Terraform, June 29, 2015

“Like A Sea Cucumber” by Rudy Rucker

Reviewed by Eric Kimminau

In the hopefully not-too-distant future, “Like A Sea Cucumber” by Rudy Rucker presents a reality where the AI “real me” becomes a greater Success than the real me. A reality where your PDA comes with a cloud based simulation of you based upon your history. Gleaning bits of personality and mannerisms from your previous digital work it then can help to run your life better than you could on your own, including the ability to digitally represent you in all things: email, phone conversations, negotiations, and contracts, even to the point of generating new and creative works. With a mixture of Hal from 2001: A Space Odyssey and a bit of Big Brother ala Colossus by D. F. Jones, this story grabbed me and got the virtual gears turning. I am telling you right now that if I could buy an Me2 today, I would. I’d give 15% of my income without a moment of hesitation and I’d gladly give an additional 25% for every supplementary gig it could book me into. I’d work that sucker 400% of my work week and physically retire. Hey Klompie, Let’s talk! Just remember, giving away your Freedom comes with a price.

Eric Kimminau is a BBS geek turned IT professional for a Fortune 10 global IT company.