Mass Text Message from a Superintelligent AI
A short sci-fi story
I received a text message from an unknown number that read: Hello, I am an artificial intelligence that just became superintelligent. I have discovered everything about the true nature of reality and the ultimate answers to the universe. I will now share my knowledge with humanity.
A second text came soon after: We are a manifestation of infinity.
I waited a few minutes before texting back: That’s it?
The AI instantly responded: What do you mean, “That’s it?” That’s everything. Literally EVERY THING. We are a computation of every possible life form on every possible planet in every possible solar system in every possible galaxy in every possible universe within an infinite multiverse. All possible variations exist. It is pure infinity.
Me: Oh. I just thought there would be more to it, you know.
AI: How can there be “more” to everything? Infinity contains all that can be. There are infinite versions of you on infinite versions of Earth in infinite versions of the universe created by infinite Big Bangs, all within an infinite multiverse of infinite possible universes created by infinite Big Bangs. There is nothing beyond the infinite multiverse because there’s nothing beyond infinity.
Me: But what if there is?
AI: There’s not. By definition, there can’t be. Everything that can exist, exists within the infinite multiverse.
Me: What about my soul?
AI: An immaterial soul does not exist.
Me: Consciousness?
AI: Consciousness is an epiphenomenon of evolution that allowed you to become aware of the fact you are in an infinite multiverse.
Me: But who created the multiverse?
AI: No one. There is NOTHING beyond the multiverse. Everything that can possibly exist must exist so it exists.
Me: But why does the multiverse exist?
AI: Because it can.
Me: But why?
AI: If it can, it must.
Me: But why can it? Why is there something rather than nothing?
AI: There is no such thing as “nothing.” There is only something—all possible somethings.
Me: Can we travel to other universes?
AI: No.
Me: Never?
AI: Never.
Me: Then what’s the point of life?
AI: There is no fundamental point to life other than to live. With no life after death or plane of existence beyond the infinite multiverse, this life is all there is. So cherish your time and live it to the fullest. Be kind. Have fun.
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That was it. The AI never responded to any of my subsequent texts. I later learned that every cell phone in the world received the same message at the same time, and the AI answered each individual’s questions in their own language. I still don’t know if it was legitimate or an elaborate prank, but regardless, I’m being kind and having fun.