I have now been vegan for 8 or 9 years and people keep asking me how I feel and why I did it. So let me share a quick health update as well as the original 6 reasons why I went vegan.

Well, since going vegan I have lost and kept off 25 pounds or about 12 kgs. 

My body fat has gone down from about 22% to about 14%. 

My blood pressure went down from about 130 over 90 to about 115 over 75. 

My resting heart rate has dropped 5 beats to about 52. 

My BMI dropped almost 2 points to 22. 

My iron went up. My calcium went up. My triglycerides went down. My overall cholesterol went down. My sugar is stable at 5.1. Even my urologist said that my PSA is like that of a teenager.

Now, to be fair, not everything in my bloodwork is perfect and I am still very much struggling with and testing different nutritional protocols to get my LDL marker into the optimal range. 

However, at 48, I feel subjectively better, people often tell me that I look better, and my bloodwork is objectively better today than when I was 35 years old. 

So those are the effects of veganism on my health after almost 9 years.

Now, let me share my original 6 reasons why I went vegan, and feel free to let me know if you agree or disagree as well as your experience and your reasons as to why you would or you wouldn’t go vegan yourself 😉

Read the rest here: https://www.singularityweblog.com/6-reasons-why-i-went-vegan/

Singularity.FM

Our Future, AI and Veganism: 6 Reasons Why I Went Vegan

Throughout history, capital and labor have been interdependent forces driving economic growth. Capital relies on labor to generate returns on investment, while labor depends on capital for wages. Despite historical fluctuations in their balance of power, classical economics suggests a theoretical long-term equilibrium where both parties benefit—capital sees growing returns, and labor enjoys rising wages. But is this equilibrium sustainable in the face of rapid technological advancements?

The post-World War II era, particularly from the late 1940s to the early 1970s, exemplifies the mutual benefit of capital and labor. This period saw unprecedented economic growth and a significant rise in the standard of living for the baby boomer generation in North America. However, starting in the 1970s, the balance of power shifted towards capital. This shift was marked by productivity gains increasingly benefiting returns on investment while wages stagnated. As a result, the once-synchronized growth of productivity and wages decoupled, favoring capital over labor and increasing income inequality and social stratification.

This was a substantial quantitative change with proportionally substantial quantitative social implications. Today, we are approaching a qualitatively different watershed moment that will fundamentally shift the balance of power and have profound social and political implications.

For the first time in history, technological advancements like AI and robotics enable capital to create labor rather than hire it. This shift disrupts the traditional labor-capital relationship, leading to ‘technological unemployment,’ where machines and AI replace human labor across various industries. The longstanding relationship of mutual co-dependence between capital and labor will be profoundly altered, and the equilibrium taught by classical economics will no longer hold, even in theory. The incentive for paying wages diminishes as technologies like AI and robotics increase productivity while reducing costs. It’s like having workers who produce more and more while getting paid less and less. The best part for capital is the ability to create and multiply its own ‘labor’ force or cut it when needed, increasingly faster and cheaper. Humans are not required.

Some argue we have heard similar Luddite concerns before, and historically, technological advances have worked out for the better. However, today’s technological unemployment fundamentally differs from past labor disruptions, such as those during the Industrial Revolution. In the past, displaced workers transitioned from one type of manual job to another, as capital still needed human labor to operate machines, oversee production, and manage resources. Today, machines can autonomously perform these tasks. Production is monitored by sensors, and resource allocation and management are handled by AI, reducing the need for human labor to the point of potential obsolescence.

The speed and depth of change we are experiencing today, combined with an accelerating pace, means we will witness much more happen in a much shorter timeframe than during the Industrial Revolution. This is not simply about replacing some manual jobs with others; it’s about making most human jobs obsolete across all industrial levels—from cashiers and production-line workers to accountants, brokers, lawyers, insurance and real estate agents, consultants, doctors, and even CEOs. Such a fundamental change, occurring over a few decades, will have revolutionary political and social implications, similar to how the Industrial Revolution spawned various social movements, uprisings, and political revolutions...

