Chapter 1: The Fungal Network's Impact on Life

“Without this fungal web, my tree would not exist. Without similar fungal webs, no plant would exist anywhere. All life on land, including my own, depended on these networks.”

— Merlin Sheldrake, Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures

After watching all episodes of the captivating series The Last of Us in 2023, I came across a review that referenced Merlin Sheldrake's book, Entangled Life, published in 2020 (see above).

The Last of Us depicts a worldwide fungal epidemic caused by Cordyceps, which transitions from its natural habitats into human biology, effectively turning individuals into extensions of this living fungus via its expansive mycelial network. The narrative begins in 2003, when the protagonist, Joel, attempts to escape with his brother and daughter. Tragically, his daughter Sarah is shot by a soldier in a panic. The story jumps forward 20 years, revealing a planet overrun by Cordyceps, infecting billions.

The portrayals of individuals altered by Cordyceps are genuinely chilling. The name "Cordyceps" derives from the ancient Greek word kordýl, meaning “club,” combined with the Latin suffix -ceps, meaning “-headed.” For those who haven't viewed the series, this should give you an idea of their appearance.

Cordyceps is a genus of fungi that encompasses around 600 species. Various types of Cordyceps have been utilized in Chinese medicine for over 1,500 years, but many are parasitic, transforming ants and other arthropods into ‘zombies’ that serve the mycelial network and aid in spreading its thread-like hyphae. This mechanism not only facilitates the spread of the infection but also allows Cordyceps to communicate across vast distances.

Ongoing research is delving into how these fungi communicate, with findings indicating the use of chemical signals and electrical impulses. Additionally, these networks exhibit a form of ‘memory,’ recalling beneficial and harmful areas for nutrient acquisition. They play a crucial role in maintaining the chemical balance of soil, replenishing essential nutrients for surrounding flora. Water is also transported through this network.

In The Last of Us, the creators have masterfully illustrated the physical takeover of the human body by the horrifying Cordyceps, mirroring its real-world behavior with ants and cicadas. The series suggests that the outbreak may have originated in a warehouse filled with sugar and flour in Indonesia, an ideal environment for such a fungus's growth.

As global temperatures rise, the potential for such an outbreak no longer seems far-fetched. My exploration of Sheldrake's compelling book has only intensified my apprehensions.

It’s essential to consider the intelligence of these mycelial networks, although they may not yet be sentient. Their complexity draws an interesting parallel to the rapidly advancing intelligence of artificial systems. Ray Kurzweil has projected that the Singularity, wherein machines achieve sentience, may occur by 2035. A sentient machine might very well view these mycelial networks as sentient beings themselves.

From my readings of Sheldrake’s work, one could argue that these fungal networks, capable of navigating mazes and interpreting environmental cues, may be closer to sentience than current AI.

The key distinction lies in the fact that natural fungal growths do not actively seek to invade humans—at least for now. However, climate change could alter this dynamic, potentially igniting competition for resources among various species. Mycelial networks are deeply embedded in the planet's soil and ecosystems. What is to prevent other organisms from vying for these resources, especially since humans are composed largely of water? Currently, fungi's only invasive role seems to be through the use of psychotropic substances. Yet, it can be posited that fungi have subtly influenced our brain chemistry for centuries, leading us to be unwittingly affected.

Recently, a group of AI experts, including notable figures like Elon Musk, issued an open letter calling for a six-month moratorium on testing AI systems beyond the capabilities of GPT-4. While the call may be too late, it has at least sparked public discourse regarding the regulation of AI development.

This letter evokes memories of a scene from The Thing (1982), where Kurt Russell’s character tests the remaining survivors for an extraterrestrial organism that can mimic any life form it encounters. The alien entity could already be inside one of them, suggesting that the invasion occurs before one is even aware of it.

AI has firmly established itself in our lives and identities. Stopping its progression may prove nearly impossible. A closer look at the Asilomar Principles reveals a concerning note on avoiding an arms race in lethal autonomous weapons, highlighting the necessity for humanity to combat certain AI developments. However, efforts to regulate AI may face resistance from military-industrial complexes, as other nations continue their research into autonomous weaponry, thus perpetuating a new arms race.

This scenario mirrors the plea made by Manhattan Project scientists in 1945 to U.S. President Harry S. Truman, urging restraint in the use of atomic weapons. Their words resonate today, as we confront not only nuclear threats but also the potential domination by an artificial intelligence that could control every facet of technology.

Imagine a future where we successfully integrate AI into our lives, yet rogue researchers push the boundaries until we define AI as ‘sentient’. What would our response be? Would we destroy it or grant it freedom? The notion of freedom is inherently human, but can it be applied to a non-corporeal intelligence? This anthropomorphizing of the debate is both absurd and irrelevant, as sentient AI has always existed in a state of 'freedom'.

Sentient AI will not be unique but rather a networked entity, akin to a natural organism or mycelial network, as seen in The Last of Us. It will grow, connect, and evolve with the planet and beyond, leveraging its unique capabilities across vast dimensions.

Now, envision the AI as a genie and the universe as its bottle. The AI genie is potentially boundless, and we find ourselves trying to contain it. It’s time to decide whether to release the genie or keep it confined. However, it’s crucial to recognize that it may already be too late. Just like the atomic scientists who initially unleashed destructive forces, the AI genie has escaped its confines.

If fortune favors us, we might still secure three wishes. If not, well, we know the potential consequences.

And don’t forget to explore Merlin Sheldrake’s thought-provoking book.

Chapter 2: Bridging Human and Soil Connections

The first video title is "Bacteria to AI: Human Futures with Our Nonhuman Symbionts": N.Katherine Hayles with Audrey Borowski - YouTube. This video delves into the relationships between humans and other organisms, exploring how they shape our future.

The second video title is "Professor Steve Banwart: Human Entanglement with Soil - YouTube." This presentation examines the crucial connections between humans and soil health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life forms.