The Singularity Is Near!

The Law of Accelerating Returns
by Ray Kurzweil

An analysis of the history of technology shows that technological change is exponential, contrary to the common-sense "intuitive linear" view.    So we won't experience 100 years of progress in the 21st century   --   it will be more like 20,000 years of progress (at today's rate).    The "returns," such as chip speed and cost-effectiveness, also increase exponentially.    There's even exponential growth in the rate of exponential growth.    Within a few decades, machine intelligence will surpass human intelligence, leading to The Singularity   --   technological change so rapid and profound it represents a rupture in the fabric of human history.    The implications include the merger of biological and nonbiological intelligence, immortal software-based humans, and ultra-high levels of intelligence that expand outward in the universe at the speed of light.

A long, but very interesting and worthwhile article which may be found here.
Actually, a 'must read'!