AI, Physics, and the Myth of Limitless Intelligence
Over the past few years, conversations about artificial intelligence have increasingly drifted toward dramatic narratives: runaway superintelligence, machines replacing humans, or AI systems eventually controlling civilization. These ideas make for compelling science fiction. But when examined through the lenses of physics, engineering, economics, and technological history, the picture looks far more grounded—and arguably more interesting. This post reflects a long discussion exploring a simple question: What are the real limits of AI? AI systems rely on enormous computational infrastructure. The training of large models requires vast clusters of GPUs, huge amounts of electricity, and specialized semiconductor manufacturing. All of this sits on top of an industrial ecosystem involving chip fabrications, supply chains, cooling systems, and energy grids. Unlike software alone, this infrastructure cannot scale infinitely. Semiconductor progress—long driven by Moore’s Law—is already slowin...