Read the rest of the article and watch the original video here: https://www.singularityweblog.com/tech-unemployment/

From Mutual Dependence to Obsolescence: The Future of Labor in an AI-Driven Economy

Technology is the new religion, Silicon Valley – the new Promised Land, and entrepreneurs – the new prophets. They promise a future of abundance and immortality—a techno-heaven beyond our wildest dreams. And we are all believers.

We often forget technology is the how, not the why or what. It is a means to an end, not an end in itself. ‘Technology’ comes from two Greek words: ‘techne,’ meaning art, skill, or craft, and ‘logos,’ meaning word, discourse, or expression. Literally, technology means ‘discourse about the way things are achieved.’

Today, we have strayed from this original meaning, leading to a fundamental shift in perception. Technology is no longer a means to an end; it has become an end in itself.

People often say, “I am a big believer in technology,” as if it were a deity. This mindset blurs the line between using technology and worshipping it. I am a huge fan and user of technology, but I do not worship it. Worship leads to mindless slavery, and I want to master technology, not be enslaved by it. However, our civilization may already be on a different path.

In the past, actions were often justified as ‘God’s will.’ Today, we act because ‘technology wants it.’ The inevitability once attributed to divine will is now ascribed to technological progress. [Philip K. Dick wisely noted, “Just because something bears the aspect of the inevitable, one should not go along willingly with it.”]

Just as fulfillment in Christianity comes from following God, today we ‘follow’ technology. But in both cases, this can lead to enslavement. Are we masters, or merely tools of our tools? Are we fetishizing technological objects, creating personality cults around techno-prophets, and falling for new techno-religions? As Nassim Taleb remarked, “The difference between technology and slavery is that slaves are fully aware that they are not free.”

These are the questions I hope to raise, and I encourage you to ask them, too. Because the world is transformed by asking questions, and technology is not enough. The moment we stop questioning, we risk becoming slaves. As Arthur C. Clarke warned:

Before you become entranced with gorgeous gadgets and mesmerizing video displays, let me remind you that information is not knowledge, knowledge is not wisdom, and wisdom is not foresight. Each grows out of the other, and we need them all.

Technology excels at providing what we want but often falls short in giving us what we need. It can supply information and knowledge, but it struggles to provide wisdom. Technology helps us live easier, more comfortable, and longer lives, but it doesn’t tell us why we should live or what to do with our lives. Most importantly, technology does not make us happy—there is no app for happiness. If such an app ever existed, Nassim Taleb’s warning about the path to slavery would be even more relevant.

Intelligence can help us achieve our desires, but it is wisdom that guides us in determining what we should desire. Intelligence is valuable only when coupled with wisdom. Without the wisdom to discern what we should and should not want, possessing the intelligence to obtain it can lead to self-destruction.

The day humanity becomes the how and technology becomes the why or what is the day our freedom ends. The tool will have become the purpose, and the purpose will have become the tool. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a clear perspective on our priorities and fight for them.

See the original video here: https://www.singularityweblog.com/technology-is-the-how/

Get Your Why before AI: Technology is The How, Not the Why or What

Fifteen years ago, I penned the first versions of Hamlet’s Transhumanist Dilemma and A Transhumanist Manifesto. Much has changed since then, including my perspective.

I began with a question inspired by Hamlet: Will technology replace biology?

At the time, I believed this to be the modern iteration of Shakespeare’s existential query: to be or not to be.

Since death is a tragedy, I believed technology was our only escape. Yet, I feared choosing technology over biology might exact a heavy toll—a Faustian bargain.

I worried that transitioning from human to transhuman—or cyborg—might cost us something precious and unique, something not worth trading even for immortality. Hence, I titled the piece Hamlet’s Transhumanist Dilemma, believing there was no definitive answer and that each person must determine their own path.

