Don't be afraid of evil super-brains, says futurist

Michio Kaku

The idea of erasing and implanting memories is a common feature of science fiction films such asTotal RecallandEternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Modern science can already erase and implant memories in rats, and in the future such techniques might be used on humans as well. Such experiments are the subject of the new bookThe Future of the Mindby famed physicist and futuristMichio Kaku. But one obstacle facing human trials is resistance from bioethicists, who argue that our memories make us who we are. Kaku rejects this idea when it comes to traumatic memories, such as soldiers suffering fromPTSD.

"We're talking about basically an injury to the brain, in the form of a memory that's so traumatic it paralyses you," says Michio Kaku in Episode 104 of theGeek's Guide to the Galaxypodcast. "And I think this whole philosophy that we should be natural, that we should live with disease or live with traumatic memories, is taking things too far."

Kaku is a lifelong science fiction fan whose books and TV shows often deal with the intersection of science and science fiction. He thinks science fiction is an important tool for expanding creativity and embracing possibilities, and he feels many bioethicists could benefit from reading more science fiction, which might help reduce their excessive attachment to the familiar.

"Science fiction is way past bioethicists, who are simply responding to what's happening in laboratories today, not responding to what will happen in the laboratory a few decades from now," says Kaku.

Listen to our complete interview with Michio Kaku in Episode 104 ofGeek's Guide to the Galaxy. Then stick around after the interview as former co-hostJohn Joseph Adamsreturns to the show to discuss his recent projects with his longtime agentJoe Montiand hostDavid Barr Kirtley.

Michio Kaku on not fearing 'super-brains':

"In so many comic books and movies, we have the super-genius becoming the villain, likeLex Luthor. Or all the movies where you see super-brains take over the world. But we actually do have super-brains, they actually do exist, some of them are my friends, they're Nobel Prize winners in theoretical physics, and their incomes are very low, a fraction of whatZuckerbergmakes, the founder of Facebook. Having a super-brain does not suddenly make you a dictator of the world. So we don't have to fear the scenarios of science fiction where the Lex Luthors of the world take over. People with exceptional ability, they don't become politicians, they don't become multi-millionaires, some of them just become professors like me, making a measly income."

Michio Kaku on using lasers to project our minds into outer space:

"In the book I mention perhaps one of the greatest science fiction short stories, written byIsaac Asimov. His favorite science fiction story was way in the future when pure consciousness zips across the universe And this is a possibility. If I have a CD-ROM with all the [neural] connections on a disk, I can put that on a laser beam, and I can shoot that into outer space at the speed of light And then at the other end there's a relay station which absorbs the laser beam and puts all these memories into a robot, and so you can then begin to feel, and live on another star system So this idea was inspired by Isaac Asimov and other science fiction writers, but now we think it could be possible."

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Don't be afraid of evil super-brains, says futurist

Future of hotel industry in Ireland. Future travel, tourism, corporate hospitality Futurist speaker – Video


Future of hotel industry in Ireland. Future travel, tourism, corporate hospitality Futurist speaker
Future of hotel industry in Ireland - key economic and customer trends affecting the hotels industry. Futurist speaker Patrick Dixon speaking at event for th...

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Health care rationing – budget cuts and government spending – health care futurist speaker – Video


Health care rationing - budget cuts and government spending - health care futurist speaker
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Futurist Says We'll Use Lasers to Beam Our Minds Into Space Someday Soon

The idea of erasing and implanting memories is a common feature of science fiction films such as Total Recall and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Modern science can already erase and implant memories in rats, and in the future such techniques might be used on humans as well. Such experiments are the subject of the new book The Future of the Mind by famed physicist and futurist Michio Kaku. But one obstacle facing human trials is resistance from bioethicists, who argue that our memories make us who we are. Kaku rejects this idea when it comes to traumatic memories, such as soldiers suffering from PTSD.

Were talking about basically an injury to the brain, in the form of a memory thats so traumatic it paralyzes you, says Michio Kaku in Episode 104 of the Geeks Guide to the Galaxy podcast. And I think this whole philosophy that we should be natural, that we should live with disease or live with traumatic memories, is taking things too far.

Kaku is a lifelong science fiction fan whose books and TV shows often deal with the intersection of science and science fiction. He thinks science fiction is an important tool for expanding creativity and embracing possibilities, and he feels many bioethicists could benefit from reading more science fiction, which might help reduce their excessive attachment to the familiar.

Science fiction is way past bioethicists, who are simply responding to whats happening in laboratories today, not responding to what will happen in the laboratory a few decades from now, says Kaku.

Listen to our complete interview with Michio Kaku in Episode 104 of Geeks Guide to the Galaxy (above). Then stick around after the interview as former co-host John Joseph Adams returns to the show to discuss his recent projects with his longtime agent Joe Monti and host David Barr Kirtley.

