Sunday, January 28, 2024 will go down in history as the date that the first human received an implant from Elon Musk’s Neuralink project. The first person was implanted with 64 wires into their cerebral cortex. The wires each contain 16 sensors and are connected to a small battery powered computer device residing under the skull. The N1 chip in the tiny device is then powered up and is ready to commence operations.
Reports are that patient zero as he or she is called, is recovering well and information has immediately been detected through the implanted device.
“Telepathy”:
Neuralink are calling the first experiment with the N1 chip, Telepathy (not really telepathy in the true sense of the word). Here is a definition of real telepathy…
“Telepathy is the purported transmission of information from one person to another without using any known human sensory channels or physical interaction. It’s often categorized as a type of extrasensory perception (ESP) or psychic ability, allowing individuals to communicate thoughts, ideas, or feelings directly from one mind to another without speech, writing, or any other conventional forms of communication.”
I think I’d have to say, that using a technological Bluetooth communications device implanted in the brain, doesn’t qualify under this definition.
Anyway, currently, anyone using this technology has extreme disability, such as full body paralysis which make the tech look very benign indeed, but if it is successful, then what of the future?
There are initiatives by other companies other than Neuralink to achieve mind over matter goals. Blackrock’s Neurotech being one of them.
“Blackrock Neurotech, a prominent company in the field of neural technology and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies that facilitate direct communication between the human brain and external devices. Their primary goals include enhancing the quality of life for individuals with severe physical disabilities through innovative solutions that restore mobility, speech, and independence. By leveraging advanced neural implants and interface technologies, Blackrock Neurotech aims to unlock new possibilities in medical treatments and rehabilitation, providing hope and functional improvements for patients with conditions such as paralysis, neurological disorders, and other impairments that limit physical capabilities. Additionally, the company is dedicated to advancing research in neuroscience, contributing to a deeper understanding of the brain’s functions and potential therapeutic interventions for a range of neurological conditions.”
There is no doubt, that among the Elites, brain implants are a desirable thing of the future. It remains to be seen if they catch on among the physically unimpaired.
“Implant technology, spearheaded by the ambition to meld human consciousness with artificial intelligence, offers a plethora of benefits even for those without physical impairments. For the unimpaired, one of the most significant advantages could be the enhancement of cognitive capabilities, such as improved memory retention, faster learning processes, and the ability to directly interface with digital devices, thereby revolutionizing the way information is accessed and processed. Moreover, this technology could potentially unlock new forms of communication, transcending traditional language barriers through direct thought exchange. It might also facilitate more immersive experiences in virtual reality, making digital interactions almost indistinguishable from physical reality. Beyond entertainment and productivity, Neuralink could contribute to a deeper understanding of the human brain, paving the way for advancements in neuroscience and psychology, ultimately leading to improved mental health treatments. In essence, Neuralink’s implant technology holds the promise of significantly expanding human potential, offering a new frontier of cognitive enhancement and a deeper connection with the digital world.”
“Such technology, while bringing unprecedented benefits, could also lead to potential dependencies on the technology. As individuals become accustomed to enhanced cognitive capabilities, direct digital interfacing, and improved communication methods, there might be a risk of becoming overly reliant on these technological aids for everyday functioning. This dependence could manifest in several ways, from diminished ability to perform tasks without technological assistance to a possible decrease in traditional skill sets, such as memory retention, problem-solving, and even basic interpersonal communication skills that are not mediated by technology.
Furthermore, there’s the concern of psychological dependence, where individuals might find the enhanced reality provided by Neuralink more appealing than the physical world, leading to challenges in distinguishing between virtual and physical experiences. This could have profound implications for social interactions, mental health, and our perception of reality. Additionally, the integration of such technology into daily life could raise ethical, privacy, and security concerns, as the boundary between human thought and digital data becomes increasingly blurred.”
In the face of such groundbreaking technology, it’s inevitable that many individuals will be drawn to its myriad benefits, unable to resist the allure of enhanced cognitive capabilities, seamless integration with digital environments, and revolutionary communication methods. The promise of transcending human limitations and entering a new era of interaction with the world around us presents a compelling proposition that many will find too enticing to ignore. Yet, there will undoubtedly be a segment of the population more cautious, opting for prudence over the immediate allure of technological augmentation. These individuals may prioritize the preservation of traditional human faculties, express concern over potential dependencies, or weigh ethical considerations more heavily. This divergence in perspectives underscores the complex relationship society will navigate with Neuralink’s technology—a balance between embracing unprecedented advancements and maintaining a critical eye towards the implications of such deep integration of technology into our biological essence. As we stand on the brink of this new frontier, the choices made by individuals and societies will shape the trajectory of human evolution in profound ways.