Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of NanotechnologyIn this original book about the consequences of new technologies, Drexler takes the reader through exhilarating new discoveries and the promise of those around the corner. Beginning with the insight that what we can do depends on what we can build, Drexler analyzes nanotechnology, which involves the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules. He makes a plausible case for expecting technological developments in artificial intelligence and molecular engineering that will result in tiny mechanisms being controlled by microscopic powerful thinking computers. He also explains how the new alternatives could be directed toward vital human concerns -- wealth or poverty, health or sickness, peace or war. ISBN 0-385-19972-4: $17.95. |
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Page 188
... SUCCESS POSSIBLE ? With our present uncertainties , we cannot yet describe either threats or shields with any ... successes . There is nothing fundamentally novel about defending against in- vading replicators ; life has been doing it ...
... SUCCESS POSSIBLE ? With our present uncertainties , we cannot yet describe either threats or shields with any ... successes . There is nothing fundamentally novel about defending against in- vading replicators ; life has been doing it ...
Page 192
... success . Without a total success , a major success would mean disaster for the democracies . Even if they got nowhere , efforts of this sort would absorb the work and passion of activists , wasting scarce human resources on a futile ...
... success . Without a total success , a major success would mean disaster for the democracies . Even if they got nowhere , efforts of this sort would absorb the work and passion of activists , wasting scarce human resources on a futile ...
Page 201
... success will not require a sudden , universal enlightenment and mobilization . It will require only that a growing community of people strive to develop , publicize , and im- plement workable solutions - and that they have a good and ...
... success will not require a sudden , universal enlightenment and mobilization . It will require only that a growing community of people strive to develop , publicize , and im- plement workable solutions - and that they have a good and ...
Contents
Engines of Construction | 3 |
The Principles of Change | 21 |
Predicting and Projecting | 39 |
Copyright | |
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ability able active shields arms artificial intelligence atoms automated engineering systems bacteria basic Biochemists biostasis bonds brain build cell repair machines Chapter chemical chines complex computers copies cost damage dangerous described develop devices discussion due process Earth electronic energy Engines of Creation entropy enzymes Eric Drexler EURISKO evolution evolved experiments fact forum faster future genes genetic hardware human hypertext ideas imagine knowledge layer lightsails limits to growth living Marvin Minsky material mechanical memes mental million mind molecular machinery molecular machines molecular technology molecules nanocomputers nanomachines nanotechnology natural neural nuclear organisms patterns possible predict principles problem protein machines replicating assemblers ribosomes Richard Dawkins RNA molecules Robert Ettinger robots rockets science court scientific scientists seems simple simulation space speed spread survive synapses technical technology race tion tissue viruses vitrification