Michio Kaku on not fearing super-brains:

In so many comic books and movies, we have the super-genius becoming the villain, like Lex Luthor. Or all the movies where you see super-brains take over the world. But we actually do have super-brains, they actually do exist, some of them are my friends, theyre Nobel Prize winners in theoretical physics, and their incomes are very low, a fraction of what Zuckerberg makes, the founder of Facebook. Having a super-brain does not suddenly make you a dictator of the world. So we dont have to fear the scenarios of science fiction where the Lex Luthors of the world take over. People with exceptional ability, they dont become politicians, they dont become multi-millionaires, some of them just become professors like me, making a measly income.

Michio Kaku on using lasers to project our minds into outer space:

In the book I mention perhaps one of the greatest science fiction short stories, written by Isaac Asimov. His favorite science fiction story was way in the future when pure consciousness zips across the universe And this is a possibility. If I have a CD-ROM with all the [neural] connections on a disk, I can put that on a laser beam, and I can shoot that into outer space at the speed of light And then at the other end theres a relay station which absorbs the laser beam and puts all these memories into a robot, and so you can then begin to feel, and live on another star system So this idea was inspired by Isaac Asimov and other science fiction writers, but now we think it could be possible.

Michio Kaku on how science fiction can help Chinese scientists:

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Futurist Says We'll Use Lasers to Beam Our Minds Into Space Someday Soon

What next: Inflation or Deflation? Get ready for inflation – Economics Futurist Keynote Speaker – Video


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What next: Inflation or Deflation? Get ready for inflation - Economics Futurist Keynote Speaker - Video

Futurist Richard Worzel Discusses the Challenges and Opportunities that Lie Ahead for Farmers – Video


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Futurist Richard Worzel Discusses the Challenges and Opportunities that Lie Ahead for Farmers - Video

Trends Expert Jack Uldrich to Address the Topic of Future-Proofing at Wells Fargo

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) February 27, 2014

Local best-selling author and futurist Jack Uldrich will be presenting a keynote address to Wells Fargo on Friday, February 28th. Uldrich will present his speech, How to Future-Proof Yourself Against Tomorrows Ten Transformational Trends, Today. As one of the nation's premier financial services firms, Wells Fargo has made a commitment to satisfy their clients' investment needs and help them succeed financially. By understanding the future trends and learning to future-proof from experts like Uldrich, Wells Fargo is striving to ensure both their success and their customers success.

The material presented is based on a combination of Uldrich's best-selling books, "Foresight 2020: A Futurist Explores the Trends Transforming Tomorrow" and Jump the Curve; 50 Essential Strategies to Help Your Company Stay Ahead of Emerging Technologies.

Uldrichs interactive speech, which has been tailored specifically to Wells Fargo and their quest to discover what 2014 holds in store, is designed to provide Wells Fargos leaders and employees with a solid and thought-provoking foundation upon which to continue creating the companys future. An overview of some of Uldrichs ideas can be found in this YouTube clip of his presentation, "Why Future Trends Demand Unlearning", which also aired on WFYI in Indianapolis.

Uldrich will also provide an overview of how technological change is upending long-standing business models and discuss why future trends demand unlearning. Uldrich, who has been hailed as "America's Chief Unlearning Officer" and is author of 2011 best-seller "Higher Unlearning: 39 Post Requisite Lessons for Achieving a Successful Future," will use vivid analogies and memorable stories, drawn from a wide spectrum of industries, to ensure his message of unlearning makes a lasting impression on his audience at Wells Fargo. He will conclude his talk by reviewing the consequences of not embracing the concept of unlearning.

Uldrichs clients include General Electric, IBM, Cisco, United Healthcare, PepsiCo, Verizon Wireless, General Mills, the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), Pfizer, Healthcare Association of New York, Southern Company, St. Jude Medical, Dressbarn, AG Schering, Imation, Lockheed Martin, Fairview Hospitals, Touchstone Energy, The Insurance Service Organization, and hundreds more.

Parties interested in learning about Jack Uldrich, his books, his daily blog or his speaking availability are encouraged to contact Catherine Glynn.

Jack Uldrich is a renowned global futurist, technology forecaster, best-selling author, editor of the quarterly newsletter, The Exponential Executive, and host of the award-winning website, http://www.jumpthecurve.net. He is currently represented by a number of professional speakers' bureaus, including Leading Authorities, Convention Connection, Gold Star Speakers Bureau and Executive Speakers Bureau.

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Trends Expert Jack Uldrich to Address the Topic of Future-Proofing at Wells Fargo

Why Cities have a Great Future: Futurist speaker – keynote on real estate industry trends – Video


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How To Prevent Ageing – Stay Young Forever – Future Pharma Health Care Futurist Speaker – Video


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Future of London Property Market – House Prices in London – Real Estate Trends Futurist Keynote – Video


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Future property prices in London and other major cities. Impact of global economic and political events on future London house prices, and future UK house pr...

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Business Trends Expert Jack Uldrich to Deliver Thought Provoking and Stimulating Ideas for Burgeoning Entrepreneurs

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) February 25, 2014

Global futurist and Entrepreneur, Jack Uldrich will be kicking off the 2014 Allan P. Kirby Center Lecture Series. The series, which offers two lectures annually, "brings leading voices in free enterprise and entrepreneurship to the Wilkes University campus and Northeastern Pennsylvania. These forums give students and the community insight into the creative process and drive of the entrepreneur." Uldrich's talk takes place Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts.

