The article begins by referencing Arthur C. Clarke's Third Law, which posits that highly advanced technology can be indistinguishable from magic. It illustrates this concept using historical examples, from primitive tools interpreted as magic by those unversed in their creation, to modern advancements like smartphones and artificial intelligence, which carry the same duality of magic and technology. The article suggests that the future impact of AI and other emerging technologies—whether they serve as faithful assistants or threats—is contingent upon our choices and understanding.

As technology continues to evolve, the article asserts that the cycle of singularities—where new technologies emerge, diffuse, and become commonplace—repeats over time, with each iteration accelerating technological progress. It points to historical milestones, such as the transition from the invention of the wheel to railways and airplanes, as well as the dramatic shifts enabled by communications technology like the telegraph and internet. This acceleration culminates with smartphones managing to connect billions of users rapidly, illustrating a significant drop in the distance of communication and interaction.

The piece particularly highlights the pivotal moment in 2016 when AI, represented by AlphaGo, defeated a human champion in a complex game of Go—a landmark event that marked the arrival of AI singularity. This shift poses questions regarding the role of human emotional intelligence in contrast to the mechanistic knowledge intelligence that has dominated recent decades, prompting the reader to consider how society might adapt to these changes, ultimately focusing on the broader implications for human interaction and societal evolution in the age of intelligent machines.