——The 10th Open Letter to Leaders of Mankind
To:
Leaders of various countries, Secretary General of the United Nations, top scientists and scholars, well-known entrepreneurs and media leaders.
Distinguished leaders,
Throughout the course of history, each technological revolution has brought about profound social transformations. Since the Industrial Revolution in the mid-eighteenth century, our world has undergone drastic changes. However, not every leap in technology represents a triumph of human intelligence; with every successful exploration into the unknown, we have to pay a corresponding price.
Since 1979, for over forty years, I have been dedicated to the study of technological development and its impact on society. I have witnessed how science and technology shapes our reality and future. In my book "Saving Humanity," published in 2007, I delved into a crucial viewpoint: while technology has brought us unprecedented convenience and prosperity, it has also sown the seeds that could lead humanity towards extinction.
It was in January 2007, coinciding with the publication of my book "Saving Humanity," that I first wrote to leaders of mankind, openly calling for the restriction of scientific and technological development to prevent it from becoming the gravedigger of human civilization. Sixteen years have passed, and this is now the tenth time I am writing to the leaders regarding the same issue.
Over the past few decades, especially with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, we have seen more clearly the risk of human extinction that technological development might pose. Faced with such risks, we must act promptly; there is no time to lose.
The uncertainty and potential dangers of science and technology have been confirmed by numerous historical lessons. We cannot comprehensively and accurately assess the safety of technology, nor can we universally and rationally utilize its outcomes. In this context, I issue a warning about the current state of technological safety: we might be just one step away from extinction. This is not a hypothesis, but a conclusion based on careful consideration of the current situation.
In recent months, the calls for global management of artificial intelligence by many scientists have grown louder, and some countries have taken corresponding actions. From the executive order in the United States to governance initiative in China, from the legal framework in the European Union to safety summit in the United Kingdom, we are witnessing the collective efforts of the international community.
The severity of this issue being recognized by everyone was unimaginable not so long ago; the actions being taken were even more unthinkable. All of this is because the terrifying reality has become increasingly clear before us.
However, mere legislation and norms are far from sufficient. Even the best legal systems and moral values, while they can exert a good restraining influence on society as a whole, can never guarantee that every individual refrains from committing extreme wrongdoings, including scientists. Moreover, when artificial intelligence develops to a certain level and possibly gains self-awareness, it will be beyond our control.
Here, I also want to point out that it's not just artificial intelligence that could lead to human extinction. Many scientists believe that the out-of-control nanobots developed through nanotechnology could replicate themselves endlessly and exterminate humanity; likewise, genetically engineered biological weapons spread super plagues. And as science and technology continues to advance, higher-level technological achievements will have even greater power.
In summary, it is no longer a question of if a particular technology can lead to human extinction, but that multiple scientific and technological advancements have the potential to do so. There are threats we have recognized and those we have not. Therefore, as long as science and technology continues to develop, it will inevitably lead to human extinction. To avoid this fate, strict limitations on the development of science and technology are necessary to keep humanity away from the abyss of extinction.
Strictly limiting the development of science and technology is something that contemporary national societies cannot accomplish. Due to the competitive nature among nations and the fact that science and technology is the primary productive force, no country is likely to limit the development of science and technology for the benefit of humanity. Only through the great unification of humanity and the control of science and technology by the power of a world government can the extinction of humanity possibly be avoided.
Achieving the great unification of humanity may seem impossible, but a deep study of history reveals that the expansion of human political entities is a major trend. It was only limited by the inconvenience of transportation and communication, which made it difficult to govern a large area. However, modern communication and transportation have already connected the world into a global village. The realization of the great unification is merely a matter of consensus.
To this end, in 2018, I established Save Human Action Organization, also known as SHAO. The purpose of SHAO is to promote a global awakening movement. We want everyone in the world to recognize that if science and technology continues to develop in this way, humanity will soon become extinct. Only by moving towards the great unification and using the power of a world government to strictly limit the development of science and technology can humanity be saved from extinction.
Moreover, we also want to tell everyone that a unified society is particularly well-suited to becoming a peaceful, friendly and non-competitive society with equal wealth, where people's sense of happiness is the strongest. Therefore, a unified society is not only one that can avoid human extinction but also an ideal society that can bring universal happiness to mankind.
I firmly believe that our cause is a just one, and it represents the direction of truth. It is never wrong to uphold the truth. Bowing to the truth and adhering to the path of truth brings peace of mind.
Humanity is racing against science and technology, and time does not allow us to wait. The time fate has left for humanity is really running out, and we must feel the urgency.
In conclusion, what I want to reiterate is not just a simple fact or a logical conclusion. It is rather a call for wisdom and a pursuit of truth. The development of technology has undoubtedly brought us unprecedented convenience and progress, but it also brings the inevitable risk of leading us to extinction. Faced with such challenges, we must prioritize wisdom and truth, rather than hiding them under the shadows of power and interest.
Today, each of us carries a historical responsibility. We can no longer stand idly by, allowing mistakes and misunderstandings to continue guiding our technological development. We must bravely face our own errors and work together to create a truly safe and sustainable world.
Yours sincerely,
Hu Jiaqi
Founder of Save Human Action Organization (SHAO)
November 2023
