When AI is done consuming (and it basically has, except for redundant human-human social network interactions), then will there be a renaissance of re-exploring the natural world? Without understanding its complexities I would posit we're doomed to short and ugly end. Perhaps AI is just what we need to start to re-appreciate it "at scale".
kermatt•4h ago
> renaissance of re-exploring the natural world
I wonder if there was a period of time where people who were inclined to do that were able to dedicate themselves to exploration instead of working to pay for healthcare.
I know that's a gross oversimplification, and that quality of life is better now, but when it came to academic pursuits was it more feasible in the past?
Or am I just subconsciously reacting to constant negative economic news and wondering if the grass was greener on the other side of the timeline?
bee_rider•3h ago
A good chunk of early science was basically funded by nobility sponsoring scientists as sort of… conversation pieces, basically, right? I’m not sure if that gig is still available.
xipho•3h ago
One could argue all science is still funded that way. My team is funded by a philanthrophist. NSF "royalty" re-distributes the peasant's taxes to do science. Etc.
aziaziazi•1h ago
If you don’t know the canopy raft, prepare to enjoy:
The majority of early explorers and researchers sought philanthropist to support their desire to explore. They sold the dream to pay for their plan. The frontiers are more specialized now. Getting funding to "explore Africa" would be a hard sell.
estimator7292•1h ago
Yes. Read up on "gentleman scholars" from before the 20th century. An astonishing amount of all our foundational knowledge about the universe comes from wealthy dudes (or with wealthy patrons) exploring science for the sheer hell of it.
And when I say astonishing, I mean it. Almost all the foundations of every field were built this way.
andai•47m ago
Did wealthy dudes stop doing science at some point?
hermitcrab•27m ago
>When AI is done consuming (and it basically has, except for redundant human-human social network interactions), then will there be a renaissance of re-exploring the natural world?
Whatever nature that is left after the massive energy and water needs of AI are met.
xipho•5h ago
kermatt•4h ago
I wonder if there was a period of time where people who were inclined to do that were able to dedicate themselves to exploration instead of working to pay for healthcare.
I know that's a gross oversimplification, and that quality of life is better now, but when it came to academic pursuits was it more feasible in the past?
Or am I just subconsciously reacting to constant negative economic news and wondering if the grass was greener on the other side of the timeline?
bee_rider•3h ago
xipho•3h ago
aziaziazi•1h ago
https://www.reforestaction.com/en/magazine/francis-halle-and...
Francis Halle dedicated his whole life to forest, I recommend any of his book if you find one in your language.
More pictures as videos here https://rainforestslefilm.wordpress.com/forests-canopy-raft/
tastyfreeze•1h ago
estimator7292•1h ago
And when I say astonishing, I mean it. Almost all the foundations of every field were built this way.
andai•47m ago
hermitcrab•27m ago
Whatever nature that is left after the massive energy and water needs of AI are met.