The “ideology of technological salvation,” as articulated by science writer and astrophysicist Adam Becker in his new book, More Everything Forever: AI Overlords, Space Empires, and Silicon Valley’s Crusade to Control the Fate of Humanity, encapsulates a distinct worldview that has substantial implications for our future. With a nuanced examination of the core tenets driving this ideology, Becker opens the floor to discussions on technology’s role in shaping our societal landscape—both positively and negatively. Three central features define this ideology: a profound belief that technology can resolve any issue, a relentless pursuit of perpetual growth, and an almost spiritual yearning to transcend human limitations.
“In most of these isms you’ll find the idea of escape and transcendence, as well as the promise of an amazing future, full of unimaginable wonders—so long as we don’t get in the way of technological progress.”
Becker argues that tech billionaires often delve into these science-fiction-inspired futures not just for inspiration but as a validation for their relentless pursuit of more. This ideology reduces complex global challenges to simple technology-related queries, framing the growth of tech enterprises as a moral obligation. As a result, it provides a convenient justification for actions that may entail environmental degradation, regulatory evasion, and unchecked power accumulation. This narrative shifts the focus from pressing contemporary issues to hypothetical future ones, effectively sidelining the more immediate challenges facing humanity today.
Historically, an array of terms and concepts have attempted to encapsulate the Silicon Valley ethos, including the “Californian Ideology,” the provocative “Move fast and break things” mantra, and more recently, the dichotomy of “Libertarianism for me, feudalism for thee.” Becker’s framing of the “ideology of technological salvation” fits seamlessly into this continuum. It reflects a lineage of thought that can be traced back to late 20th-century ideas, blending countercultural, libertarian, and neoliberal values into a singular narrative.
Understanding how these ideas intertwine can be challenging, yet Becker positions the ideology of technological salvation as a centerpiece for a broader understanding of Silicon Valley’s operational principles. This ideology simplifies a complex and often sprawling array of beliefs that shape the perspectives of venture capitalists, tech executives, and other influential figures within the industry.
Moreover, Becker highlights the various ideologies that inform Silicon Valley’s tech moguls, touching on effective altruism, rationalism, long-termism, extropianism, and more. While these “*isms*” may seem disparate, they share fundamental beliefs rooted in the ideology of technological salvation. Common threads include a hope for escape, transcendence, and the allure of a future brimming with possibilities, yet all contingent on unimpeded technological advancement.
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This interconnectivity suggests a collective vision where transformative technology is not only desired but is seen as humanity’s primary pathway toward solving various issues. Becker illustrates how earlier ideologies, like those espoused by the Extropians in the late ’80s, regarded technological evolution as a method for self-transformation and breaking free from natural limitations—a concept further popularized by figures such as Ray Kurzweil in discussions around the Singularity.
A critical examination of these ideologies reveals underlying ties to some problematic historical narratives, including connections to racism, misogyny, and eugenics. Researchers like AI ethics advocate Timnit Gebru and philosopher Émile Torres have extensively critiqued these linkages, emphasizing the ethical implications of unchecked technological optimism. Their work serves as a reminder that while the promise of a technologically advanced future is alluring, it crucially demands ethical scrutiny and accountability.
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