Some Remarks on Technology
Some Remarks on Technology was the name given retrospectively to a speech delivered by Vice-Premier Fred Strong to the leadership cadres of the Federal Humanist Party on 15.IX.1751 AN. The address warned of the dangers of over-reliance on artificial intelligence and the scarce mineral Alexandrium. Delivered at a closed session of the party's Central Secretariat in Cárdenas, the speech remained for internal consumption only and was not shared with the press as of 12.III.1752 AN.
Background
The address occurred amid growing concerns within the Federal Humanist Party about the Federation's dependence on Alexandrium for technological advancements. Discovered in 1729 AN, Alexandrium had become central to developments in quantum computing and energy systems, including applications supporting artificial intelligence. The establishment of the Royal Commission on Artificial Intelligence in 1745 AN had accelerated the integration of AI into government operations, achieving significant efficiency gains. However, projections of Peak Alexandrium, as outlined in the Institute for Strategic Studies' report of 1750 AN, highlighted the finite nature of reserves, with Nouvelle Alexandrie holding the majority at approximately 1.59 million metric tonnes.
Strong, serving as Vice-Premier and Secretary of Defence since 1749 AN, drew on the party's humanist ideology, which emphasises human supremacy through hierarchy and surplus energy generation. The speech reflected internal debates between pragmatic humanists favouring economic diversification and traditionalists prioritising security preparations.
The speech
Strong spoke for approximately 45 minutes, addressing around 120 senior party members. He framed his remarks within a philosophical discussion of human existence and societal organisation, before turning to the specific risks posed by over-investment in AI and Alexandrium.
Key excerpts included:
"It is a slight irony, but I consider the pursuit of artificial intelligence, powered by our over-reliance on Alexandrium, to be, at present, the most perfect example of a vast energy and resource input for marginal efficiency return. This is particularly evident in our quantum computing initiatives, where Alexandrium-telluride compounds enable breakthroughs, yet at costs disproportionate to sustainable returns.The concern is not that there will be some artificial general intelligence event to render all of matter down into grey goo. One continues to hope that the means of production will not be passed entirely into the hands of an active non-intellect.
Instead, it is the worry that the investments of such magnitudes disproportionate to their marginal returns on energetic investment, exacerbated by the impending peak in Alexandrium extraction, will force a sudden and dramatic simplification of our society."
Impact and reactions
Within the party, the address prompted discussions on diversifying technological investments beyond Alexandrium-dependent systems. Some cadres advocated for stricter quotas on extraction, aligning with proposals in the Alexandrium Horizon report. Others emphasised accelerating research into alternatives to mitigate risks associated with Peak Alexandrium.