Jack Uldrich, a former naval intelligence officer and Defense Department official, also served as the Director of the Minnesota Office of Strategic and Long Range Planning under Governor Jesse Ventura. Uldrich is a renowned business trend expert and the author of eleven books, including: The Next Big Thing is Really Small: How Nanotechnology will Change the Future of Your Business; and Jump the Curve: 50 Strategies to Help Your Company Stay Ahead of Technology. He is also the founder and "chief unlearning officer" of The School of Unlearning - an international leadership, change management and technology consultancy dedicated to helping business, governments, and non-profit organizations prepare for and profit from periods of profound transformation.

His lecture for the evening is entitled "Why Future Trends Will Demand Unlearning." He will be sharing insights from his most recent book is:" Foresight 20/20: A Futurist Explores the Trends Transforming Tomorrow", as well as highlights from "Higher Unlearning: 39 Post-Requisite Lessons for Achieving a Successful Future." A synopsis of some of Uldrichs ideas on tomorrows transformational technologies can be found in this article, 10 Game-Changing Technological Trends Transforming the World of Tomorrow.

Uldrich is a frequent speaker on the technology, change management and leadership lecture circuits, and has addressed numerous businesses, trade associations, educational and investment groups around the world. A video of his TED Talk on unlearning can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR9fdhJGxtI.) His clients include: IBM, Cisco, USAA, General Electric, Wipro, PepsiCo, United Healthcare, Southern Company, Novo Nordisk, Verizon, General Mills, Pfizer, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He is also a regular guest on CNBC, MSNBC and CNN, and a regular contributor on emerging technologies and future trends for a number of publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Leader to Leader, The Futurist, Businessweek, The Scientist, CityBusiness, The Futures Research Quarterly, and TechStation Central.

Parties interested in learning more about Jack Uldrich, his books, his daily blog or his speaking availability are encouraged to contact Catherine Glynn.

Jack Uldrich is a renowned global futurist, technology forecaster, best-selling author, editor of the quarterly newsletter, The Exponential Executive, and host of the award-winning website, http://www.jumpthecurve.net. He is currently represented by a number of professional speakers' bureaus, including Leading Authorities, Convention Connection, Gold Star Speakers Bureau and Executive Speakers Bureau.

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Business Trends Expert Jack Uldrich to Deliver Thought Provoking and Stimulating Ideas for Burgeoning Entrepreneurs

Futurists Worldwide 24-Hour Discussion to Celebrate World Future Day March 1st to be Hosted Online by The Millennium …

(PRWEB) February 25, 2014

On March 1st, International Futures Day, six international futurist organizations will come together to conduct a 24-hour conversation about the worlds potential futures, challenges, and opportunities. This online conversation will be moving across the world with people entering and leaving the conversation whenever they want. The six organizations will provide facilitators for each of the 24 timezones as possible. In addition to The Millennium Project, they are: the Association of Professional Futurists, Club of Amsterdam, Humanity+, World Future Society, and the World Futures Studies Federation.

Two years ago Humanity+ initiated Future Day as March 1st for their members and anyone else - to host some activity locally to celebrate a positive future brought about by accelerating technology the focus of their organization. This year, Jerome Glenn, CEO of The Millennium Project, decided to help make it a global online event and start a new tradition that could eventually help humanity think itself together for a more beautiful future.

Wherever you are in the world, you are invited at 12:00 noon in your timezone to click on the Future Day button at http://www.millennium-project.org or http://www.themp.org to join this global conversation about the future", says Jerome Glenn. If the limit of interactive video conference participation is reached, new arrivals will be able to see and hear, but not have their video seen and voice heard, but they can type in their questions and comments at: https://twitter.com/MillenniumProj that the facilitators can read live in the video conference. As people drop out, new video slots will open up. This is an open, no-agenda discussion about the future, but in general people will be encouraged to share their ideas about how to build a better future, notes Jerome Glenn.

The contacts for the leaders of the collaborating organizations are:

The Millennium Project is a global participatory think tank connecting 50 Nodes around the world that identify important long-range challenges and strategies, and initiate and conduct foresight studies, workshops, symposiums, and advanced training. Over 4,500 futurists, scholars, business planners, and policy makers who work for international organizations, governments, corporations, NGOs, and universities have participated in The Millennium Projects research since its inception, in 1996. The Projects mission is to improve thinking about the future and make it available through a variety of media for feedback to accumulate wisdom about the future for better decisions today. It produces the annual "State of the Future" reports, the "Futures Research Methodology" series, the Global Futures Intelligence System (GFIS), and special studies. The Millennium Project was selected among the top ten think tanks in the world for new ideas and paradigms by the 2013 University of Pennsylvanias GoTo Think Tank Index, and 2012 Computerworld Honors Laureate for its contributions to collective intelligence systems. The forthcoming 2013-14 "State of the Future" will be available in March 2014.

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Futurists Worldwide 24-Hour Discussion to Celebrate World Future Day March 1st to be Hosted Online by The Millennium ...

The Future of Digital Marketing: Interview: Futurist Gerd Leonhard (at Digital Malaysia May 2013) – Video


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