The emergence of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and potential superintelligence presents humanity with unprecedented challenges that could fundamentally reshape our species' future. Current research reveals concerning scenarios where humans may struggle to survive or compete with advanced AI systems, while also highlighting potential pathways for adaptation and coexistence.
AI researchers have reached a sobering consensus about superintelligence risks. Recent surveys indicate that experts believe there is a 14% chance of "very bad outcomes" including human extinction from superintelligent AI[1]. A broader survey found that the majority of AI researchers see at least a 10% probability of human inability to control AI leading to existential catastrophe[2]. These statistics represent more than academic speculation—they reflect the professional judgment of those closest to AI development.
The urgency of this assessment is underscored by the rapid pace of AI advancement. Multiple leading AI companies are actively pursuing AGI, with some claiming they "know how to build AGI"[3]. This race toward superintelligence occurs against a backdrop of limited safety research and insufficient global coordination mechanisms.
Recent analysis, including Henry Kissinger's posthumous work "Genesis," suggests that humans may need to biologically engineer themselves to ensure they are not rendered inferior by advanced machines[4][5]. This concept of "coevolution" with AI involves several potential pathways:
AI-Enhanced Genetic Engineering: The convergence of artificial intelligence with genetic modification techniques is creating unprecedented capabilities for human enhancement[6][7]. AI can now design novel proteins and guide genetic modifications with extraordinary precision, potentially enabling humans to develop enhanced cognitive capabilities, improved memory systems, and superior processing speeds.
Designer Gene Lines: Kissinger and his co-authors raise the prospect of society creating "a hereditary genetic line of people specifically designed to work better with forthcoming AI tools"[4]. This represents a fundamental shift from natural evolution to directed human development, where genetic modifications could enhance brain-computer interface compatibility and cognitive processing capabilities.
The development of high-bandwidth brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) represents another critical pathway for human enhancement. Researchers advocate for "bci/acc" (brain-computer interface acceleration) as a pragmatic approach to achieving human superintelligence (HSI) that could compete with artificial superintelligence[8].
Neural Linking Technologies: Companies like Neuralink are developing direct neural interfaces that could allow humans to merge cognitive capabilities with AI systems. These technologies could enable "tighter human fusion with machines" and create hybrid intelligence systems that combine biological and artificial processing[4].
High-Bandwidth Communication: Advanced BCIs could allow humans to communicate and process information at speeds approaching AI capabilities, potentially maintaining human relevance in an AI-dominated world[8].
Intriguingly, research suggests that certain neurodivergent traits, particularly those associated with autism and savant syndrome, may provide competitive advantages in an AI-dominated world.
Autistic individuals demonstrate several capabilities that align with AI-competitive skills:
Pattern Recognition Excellence: Autistic individuals often exhibit exceptional visual and pattern recognition abilities, seeing up to 3 times farther than neurotypical individuals[9]. This enhanced pattern detection could prove valuable in identifying AI-generated content or understanding complex AI behaviors.
Savant Syndrome Prevalence: Approximately 10-28.5% of individuals with autism demonstrate savant abilities[9][10], representing extraordinary talents in mathematics, memory, music, or spatial processing. These capabilities often exceed normal human performance and could provide cognitive advantages in specific domains.
Hyper-Systemizing Abilities: Many autistic individuals display enhanced systemizing capabilities, allowing them to understand and manipulate complex systems—skills that could translate to AI interaction and management[9].