Imagine The Ripple Effects

My interests in economics and investing have always led me to follow with keen interest what the futurists have to say regarding coming technologies along with keeping tabs on scientific demographics. They tale very informative tales. Imagine the ripple effects.

With an eye always open for information in this arena, I came across the following article from Business Insider, where futurist Ray Kurzweil notes that artificial intelligence is only perhaps fifteen year ahead.  This, of course, would be a game changer.

And while you are absorbing what Kurzweil has to say, there were two accompanying stories on the outstanding website Business Insider which gave insight The first one I noted was the cheetah robot, described as an MIT project having been funded by the US Military.

Items cited in the piece which were utilized in the development were carbon fiber, Kevlar strips, sensors similar to those used in drones and video games. The ripple effect of the cheetah robot could enrich the lives of millions.  

Another story I came across dealt with immigration and demographic trends, a darling of economic futurist Harry S. Dent. The author in this piece studies data gathered to claim there are indeed two Americas, but no divided by party or in the same way that dolt John Edwards used to go around mouthing off about.  No, the findings from this data, which I find interesting but do not totally subscribe to, gives indication on how immigration impacts these two "America" in differing ways.  Understanding the demographic trends is vitally important for economic and social forecasting. 

Over on The Drudge Report, the following related stories were presented:

*We learn robots learn from watching YouTube.  Investors are rushing to embrace artificial intelligence.

*About your job; it may not exist in the future.  In a recent post, we noted how McDonald's was combating the government mandated rise in the minimum wage using these technologies.

*Investment robots, using computer based algorithm-led investing produced stellar returns, defeating most human money mangers. Computers do not get emotionally involved, or as they say, married, to their stock selections like you and I continue to do.

Are all these stories out today in the media appearing by happenstance?  Or perhaps, does somebody know something we don't?

One thing I have been thinking about noting our dreadful economy and how the American dream for many seems to be dying, I wonder what, beyond returning to sane government, can help us return to high levels of prosperity available for all.  Sure, a robust jobs market would be helpful, but you can forget about that until post Obama. 

There is a common occurrence which seems to usher in advances in the standard of living for the citizenry, and it is nothing government created.  It is a significant advance in technology.  The railroad, the two cycle engine, the assembly line, the airplane, the telephone and the personal computer.  Recently, nano-technology has changed the playing field for an exponential amount of players, and may soon play a huge role in the fight against cancer.

Singularity aside, we are on the brink of life changing technological advancement, and while some of it will be dangerous, the greater majority of these advancements will benefit all of mankind.  I hope I own the stock of the leading companies poised to gain from these advancements, but I, like you, will benefit greatly anyhow.

After all, although many seek its demise and transformation, the freedom of America is still the last great stand on earth, and the birthplace of ideas, for where there is a demand, there will be a supply.