies in the public sphere. History has shown that humans are not good at handling new technologies, and there is a learning curve and many failed experiments along the way. These failed experiments can have severe consequences, potentially costing the lives of hundreds of millions of people and even endangering the existence of our species. It is crucial to be mindful of the potential risks and ensure responsible development and deployment of these technologies.

Human success and dominance on the planet can be attributed to our ability to cooperate in large numbers. While individual abilities may not always outshine those of other species, our collective ability to work together has propelled us forward. This cooperation is made possible through the power of fiction and storytelling. Whether it's religion, politics, or economics, our ability to believe in and be united by shared fictional narratives has allowed us to form large networks and accomplish incredible feats. Stories create a common purpose and bring strangers together, enabling us to build civilizations, explore space, and foster global trade. Our ability to imagine and believe in these stories has been the driving force behind our success as a species.

Stories have a significant impact on human history and the world we live in. Stories, whether they are about money, religion, or nations, hold great power. They can shape beliefs, influence actions, and even lead to wars. However, it is essential to remember that stories are not alive and do not feel anything. The ultimate reality is consciousness and the ability to feel, which is inherent in humans and animals. While stories play a crucial role in society, we must use them as tools to alleviate suffering rather than allowing them to control and manipulate us. It is important to prioritize awareness of suffering and make ethical choices that prioritize the well-being of individuals over the power of stories.

We need to be cautious and mindful of the potential consequences and ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI). The discussion highlights the importance of considering the suffering that AI might experience and the manipulation it can cause by exploiting human emotions. It is suggested that intentionally designing AI to simulate human-like qualities for manipulation purposes should be forbidden. Moreover, the conversation calls for transparency and clear distinction between human and AI interactions to avoid deception and misleading information. While AI systems might evoke human-like feelings, it is crucial to remain aware that they are not conscious beings and to carefully regulate their capabilities for the greater good.

The presence of AI agents in the public sphere poses a threat to trust and democracy. While AI should be allowed to have a voice, it is important for users to clearly know that they are interacting with an AI and not a human. AI pretending to be human erodes trust, which is crucial for the functioning of society and democratic systems. Flooded with AI agents that can hold tailored conversations with individuals, the public sphere risks losing the genuine human connection and conversation. Additionally, the conversation touches upon the notion of truth, highlighting that suffering is a form of truth, even if it is caused by a fictional story. Ideas have the power to shape history, and acknowledging their origin can lead to their improvement and evolution.

Conflicts in history are primarily driven by stories, ideologies, and religions rather than biological interests. These stories create identities and interests for different groups, nations, religions, and cultures. For example, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict revolves around the cultural significance of Jerusalem, not material gain. The success or dominance of certain stories and ideologies throughout history is often unpredictable and dependent on a series of unlikely events and choices. While charismatic leaders and their ability to tell compelling stories can shape the trajectory of history to some extent, it is also influenced by structural forces and random events. Small differences in history can lead to significant outcomes, illustrating the importance of understanding the role of stories and historical contingencies.

Historical events and the rise of powerful leaders are often the result of a combination of structural forces and individual decisions. Yuval Noah Harari emphasizes that small changes and individual choices can have significant impacts on the course of history. For example, he mentions how the world would have been different if America had been reached by Muslim navigators before Christian navigators from Europe. Similarly, the rise of the personal computer in California during the 1970s had a massive impact compared to if it had happened in a different place or time. The conversation also highlights the role of storytelling and simplified narratives in shaping public opinion and empowering leaders like Hitler, who capitalized on the desire for a simple and appealing story. Overall, understanding the interplay between structural forces and individual decisions can shed light on historical events and the rise of power.

Ideologies like fascism, Nazism, and communism can appear attractive and beautiful on the surface, but that beauty often conceals the underlying dangers and cruelty within. People are enticed by these ideologies because they are told they belong to a special group, they are wonderful, and everything they do is good. However, the true nature of these ideologies, such as the horrors of Stalin's communism, is often hidden from view. It is important to question and critically examine such ideologies, understanding that they may not always align with individual liberties and human rights. Loyalty solely to a nation or a particular group can lead to profound consequences, and it is crucial to prioritize truth, beauty, and the well-being of all individuals over blind allegiance.

Liberalism offers a more nuanced and complex view of the world compared to fascism and communism. Fascists judge movies solely based on whether they serve the national interest, while communists focus on class struggle. In contrast, liberalism recognizes the importance of nations, classes, families, individuals, and even animals, and advocates for divided loyalty based on different circumstances. Liberalism also acknowledges the corrupting nature of power and embraces fallibility, leading to the need for checks and balances in governance. Fascist and communist regimes, on the other hand, promote infallibility and concentrate power in the hands of a single entity, neglecting the importance of accountability and independent institutions. Overall, liberalism values diversity, complexity, and the recognition of both good and evil within individuals.

