We must develop as quickly as possible technologies that make possible a direct connection between brain and computer, so that artificial brains contribute to human intelligence rather than opposing it.

My goal is simple. It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all.

Why are we here? Where do we come from? Traditionally, these are questions for philosophy, but philosophy is dead.

As Irving Good realised in 1965, machines with superhuman intelligence could repeatedly improve their design even further, triggering what Vernor Vinge called a 'singularity.'

There are different angles you have to work with as a hitter. Figuring out with my body what helps me get into those angles... is a constant discovery.

As a child, I remember my own intensive interest in biology, birds, other animals and flowers and was determined at an early age to become a scientist.

We misuse language and talk about the 'ascent' of man. We understand the scientific basis for the interrelatedness of life, but our ego hasn't caught up yet.

Science fiction made me aware of how big and strange the universe was, leaving aside the whole question of aliens.