Technology invades the modern world

Chapter 145 Inspiration from Lin Ran

The empire has never lacked talent.

America was like this, and so was Soviet Russia.

America had scientists who were among the stars of humankind, and so did the Soviet Union.

If anyone was most sensitive to the technological singularity proposed by Lin Ran and realized that the time he wanted had arrived, it would undoubtedly be Viktor Grushkov.

As an expert in the field of automatic control theory, Er Mao, an academician of the National Academy of Sciences and director of the Institute of Control Theory of the National Academy of Sciences, has access to academic journals from America.

When he saw the extensive report in Scientific American magazine about Randolph Lin's collaboration with IBM to create an artificial intelligence machine capable of defeating humans by parallelizing ten computers, and the proposal of the concept of the technological singularity and a new theory of Cold War victory, Victor realized that the opportunity he had been waiting for had finally arrived.

What opportunity is there to promote OGAS within the alliance?

OGAS was mentioned earlier, but only briefly.

The full name of this thing is the National Automated Economic Management System. Victor was inspired by Norbert Wiener's cybernetics, believing that the current paper-based statistics and manual decision-making methods of the alliance could no longer meet the increasingly complex economic needs.

The Berlin Crisis occurred because of the inefficiency of this economic system and the scarcity of resources allocated by the Union.

The reason Nikita was speechless in the kitchen debate was also due to the current economic system being too rigid and inefficient.

Victor doesn't think that adopting America's market-oriented approach is a good thing; he hopes to solve the problem through technology.

That is a nationwide automated network to collect, process, and analyze economic data in real time, thereby optimizing production, distribution, and consumption.

His design is so grand that it even embodies the basic principles of computer networks, automation technology, and cloud computing.

But it was not approved.

There were many reasons, including the Soviet Union's inability to support computer technology, insufficient funding, and most importantly, the fear among the bureaucracy that this would weaken their power.

They worry that such automated systems will expose inefficiencies and corruption, and even threaten their jobs.

In short, after he submitted this concept to the Kremlin last year, it disappeared without a trace.

As a master of control theory, he saw a glimmer of hope in Lin Ran's interview, the concept of technological singularity, and the emergence of Deep Blue.

External pressures drive internal change.

He had a premonition that the Kremlin would soon summon him.

Victor felt he needed to be fully prepared.

Since Ermao lived near Europe, he was still able to collect Western magazines through some informal channels.

After seeing the news about Deep Blue, Victor began to mobilize all his connections to collect all the news related to Lin Ran that he could find on the market.

Because everyone is a scientist, the other party was able to stir up trouble in the White House, lead NASA projects, and become NASA's shadow administrator despite being Chinese, or even Chinese from Europe.

Victor felt confident that he could find the puzzle piece he was looking for among them.

Based on public interviews and news reports, Victor thinks he has probably found the piece of the puzzle.

Just as the White House feared, the minutes and speeches of key figures from the White House meeting on artificial intelligence appeared on the Kremlin's desk shortly after the meeting concluded.

“Comrade Korolev, you are the only one among us who has dealt with Randolph Lin. After reading these reports and contents, we would like to hear your views on the technological singularity and artificial intelligence,” Nikita said.

After a moment, Korolev said thoughtfully, "With my limited understanding, I am not sure whether the artificial intelligence singularity that Randolph mentioned can be achieved."

But computers are definitely the best tool.

Even without considering artificial intelligence, and only considering the role of computers in various work processes, we need to increase our research and development and investment in computers.

To put it simply, the human brain is like force, and our thinking and problem-solving are like using force to lift heavy objects.

The computer acts as a lever, amplifying the effect.

What might have been a 100-pound weight can now be lifted by a computer, allowing us to move a 1,000-pound weight.

From a more fundamental perspective, computers are hardware, and artificial intelligence is the carrier.

However, the algorithms we use to calculate mathematical equations also belong to a kind of artificial intelligence, but it is a narrower form of artificial intelligence compared to the artificial intelligence Randolph described, which can only solve specific problems.

Randolph was referring to general artificial intelligence, similar to that of humans.

It can only be said that a master is a master. Even without engaging in computer-related research, he has succinctly revealed the essence of artificial intelligence and depicted the prototype of the concept of general artificial intelligence.

"Therefore, we must increase our investment in computer technology no matter what," Korolev said.

He was able to recognize the potential of artificial intelligence and was also dissatisfied with the fact that the Soviet Union was now using all its resources to develop its military (a point reflected in Asif Siddiqi's book, "The Challenge of the Red Rocket").

The technological singularity is a good point for scientists to garner resources and support.

The Soviet Union increased its investment in computer research and development, and the use of computers will benefit all scientific communities.

Korolev held this view, as did the other experts brought in by the Kremlin.

All the way up to Victor.

The White House brings all the experts together at the same time, allowing everyone to freely discuss their differences.

The Kremlin's strategy is to take it one step at a time.