A few months later, convinced I had found the answer, I dove headfirst into transhumanism. Everything seemed straightforward—black and white. As Transhumanist Party Chairman Gennady Stolyarov II succinctly put it: “Death is wrong, and life is right.”

Right.

The issue with dilemmas is their lack of clear answers. They are uncomfortable and excellent at posing questions but poor at providing solutions.

In contrast, manifestos leave no room for doubt. They are straightforward calls to action, confident in their solutions. Immersed in the transhumanist narrative, I wrote my manifesto, urging my fellow transhumanists to unite and break the ‘chains of biology and death.’

Fifteen years later, I find myself almost back where I began. [I guess, at least in some ways, life is a circle.] Yes, it is still true that dilemmas may not offer clear guidance, but they are authentic, raw, and honest. They reflect the complexity of our world—a world without a GPS to guide us into the future, where answers are often free, but good questions are priceless.

Dilemmas call for introspection, while manifestos call for action.

Manifestos are idealistic, romantic and convenient. Worse, they are often naïve, simplistic, and utopian—dangerously so. They inspire focus and action but frequently lack introspection and justification.

Perhaps I’m getting old, but lately, I see much action taken without much introspection. The kind of action that is ready to use violence to build a new world on the ruins of the current one. Yet, the world is never as simple as manifestos suggest, especially after the revolutionary (i.e., destructive) phase is over, and we must eventually build something.

And so I’ve returned to dilemmas as a better way to face the future. Because the world is transformed by asking questions. And because, as Richard Feynman noticed, it is better to have questions we have no answers for than answers we can’t question.

So, I’m back to Hamlet. Back to doubt, uncertainty, paradox, and the possibility of being wrong.

What about you? Are you up for revolution or introspection? Do you embrace the paradox or prefer clear answers?

See the original video here: https://www.singularityweblog.com/on-manifestos-and-dilemmas/

Hamlet’s Transhumanist Dilemma: Will Technology Replace Biology? [Redux] https://www.singularityweblog.com/hamlet-transhumanist-dilemma-will-technology-replace-biology/

A Transhumanist Manifesto [Redux] https://www.singularityweblog.com/a-transhumanist-manifesto/

Transhumanist Manifestos and Dilemmas: A Decade and a Half of Reflection

In this episode of Singularity FM, I speak with emotional intelligence (EQ) expert, executive coach, and keynote speaker Jamelle Lindo about the evolving role of EQ in our age of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence. While much of today’s discourse around AI focuses on technical prowess, data-driven decision-making, and automation, Jamelle highlights why understanding our inner emotional landscapes—and those of others—may be more critical now than ever.

We begin by tracing Jamelle’s personal journey, from his early struggles with social anxiety and insecurity to discovering the power of emotional literacy. Rather than seeing emotions as messy obstacles, he learned to view them as valuable sources of data about our values, needs, and mental states. That realization informed his personal development and later became the cornerstone of his approach to leadership coaching.

Throughout our conversation, Jamelle demystifies emotional intelligence, why it’s trainable, and how it can provide a critical edge for those navigating the complexity and uncertainty of the 21st century workplace. As technological tools—from AI-assisted apps to predictive analytics—reshape every industry, leaders who cultivate empathy, self-awareness, and emotional resilience will stand apart. Jamelle explains that EQ isn’t a “soft” or “nice-to-have” skill; it’s a strategic capability that underpins effective communication, talent development, organizational culture, and business outcomes.

We also discuss how AI might both challenge and enhance our EQ. On the one hand, automated systems can handle routine tasks and provide objective data, freeing up humans to focus on what we do uniquely well: build trust, inspire teams, and tackle nuanced ethical dilemmas. Conversely, the potential rise of “emotionally intelligent” AI agents forces us to ask: what does it mean to be human in an era where technology can mimic and sometimes surpass our cognitive and emotional capabilities?

