‘Our Unevenly Distributed Future’

Allen Pike:

As I understand it, my first experience in a self-driving car was typical:

  • Minute 1: “How safe is this? Will it notice that cyclist? What about those construction cones?”
  • Minute 10: “This is wild. It’s driving so calmly and safely. I love it.”
  • Minute 20: (Bored, checking my email in the back seat.)

It was like a firmware update to my brain.

Imagine how exhilarating subways must have been a century ago — zipping across cities in high-speed underground trains. All technology becomes mundane quickly. It’s kind of amazing when you notice it happening with yourself.

★ Monday, 30 September 2024