While it is always proper to treat the idea of “inevitability” or the promise of utopia with skepticism, it would also be irresponsible to ignore what is fast becoming an undeniable trend. From all outward appearances, technological change is an anthropogenic trend subject to acceleration, and the speed at which changes are coming is reaching a critical point.

Reality check

Of course, there is no shortage of naysayers, skeptics, and doubters regarding the Technological Singularity and similar predictions. In one camp, you have those who cite past claims such as flying cars, floating cities, and other futuristic visions that were predicted to come true by the 21st century.

While some speculative thinkers have proven to be bang on in the past, predicting the future has always suffered from a rather high failure rate. Second, some challenge the rather utopian outlook of thinkers like Ray Kurzweil, Peter Diamandis, and other Singularitarians who believe that this event will usher in a future of abundance and limitless opportunities.