Stephen Hawking thinks rapid technological advances, coupled with humanity’s naturally aggressive instincts, could ultimately threaten the human race.
“Since civilization began, aggression has been useful inasmuch as it has definite survival advantages,” the theoretical physicist and cosmologist, who recently turned 75, said in an interview with the British newspaper The Times. But, Hawking noted, “technology has advanced at such a pace that this aggression may destroy us all by nuclear or biological war.”
He mused about forming a world government to control this issue and combat threats like artificial intelligence supplanting humans and environmental issues, but then noted that such a governing body could become tyrannical. Nevertheless, Hawking believes humans can prevail and successfully control their aggression.
“I think the human race will rise to meet these challenges,” he said.