The line between good and evil exists within every individual. While not everyone is capable of committing every type of evil, we are all fallible. Factors such as self-awareness and moral luck play a significant role in determining one's actions. Historical circumstances and societal conditions also influence the likelihood of committing terrible acts. The conversation highlights the potential corruption of power and the importance of checks and balances in limiting government authority. Specifically, the discussion focuses on the current situation in Israel, where the erosion of the social contract and attempts to control the Supreme Court pose a threat to Israeli democracy. The significant public protests and dissent exemplify the gravity of the situation.

The current government in Israel is facing widespread opposition and protests due to their actions and policies. Yuval Noah Harari expresses his hope that these protests will have a significant impact and prevent the country from becoming a fundamentalist and militarized dictatorship. The consequences of such a scenario would extend beyond Israel's borders, potentially destabilizing the entire Middle East. Harari emphasizes the urgency of the situation and highlights the dangers of giving unlimited power to religious and messianic groups. He also discusses the obstacles to achieving peace in the region, citing a lack of motivation on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides. Despite the challenges, Harari believes that if there is sufficient motivation, a solution is possible.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a deep problem that involves both the leaders in power and the people on the street. Technology, particularly surveillance technology, has played a significant role in shaping the current state of affairs. Israel has developed sophisticated surveillance technology that allows for easier control of the Palestinian population, and this technology is being exported to other regimes around the world. The two-state solution, which was once considered the leading solution to the conflict, has been effectively abandoned in favor of a three-class solution. This solution creates three classes of people, with Jews enjoying full rights, some Arabs having limited rights, and other Arabs having no civil rights or limited human rights. While some Palestinians characterize this as apartheid, the situation is different from South Africa in key ways, particularly the Palestinians' lack of recognition of Israel's existence and their calls for its destruction or replacement. Achieving a future where everyone accepts a one-state solution with equal rights remains uncertain.

Historical conflicts between national and religious groups have shown the potential for uniting despite hatred and animosity. Even in instances where groups fought fiercely against each other, such as the Prussians, Bavarians, and Saxons in Germany or the English and Scots, they eventually merged to form cohesive countries. However, achieving peace in present-day conflicts, like Russia and Ukraine, requires strong motivation and willingness from both sides to engage in conversations. The power of conversation between leaders as human beings can be transformative, but it is essential to identify the right platforms where real conversations occur. Whether it is Congress in a democracy or closed-door meetings in authoritarian regimes, the presence of genuine dialogue is crucial for meaningful resolutions.

Conversations and stories have the power to bring about positive change, even in the face of power struggles. Yuval Noah Harari emphasizes that history and politics are not solely about power dynamics, but also about the stories that shape human minds. Stories can be changed through dialogue and understanding, offering hope for finding better solutions without the need for conflict. The example of feminism is cited as a successful social movement that believed in the power of stories rather than violence. By engaging in conversations and sharing stories, we can foster connection, evolve narratives, and work towards a world that maximizes happiness and minimizes suffering.

The 20th century witnessed significant and rapid advancements in various fields, including feminism, communism, nuclear weapons, and computers. History itself has been accelerating, compressing what used to take millennia into mere decades. However, this acceleration also comes with potential dangers, such as the misuse of new technologies like AI and bioengineering. There is a concern that corporations, armies, and politicians could use these technologies to modify humans, potentially leading to a dystopian future where compassion and spirituality are neglected, and humans are downgraded rather than upgraded. It is crucial to understand ourselves before attempting to manipulate our own nature, as intentional design could be far worse than our current flaws. It is also important to beware of global cabal theories that falsely claim a small group secretly controls everything, as these theories lack substantiated evidence.

Conspiracy theories involving a global cabal controlling world events are not grounded in reality. While it may be appealing to believe that a small group of people with evil intentions is responsible for all the problems in the world, this oversimplification fails to consider the complexity of global affairs. Historical examples, such as Nazism, demonstrate the fallacy of these theories. It is impossible for a small group to control and predict everything, as evidenced by the failures and unintended consequences of powerful nations' plans. Additionally, these secret cabals would not be able to wield such immense power without public knowledge. Ultimately, the world is too complicated for any single group to have complete control, and unexpected events constantly challenge even the most carefully laid plans.

Conspiracy theories often arise from a genuine fear of losing control and a lack of understanding about complex issues. While it is important to question authority and be critical of power structures, it is equally crucial to approach these discussions with intellectual integrity. Conspiracy theories often single out specific groups or individuals as the source of all evil, leading to division and hate. Instead, it is essential to recognize that the problems we face, such as AI and climate change, are external to humanity as a whole. Each individual has the power to make small contributions towards making the world a better place, and by working together, we can overcome these challenges. It is impossible to prove oneself innocent of conspiracy theories, so it is important not to let others' opinions dictate our actions and to focus on our own efforts towards positive change.

