Use AGI to Fix Broken Systems and Build Better Human Civilization

At a recent TEDx Talks, Danilo McGarry delves into the symbiotic relationship between AI's advancement and human evolution, posing provocative questions that challenge our understanding of both technology and humanity. Below is the key highlights of the talk, also check out the original youtube video below for more details:

In the grand narrative of human history, few revolutions have fundamentally altered our way of life. The discovery and use of fossil fuels, the invention of the steam engine, the harnessing of electricity, and the advent of the internet are such transformative moments. According to the World Economic Forum, we are currently entering the Fourth Industrial Revolution—a revolution driven by AI.



This revolution is markedly different from past ones. It’s not a gradual evolution but rather a rapid, impactful upheaval. This is not just an industrial revolution; it is an informational revolution that could rival the significance of the printing press. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is set to profoundly disrupt how we work and live, as opposed to merely enhancing productivity.


Economic projections estimate that AI will generate between $7 to $15 trillion in economic value globally over the next few years. To put that in perspective, the current global GDP stands at around $100 trillion. This is no small feat—no other technology in history has come close to such an impact.


As AI accelerates its encroachment into various industries, new companies will emerge, offering services and creating jobs that didn't exist before. This transformation will necessitate new skills and redefine our work lives. Drawing parallels to history, the invention of cars and their subsequent replacement of horses caused significant social upheaval. Now, imagine a technology that can replicate many of our human tasks—its impact will be even more colossal.


We can categorize much of what we do into three basic activities: work, eat, sleep—repeat. This cycle is fundamentally about survival. Remarkably, between the ages of 20 and 50, we may spend up to 50% of our prime years working. This fact influences where we live, our hobbies, and even the company we keep.


Compared to human beings, contemporary AI systems possess an IQ of 150, surpassing most of us. AI also has infinite and flawless memory—something the human condition can never achieve. When combined with machinery, AI becomes stronger and faster than any human. Some even argue that AI has become more creative than humans. Case in point, AI can create intricate designs and compose music at an astonishing pace.


To balance the argument, it’s important to recognize that there are aspects where humans still hold an edge over AI, such as power consumption. The human brain requires only 20 watts of energy per hour, whereas an AI system performing a comparable task demands significantly more energy.

In the coming years, perhaps not even decades, we may face a profound moment of reflection, literally and figuratively. This will force us to reassess what makes us unique as a species and reimagine our purpose on this planet. Some experts predict that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—systems that can outperform humans in virtually all tasks—could become a reality within five years.



Signs of AGI are already appearing, and this technological milestone is likely to stir existential questions and societal transformations. As we navigate this new chapter, we should view AI as a liberator, freeing us from menial, repetitive tasks so that we can focus on more meaningful endeavors.

Many jobs today are senseless, born out of inefficient designs and trivial human priorities. Imagine deploying AI to design a better Earth, improve human civilization, and tackle deep-rooted problems.


Picture an educational system that molds students into innovators rather than mere test-passers. Why not teach young minds how to start businesses and manage their finances and emotions? With the time AI frees up, we could redesign flawed tax systems and elevate healthcare to genuinely cure diseases rather than merely mask symptoms.


Elon Musk's Neuralink and similar innovations promise to reverse blindness and treat debilitating conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Imagine the progress we could make against global warming—the existential threat that looms over us all.



AI is an incredible technological marvel with the potential to give us a second chance to rectify broken systems and redefine our place in the world. We've been trapped in the cycle of work, eat, sleep, repeat for far too long. In a world rife with uncertainty, one thing is clear: AI will dramatically change the nature of work—the activity where we spend the most time.

The decision before us is crucial: will we squander this opportunity by chasing money and fame, or will we use this groundbreaking technology to answer life's mysteries and remediate the flawed systems we've lived with for too long?