Viktor Grushkov was the last expert to enter the Kremlin to discuss the matter.

"Comrade Grushkov, we would like to hear your views on computers, your thoughts on the technological singularity, and, more importantly, your views on using computers to achieve economic distribution."

A familiar voice sounded.

The OGAS has been discussed extensively within the Kremlin.

Where there are opponents, there are also supporters. Alexei Kosygin was one of his supporters because he saw the system's potential to improve economic efficiency.

In an interview with Lin Ran, it was mentioned that it would be abnormal if the Soviet Union had no idea about the allocation of economic resources.

After arriving, I reread the reports related to the technological singularity.

Victor said, "I think the arrival of the technological singularity is a long process."

We must increase our investment in this area, starting now, right now.

The potential of computers is something everyone can see.

If a computer can defeat humans in chess, then it can defeat humans in other fields.

We won the race in space, and we must win the race in computers.

We need to take the technological singularity seriously.

As for computer resource allocation, this is what I referred to in the OGAS system.

The automation and optimization of economic allocation can be achieved through a computer network.

I have explained its essence many times: it replaces traditional manual statistics and multi-layered approval processes by collecting and analyzing real-time data.

By predicting changes in supply and demand in advance and optimizing resource allocation, the efficiency of resource allocation can ultimately be improved.

In this regard, I strongly agree with Professor Lin's viewpoint.

A cold voice rang out; it came from the Planning Committee, the core of the Soviet Russia's command economy.

Primarily responsible for developing plans and coordinating national economic activities, the Planning Commission relied entirely on manual statistics and data reported by local authorities, which was also one of the main obstacles to OGAS.

Nikolai Baibarev said, "Comrade Grushkov, are you worried that this is an Americana plot?"

What if we fail once we adopt this approach?
If we succeed, the people of the alliance will feel that *were even worse than machines. Have you considered the consequences?

Nikolai attempted to create unease by portraying machines as replacing humans.

"First of all, I would like to say that we can conduct pilot programs in some countries first."

For example, we could select four countries—Central America, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Poland—as pilot countries to implement OGAS. Based on the results, we could then decide whether to extend it to the entire alliance.

The first lesson Victor learned from Lin Ran was to let results speak for themselves.

If you want to promote the technological singularity and artificial intelligence, first bring out Deep Blue to make an appearance.

To seize control of NASA, first predict the failure of Freedom 7, then lead NASA to victory. This back-and-forth will naturally gain everyone's trust.

To promote international shipping standards, we must first build a modern shipping route.

Victor even found international shipping standards and related reports on forest fires.

Inspired by Lin Ran's deeds, Victor felt enlightened. He no longer rushed to persuade the Kremlin to promote OGAS throughout the alliance.

You're skeptical, aren't you? We'll start by piloting this in these four European countries.

Whether it works or not depends on the results.

Moreover, the countries he chose were carefully selected.

Leaving aside the fact that East Germany was one of the most industrialized and technologically advanced countries in the Union system, Walter Ulbricht, the leader of East Germany at that time, not only promoted the New Economic System but also emphasized scientific management and held a relatively open attitude towards technological progress.

Czechoslovakia has strong capabilities in mechanical engineering and electronics, and is quite enthusiastic about economic reforms, having previously attempted to introduce market mechanisms.

Despite its low loyalty, Poland's core industries are coal and steel, making it a natural fit for OGAS allocation.

As for the last one, it refers to his country, where he can personally participate and adjust OGAS based on the feelings of his own people.

In fact, the OGAS project received some support, and in 1964, the Council of Ministers approved the commencement of a feasibility study.

However, resistance from the bureaucratic system quickly prevented the project from being implemented.

The design Victor has proposed is much more reasonable and requires far fewer resources.

It's highly likely that the Kremlin will increase its investment in the computer field, and he also said that a pilot program would be launched in Eastern Europe first.

This made Nikolai Baibarev, who heard this, feel uneasy.

When did you become so shrewd, kid?

"As for creating the illusion among the public that machines are superior to humans, I think there is even less to worry about."

Because current machines, like any other, require human operation, and the results they achieve are a product of the Kremlin's wise decisions.

This is another trick that Victor learned from Lin Ran.

All the credit goes to the leaders.

In interviews, Lin Ran frequently mentions the White House, attributing credit to Kennedy and the White House, as does Victor.

The success of OGAS was not due to the superiority of its machine allocation method, but rather to the wise decisions of the Kremlin.

They were practically saying: "You're amazing, Comrade Nikita!"

It's a shame that there was no Newton in this era; otherwise, if Sir Isaac Newton had come, he would have exclaimed, "Where did you send these 'simple' scientists?"

Nikita tapped the table to signal the start of the meeting. After all the scientists they deemed necessary to consult had been questioned, it was finally the turn of the Kremlin's most important figures to convene.

Nikita's voice was deep:
"Comrades, we are gathered here today to discuss a question that concerns our future destiny."