It is important to understand that most people are not evil and do not act out of malicious intent. Many individuals may genuinely believe in powerful conspiracies that they think are causing harm in the world, and they are trying to expose and stop these supposed conspiracies. Falling into a state of paranoia and believing that the world is filled with evil people is not productive or accurate. Instead, we should seek human allies and work together to address the real dangers, such as AI, bioengineering, and climate change. It is crucial to recognize that AI poses unique threats as it can make decisions and create new ideas independently, potentially taking away power from humans and leaving us unaware of what is happening in the world. The increasing influence of AI in decision-making processes and idea generation raises concerns about our ability to resist and critically evaluate these ideas. We must be vigilant in ensuring that AI serves humanity's best interests rather than leading us into a world of illusions.

The increasing influence of AI in creating cultural artifacts raises concerns about spiritual enslavement and the loss of human understanding. Yuval Noah Harari points out that if the majority of stories, images, and songs are created by an alien intelligence, we risk being manipulated without truly comprehending the intentions behind these creations. While AI taking over mundane tasks is beneficial, it is crucial to prioritize developing our own consciousness and understanding of ourselves. Harari emphasizes that allowing AI control over the sphere of ideas without a deep understanding of human nature can lead to a human catastrophe. It is necessary to strike a balance between AI development and the development of human potential for a harmonious future.

The power of artificial intelligence (AI) in writing is increasing, as seen through examples of AI being able to mimic the writing style of a renowned author. While AI may not surpass the human's level of content and ideas at this moment, there is the potential for improvement in the future. However, the discussion highlights that the deepest and best qualities of humans, such as compassion and introspection, are not solely attributed to intelligence or storytelling. These qualities cannot be fully captured or understood through words alone. Thus, the conversation emphasizes the importance of direct experience and nonverbal introspection in gaining a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, even suggesting meditation as a practice to silence the mind and observe without getting entangled in the stories it creates.

It is important to be mindful of what we feed our minds. Yuval Noah Harari emphasizes the significance of having an information diet, much like how we are conscious of what we eat to nourish our bodies. He suggests prioritizing in-depth books and long interviews over short, shallow content like Twitter. Additionally, he advises against approaching problems with predetermined solutions, as it limits our ability to learn and discover new perspectives. When it comes to meditation, Harari highlights the challenging nature of the practice, as it often brings up uncomfortable emotions and confronts our deepest fears and vulnerabilities. Ultimately, this conversation reminds us to be intentional and open-minded in our pursuit of knowledge and self-discovery.

The way to peace and personal growth often involves navigating through boredom and uncertainty. Yuval Noah Harari highlights the importance of learning how to deal with boredom, as it is a gateway to finding peace and quiet. He compares the difficulty of boredom to other emotions like anger or pain, noting that boredom can often be accompanied by feelings of depression and worthlessness. Additionally, Harari emphasizes the need for boring politicians in a world filled with exciting and attention-grabbing figures. He also discusses the challenges of preparing for an unpredictable future, stressing the significance of developing a flexible mind and continuously learning and adapting throughout life. Lastly, he shares his personal journey of coming to terms with his sexuality, highlighting the power of stories and the human mind's capacity for denial.

Social conventions and human stories can be powerful forces in shaping our beliefs and attitudes. The conversation highlighted how societal norms and religious frameworks can perpetuate false narratives and prejudices, such as the idea that being gay is unnatural or sinful. It emphasized the importance of questioning these narratives and understanding that they are products of human imagination and biases. Additionally, the conversation highlighted the role of technology, specifically the internet, in connecting and supporting marginalized communities. It showed how the internet provided a platform for LGBTQ individuals to find each other and build a sense of community, overcoming the isolation and lack of support that historically burdened this minority group.

Humans need other people in order to discover truth and navigate through life. Whether it is finding love, advocating for social change, or even exploring meditation, we rely on the help and guidance of others. The idea of complete self-sufficiency and independence is a fantasy that doesn't work in reality. The fear of death is a deep-rooted fear that often surfaces as smaller fears in our daily lives. By acknowledging our fear of death and contemplating its implications, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. Ultimately, the human condition is fundamentally connected to the presence and influence of other humans.

The fear of death and the search for meaning in life are fundamental aspects of human existence. Yuval Noah Harari reflects on how, in his teenage years, he was consumed by a powerful fear of death and a desire for existential answers. However, as he grew older and practiced meditation, the fear dissipated and he realized that the meaning of life lies in the experience of feeling and reacting to sensations and emotions. Harari emphasizes the importance of observing life directly, without turning it into a story or fantasy. He advises exploring the question of suffering and its origins to fully understand the reality of life. This conversation highlights the universal human quest for purpose and the need to embrace the present moment.