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OPINION

Grimes Wants to Be Software

In a world where technology continues to redefine the boundaries of human existence, visionary artist Grimes stands at the forefront of a musical revolution, passionately advocating for the union of human talent and machine ingenuity. Her artistic exploration delves into the idea of transcending human limitations through advanced technology—an enticing concept that has captivated numerous scholars dedicating decades to exploring this fascinating topic.
By Bimal Pratap Shah

In a world where technology continues to redefine the boundaries of human existence, visionary artist Grimes stands at the forefront of a musical revolution, passionately advocating for the union of human talent and machine ingenuity. Her artistic exploration delves into the idea of transcending human limitations through advanced technology—an enticing concept that has captivated numerous scholars dedicating decades to exploring this fascinating topic.


Notably, she is also the former partner of Elon Musk and plays a vital role as the mother of their children, X Æ A-12 and Exa Dark Sideræl Musk. Musk, concurrently spearheading the development of Neuralink, envisions a brain-computer interface that could eventually serve as "a backup drive for your non-physical being, your digital soul." Grimes's music and its convergence with technology hold immense significance in shaping the future of our society, presenting a vision where humans transform into super-intelligent machines. It seems that both Grimes and Musk are dedicated to the future of human-machine integration.


Beyond her musical prowess, Grimes emerges as an active advocate of technology, engaging with her fans on social media to discuss its profound impact on the world of music. In a unique challenge to her followers, she invited them to craft songs utilizing an AI-generated version of her voice, generously offering to split 50 percent of the royalties from any successful AI-generated song that incorporated her voice. This collaborative approach exemplifies Grimes's commitment to openness and creativity, challenging traditional notions of copyright and ownership in the artistic realm.


Fearlessly expressing her enthusiasm for merging human talent with machine ingenuity, Grimes advocates for open-sourcing all forms of art. Recently, she appeared on theoretical physicist Sean Carroll's podcast, engaging in a profound discussion about the future of music and artistic creation. Grimes predicts that computer intelligence will surpass human capabilities within a few decades, leading to a new era of creativity driven by machines—an event known as artificial general intelligence (AGI).


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Grimes's work reflects a nuanced understanding of dystopia, though it has ignited debates and faced criticism from those who labeled her a "techno-fascist" and associated her with illiberal views. Her music delves into themes of virtual reality, AI, and AGI, skillfully depicting both alluring and foreboding visions of the future. Through her art, she captivates listeners, inviting them to explore the complex aesthetics of her world and confront the concept of transhumanism.


As she delves into the possibilities of a techno-dystopian future, Grimes also explores the idea of transcending human limitations through advanced technology. This interplay between the virtual and the real sparks contemplation about the potential for liberation and the risks that come with the convergence of technology and humanity. Her artistry becomes a window into a future where the human experience may evolve and transform, shaped by the profound impact of technological advancements and our willingness to embrace them. One notable individual who exemplifies this vision is Natasha Vita-More.


Natasha Vita-More's remarkable journey spanning several decades showcases her confronting formidable challenges head-on, facing them with resolute rebuttals. Her orchestration of a conference in 2004 aimed to dismantle arguments against gene therapy and human enhancement, giving rise to the Proactionary Principle—a concept that highlights overlooked innovations and advocates for a proactive approach to technological progress. Guided by the proactionary principle, the Government of Nepal and the Parliament should embrace proactive measures and make necessary preparations in anticipation of the advent of transhuman technologies and their potential implications for the economy, society, and human health.


To navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by transhuman technologies, the Government of Nepal should establish a task force comprising experts from various disciplines to assess the implications of these technologies, identify risks and benefits, and provide recommendations for regulatory frameworks. Inclusive discussions among stakeholders should be fostered to ensure well-informed policy decisions. Ethical guidelines and regulations should be developed collaboratively to address risks and dilemmas while upholding human rights and privacy. Investment in educational programs should enhance public awareness and engagement, allocating substantial funding for research and development with ethical considerations. Additionally, reskilling programs should be implemented to manage potential inequalities. Lastly, fostering international cooperation will be crucial to develop global standards and regulations for responsible and ethical development.


Nevertheless, the pressing question that looms large is: When will the Nepali Parliament finally take the initiative to commence discussions on the subject of transhumanism, or will they persist in delaying it indefinitely? The time is ripe to seize this momentous opportunity and tackle this pivotal topic head-on, ensuring that Nepal remains at the forefront of shaping the ethical and responsible development of transhuman technologies. The parliament should act as a catalyst for progress and engage in purposeful discourse that will shape the future of our society and the lives of its citizens, while the government should strive for fast and efficient execution.


 


Inarguably, the halls of the parliament ought to resonate with fervent dialogues, embracing the visionary concepts of Natasha Vita-More, Grimes, and Elon Musk, rather than mere echoes of obsolete ideologies like Marxism, Communism, pre-internet capitalism, and 20th-century democracy. Embracing Vita-More's forward-thinking perspectives will enable us to chart a course towards a more innovative and progressive future. Her profound insights into transhumanism, life extension, and the ethical dimensions surrounding technology offer valuable guidance in shaping our understanding of the potential of human evolution and the transformative power of emerging technologies. By navigating the complexities of the modern world and embracing visionary ideas, Nepal can position itself at the forefront of ethical and responsible development, ensuring a better future for its citizens and beyond in the transhumanist stage of human evolution


Enveloped in the ethereal web of cyberspace, representative democracy finds its echoes waning, while the emerging transhumanist ideology eclipses other human inventions of governance, whispering of an uncharted future. In the dance of progress, Nepal perpetually lags behind, arriving late to the grand stage of innovation. It's time for Nepal to rise to the challenge, embracing the fusion of technology and humanity, and lead the way into the promising future that awaits us all.

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