We appear to be programmed with the idea that there are 'things' outside of our self, and some are conscious, and some are not.
Ray KurzweilMachines will follow a path that mirrors the evolution of humans. Ultimately, however, self-aware, self-improving machines will evolve beyond humans' ability to control or even understand them.
Ray KurzweilPeople talk philosophically, Oh, I don't want to live past 100.' You know, I'd like to hear them say that when they're 99.
Ray Kurzweil