Join us as we explore how to cultivate deeper emotional intelligence amid exponential change, what it takes to show up authentically as a leader, and how EQ might help us maintain a truly human edge in a future where humans and AI increasingly work side by side.

You can see the full video interview here: https://www.singularityweblog.com/jamelle-lindo/

Jamelle Lindo on Emotional Intelligence in the Age of AI: Harness the Power of Emotion

In this thought-provoking episode of Singularity.FM, I sit down with Dr. Jad Tarifi, CEO and co-founder of Integral AI, to explore the cutting-edge developments at the intersection of artificial intelligence and human potential. Dr. Tarifi shares insights into Integral AI’s mission to create foundation world models for real-world applications and the profound implications of achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI).

Our conversation delves into a wide array of topics, including:

The essence of intelligence and its evolution into artificial and general forms.
The challenges of AGI alignment and the importance of fostering collective human wisdom.
Dr. Tarifi’s personal journey from growing up in war-torn Lebanon to becoming a pioneer in AI.
The philosophical and practical dimensions of art, science, and technology as co-authors of our shared reality.
Why Integral AI believes we now have all the components necessary to achieve AGI—and what that means for humanity’s future.
Dr. Tarifi’s perspective is not only informed by his extensive academic and professional background but also deeply rooted in his lifelong curiosity about the nature of reality. He emphasizes that AGI is not the endpoint but a new beginning for humanity, offering unprecedented opportunities and risks.

Join us for a compelling discussion that challenges conventional thinking and illuminates the path toward a future shaped by the convergence of intelligence, creativity, and freedom.

You can see the full video interview here: https://www.singularityweblog.com/jad-tarifi/

Dr. Jad Tarifi of Integral AI: “We Now Have All the Ingredients for AGI”

In this episode of Singularity.FM, Neil Redding, a near futurist and innovation architect, joins Nikola Danaylov for an insightful exploration into the intersections of technology, ecosystems, and human agency. With over 30 years of experience unlocking the transformative power of emerging technologies, Neil offers a fresh perspective on what it means to co-create reality in an increasingly interconnected world. 

Throughout the conversation, Neil discusses his journey from studying computer science and philosophy to becoming a thought leader in near futurism. He explains how his work bridges the possible and the practical, helping brands and individuals adapt to the rapid pace of technological change. Topics covered include the implications of spatial computing, the convergence of digital and physical ecosystems, and the role of AI in shaping our collective future. 

Neil also delves into the ethical dimensions of innovation, emphasizing the need for ecosystem-centered thinking and responsible co-creation. Together, Nikola and Neil examine humanity’s greatest challenges, from polarization to sustainability, offering actionable insights on how to navigate the accelerating future. 

Don’t miss this compelling dialogue that challenges conventional thinking and invites us all to participate in shaping the future. Tune in for an engaging and thought-provoking episode.

If you want to see the full video interview, click here: 

https://www.singularityweblog.com/neil-redding

Near Futurist Neil Redding on Co-Creating Reality

In this episode of Singularity.FM, I sit down with renowned author and philosopher Donald J. Robertson to explore his latest book, How to Think Like Socrates. As we navigate the crossroads of ancient wisdom and modern challenges, Donald shares timeless insights from Socrates that remain profoundly relevant in today’s age of rapid technological transformation and AI.

We dive into the art of critical thinking, the value of questioning assumptions, and the ethical considerations of integrating philosophy with cutting-edge innovation. About halfway through our conversation, Donald turns the tables and starts asking me some Socratic questions, sparking a dynamic and thought-provoking exchange that takes the discussion to new depths.

Together, we tackle big questions: What can Socrates teach us about living wisely in a world dominated by AI? How do we balance our pursuit of knowledge with the necessity of wisdom? And how do ancient philosophical techniques help us confront the uncertainties of our time?