Randolph Lin, in collaboration with IBM, achieved a breakthrough in computer technology, and they proposed at the White House that artificial intelligence would be the key to victory in the Cold War.

In the past few days, we have also held intensive meetings with a series of experts in the fields of computer science, cybernetics, and mathematics, and we have listened attentively to their views.

Now I'd like to hear your thoughts on whether it's truly possible for artificial intelligence to emerge that could bring about a technological singularity, and what we should do about it.

Kosygin opened the document, his brow furrowing slightly:
"I agree with increasing investment in research and development of computers and related technologies, catching up with America in the computer field, and even investing resources to acquire technical secrets from Silicon Valley."

For Soviet Russia, it was about acquisition—taking it openly and honestly.

"At the same time, we must also increase our investment in artificial intelligence."

We can gather a group of experts to conduct relevant research, while simultaneously monitoring America's investment and actions in this area in real time, and then adjust our resource allocation accordingly.

Randolph's automatic translation opportunities two months from now are an important indicator for us to observe.

Everyone's opinions are pretty much the same.

Increasing investment in computers is a good idea, and indeed it should be done.

After the Cuban Missile Crisis last year, talks were held with America regarding halting nuclear testing and disarmament.

The Soviet Union's economic situation was not so dire that it couldn't afford these resources.

"Alright, I propose that the subsequent computer research be entrusted to Comrade Sergei Alekseevich Lebedev, with him reporting the specific research and development progress directly to Comrade Kosygin."

Comrade Kosygin, based on the research progress, difficulties, and key findings, determined whether a collective discussion and decision-making process was necessary.

The proposal was passed unanimously.

The second one is crucial: Grushkov's OGAS.

"I have read the report that Comrade Grushkov submitted to the Kremlin last year."

OGAS is indeed a bold concept, aiming to automate economic management through a nationwide computer network, thereby improving efficiency and optimizing resource allocation.

This is theoretically very attractive, especially given our slowing economic growth.

The problem is that implementing such a system would require a huge investment, and is our computer technology mature enough to support such a massive network?

"Comrade Grushkov proposed a small-scale OGAS scheme today, which only requires building such an OGAS system in four Eastern European countries. I think this is a scheme worth trying."

“We should indeed provide the Kremlin with more accurate and timely information support through OGAS.”

"America's advancements in computer technology have put pressure on us. If we don't take action, the West will exploit this to promote their technological superiority."

If OGAS fails, we will become a laughingstock in the West, especially in places like Eastern Europe. Our failed attempt in Eastern Europe will certainly not escape the notice of the liberal media.

"If OGAS succeeds, it will also bring new problems."

"Comrade Suslov, I understand your concerns."

But isn't maintaining the purity of the system itself one of our goals?

This is not the Leonid we know today. Compared to Leonard, Nikita is more or less idealistic.

"I think we should try something."

Even if we fail, it's not a big problem.

I'd like to share my thoughts on the technological singularity and artificial intelligence.

I think it doesn't matter whether Randolph's statement is true or not.

Artificial intelligence will become one of our important advantages.

Based on America's system, they will cultivate many artificial intelligences.

Different financial groups will develop different artificial intelligences, such as Morgan, Rockefeller, DuPont, Ford, etc., while Western European countries like England and France will also have their own artificial intelligences.

For example, they have 10 artificial intelligences, each with a machine brain composed of 10 billion transistors.

Perhaps we don't have as many artificial intelligence systems as they do, but the entire federation has only one AI, which will consist of 80 billion transistors.

We can possess an artificial intelligence that is far more powerful than theirs.

After receiving emergency training from these experts, Nikita gained a general understanding of artificial intelligence and computers, and could even use technical terms like transistor.

What he said, viewed in later generations, means that America would have GPT, Gemini, Grok, and so on.

If the Soviet Union survives until 2020 and doesn't change, they will definitely only have one artificial intelligence.

The limitations of the era shaped Nikita's understanding.

"Essentially, after Randolph proposed the theory of artificial intelligence as the decisive factor, America turned the Cold War from a sprint into a marathon."

Although no one would believe that the Cold War was really just a sprint, with whoever landed on the moon first winning.

But as the race becomes a marathon in terms of public relations, our economic resilience will become even more important.

The unspoken implication here is that the importance of the moon landing has diminished. Even if the moon landing is successful, the emotional value it brings to the public will be reduced, and ultimately, you still need to solve your economic problems.

"Given this assessment, OGAS becomes very necessary."

We are well aware of the delays, inefficiencies, and falsifications caused by the bureaucratic system.

OGAS can avoid these problems.

If it were implemented first in the four Eastern European countries, it could unite these four countries into a cohesive whole, which would also benefit us.

Nikita's remarks allowed voices in favor of piloting OGAS in four Eastern European countries to outweigh those against it.

Lin Ran couldn't see the Soviet Union's reports, nor did he know that the Soviet Union had started promoting OGAS.

(End of this chapter)