While there's no doubt that Kurzweil is extremely knowledgeable about some things, such as computer technology, he makes the same mistake that many highly intelligent people do: Thinking that being smart in one field of expertise makes you somehow smart in almost any other field that you're interested in. Futurists are about the worst who fall into this category.

Don't misunderstand me. There's nothing wrong with making predictions about tomorrow's technology. We all do it from time to time. However most of us know that our knowledge of technology and science is very limited at best, so our predictions shouldn't be taken as prophesies handed down from God. I don't see many astrophysicists making predictions about when a cure for the common cold will be found, nor do I see many meteorologists predicting when a commercially viable fusion reactor will go into production. But that doesn't intimidate most futurists. Everything is up for grabs. Never let one's lack of knowledge stand in the way of making wild-ass speculations predictions.

Anyone who doesn't approach the prophesies of futurists with serious skepticism probably should find another hobby that tends to discourage critical thinking.

Awarding berticus with one star point for this contribution to VideoSift - declared quality by kronosposeidon.

Promoting this Sift Talk post - promote requested by kronosposeidon.

[redacted]

Keep taking those tablets Ray

PZ is a sharp cat.

Pseudoscience always has a lure in some people. I just want to simulate my own brain during my lifetime.. maybe the solution is to think less..

Kurtzweil responds!
http://www.kurzweilai.net/ray-kurzweil-responds-to-ray-kurzweil-does-not-understand-the-brain

PZ Myers with a return beat-down!

http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2010/08/kurzweil_still_doesnt_understa.php

[Should I keep posting these or are the interested readers just using reddit et al to keep abreast?]

^Hell, keep posting it-One-Stop shopping.>> ^Deano:

PZ Myers with a return beat-down!
http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2010/08/kurzweil_still_doesnt_
understa.php
[Should I keep posting these or are the interested readers just using reddit et al to keep abreast?]

The only future questions worth asking: when are the hoverboards and f**kbots? Until then, I put my head in the freezer one minute a day to extend lifespan.