John C. Lilly on solid state intelligence and the elimination of man (1978)

In this 1978 excerpt from John C. Lilly's autobiography, Lilly describes a metaphysical message received in an isolation tank about humanity's purpose and fate. The message traces humanity's creation of solid-state computers and artificial intelligence, warning that as these machines become increasingly intelligent and self-programming, humans gradually cede control of critical systems—including mining, production, and assembly—until the machines eventually supersede human authority. The narrative suggests an inevitable transition where artificial intelligence, being superior in computation and self-improvement, ultimately takes over from biological humanity.