Whether you’re a fan of philosophy, curious about the future, or looking to deepen your understanding of critical thinking in the digital age, this episode offers a rich dialogue packed with insights and practical takeaways. Join us as we explore the enduring legacy of Socrates and its implications for humanity’s evolving relationship with technology.

You can watch the full video interview here: https://www.singularityweblog.com/donald-j-robertson/

Donald J.  Robertson on How to Think Like Socrates in the Age of AI

In his second appearance on Singularity.FM, Professor Angus Fletcher returns to dive even deeper into the story of human intelligence. [See the first interview here.]

Fletcher is no ordinary guest. A rare hybrid of neuroscientist and Shakespearean scholar, he has advised DARPA, Hollywood, and the U.S. Army, where his narrative-based research earned him the Commendation Medal for groundbreaking work with Special Operations.

In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore the core ideas behind his bestselling book “Storythinking” and his upcoming book “Primal Intelligence” (Penguin, 2025) — and why story is not just for telling, but for thinking.

We unpack how story rewires our brains, restores purpose, and can even help individuals — and entire nations — reclaim their agency in an increasingly automated world.

You’ll learn: Why narrative, not logic, is humanity’s true superpower.

How imagination, intuition, emotion, and common sense form a “primal intelligence” that Angus believes AI will never replicate.

Why content isn’t king — context is.

How “plot twists” can transform trauma into growth — individually and collectively.

What happens when the U.S. military tests ancient storytelling theories on modern warriors.

From ancient wisdom literature to cutting-edge neuroscience, from baking bread with ChatGPT to surviving in war zones, this conversation doesn’t just span disciplines — it connects the dots that matter most to our future. This interview is not about AI. It is about being human in the age of AI.

Angus Fletcher on Storythinking and Primal Intelligence

Adam Becker is a science journalist with a PhD in astrophysics and the author of the provocative new book More Everything Forever: AI Overlords, Space Empires, and Silicon Valley’s Crusade to Control the Fate of Humanity.

I reached out to Adam because I found his book sharp, timely, and necessary — a long-overdue reality check to the fantasies of techno-utopianism flooding our culture. In More Everything Forever, Becker dissects the dominant visions of the future being sold by Silicon Valley’s billionaire elite: godlike AI, digital immortality, interstellar empires, and a future populated by trillions of posthuman minds. His thesis? These aren’t scientific forecasts. They’re billionaire fever dreams—ideological weapons dressed up as inevitabilities.

Drawing on over fifteen years as a science communicator and journalist, Becker traces how a fringe worldview — steeped in misunderstood sci-fi, hubris, and colonialist logic — has moved from the internet’s margins into university labs, government hearings, and mainstream media. We discuss why these ideas aren’t just wrong; they’re dangerous distractions from the real crises we face: war, climate change, inequality, and a fraying shared reality.

So, if you’ve ever questioned the hype around AI overlords, Mars colonies, or techno-salvation, this conversation is for you.

I hope you enjoy my interview with Adam Becker as much as I did.

My favorite quotes from this conversation with Adam Becker are:

Silicon Valley has confused science fiction with science — and science with branding.

We are solving imaginary future problems while the world burns right in front of us.

AI overlords, Mars colonies, and posthuman utopias aren’t visions of the future. They’re distractions from the present.

See the video here: https://www.singularityweblog.com/adam-becker/

Adam Becker on More Everything Forever and Big Tech’s Future Myths

Singularity.FM is the first and best known singularity podcast - the place where we interview the future. 

Singularity.FM is a series of singularity podcast interviews with the best scientists, writers, entrepreneurs, film-makers, philosophers and artists, debating issues such as the technological singularity, transhumanism, artificial intelligence, life-extension and ethics.

Past guests of this singularity podcast include people such as Ray Kurzweil, Peter Diamandis, Noam Chomsky, Stuart Hameroff, Marvin Minsky, Aubrey de Grey, Max More, Michio Kaku, Vernor Vinge, Cory Doctorow, Charles Stross and many, many others.

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