Quantum And AI: Dinis Guarda Interviews Bestselling Author Anders Indset

In the latest episode of the Dinis Guarda YouTube Podcast, Anders Indset discusses quantum economy, AI, philosophy, Njordis Group, AI simulations, and technological advancements. The podcast is powered by Businessabc.net, Citiesabc.com, Wisdomia.ai, and Sportsabc.org.

Anders Indset is a Norwegian philosopher, bestselling author, and deep-tech investor with over 20 years of experience in technology, business, and leadership. He is the Founder and CEO of Njordis Group, a venture capital and advisory firm supporting technology companies. He also leads the Quantum Economy Institute and works with organisations like Terra Quantum AG and the Global Blockchain Initiative to drive innovation in quantum and blockchain technologies. 

Anders is a bestselling author for The Quantum Economy and Wild Knowledge, which have been translated into more than ten languages. His latest work, The Viking Code – The Art and Science of Norwegian Success, was released in 2024, and his upcoming book, EX MACHINA, The God Experiment is set for release in January 2025, and The Singularity Paradox – Bridging Humanity and AI, to be released in March 2025.

During the interview with Dinis Guarda, Anders Indset discusses his book The Quantum Economy, which he wrote in 2018, providing a philosophical and futuristic perspective on AI technology, science, and capitalism.

He said, "I started to realise that a lot of the philosophical questions I had been thinking about were all of a sudden on the tables of CEOs and leaders around the world. These philosophical questions had practical implications for businesses.

The Quantum Economy was basically an outlook of where we are on AI today. It was written back in 2018 in German and foresaw a point where science and philosophy would enter a dynamic dance. Nobel lectures would come out of corporations, not Academia because the money and talents would be with the exponential tech companies."

He also explained the Connection Between Quantum Physics and Business:

"From the theoretical foundation of quantum theory 100 years ago, we’re now looking at practical implications—how this foundation of physics can be applied to real-life scenarios, including business.

I envisioned a 10-year period from 2020 to 2030 where we would see exponential progress in these technologies. I did not foresee a pandemic, the wars, or the speed of change. In retrospect, my radical thesis might have been too conservative."

Quantum and AI: Shaping the future

Anders Indset discusses the convergence of quantum technology and AI, exploring its impact on the economy, society, and human progress:

"The economy is the operating system of our society. If it doesn't function, progress stalls, and we shift from exploring the potential to merely surviving. The economy operates on two parameters: technological progress and human creativity.”

Talking about the Role of Quantum Technology in AI, he said:

"In the near future, particularly by 2025, we’ll see hybrid computers where quantum algorithms are run in the cloud to optimise AI scenarios."

Quantum technology is not separate from AI; rather, it enhances AI, creating what he terms "Quantum AI" or "Artificial Intelligence on steroids.

Quantum technology is more than just quantum computers. It encompasses a range of applications in hardware and software, though stable quantum computers capable of revolutionary computation are still years away."

He also explains the Quantum mechanics and philosophical implications:

"Quantum physics presents an incompleteness in how we perceive reality, especially with concepts like the observer effect and the collapse of the wave function.

Even Richard Feynman speculated that a true simulation of the universe would require quantum physics, indicating its foundational role in understanding reality."

Anders also talks about the concept of a Quantum Economy:

"Quantum economy uses the philosophical and scientific principles of quantum mechanics as a foundation for understanding and evolving our economic systems.

If we can theoretically build everything we conceive of, the question shifts from feasibility to desirability: Should we build it? What are the risks of replacing ourselves?"

For the evolution of thought in Quantum Economy he said:

"Back in 2018, I envisioned a dynamic path for capitalism. Today, this idea has evolved into exploring the intersection of science and philosophy, or 'sci-phi,' to understand and navigate these challenges."

Njordis Group: Merging philosophy with entrepreneurship

Anders Indset discusses the vision and operations of Njordis Group, a venture he co-founded to integrate his philosophical insights with practical investments in technology and innovation.

"I wanted to see my thoughts and reflections manifest in projects, and I didn’t want to build one company for myself. I wanted to be part of companies where I could learn something.

I got very inspired by Johan Brand from Norway, who told me his investment strategy is ROL—return on learning—as a comparison to ROI. I like that and try to invest in companies where I think I can contribute and learn something.

The learning part of getting involved with an organisation is very important to me. It creates a dynamic where I can contribute with my network and experience but also grow through what the organisation is doing."

He also explains the focus areas of Njordis:

"I focus on things that I think are important for humanity—be it in health tech, quantum technologies, or AI to optimise various things. For example, we’re building a logistics case that could save a lot of CO2 and have a positive economic and ecological impact.

We get involved either with investors, helping companies raise money, or through advisory work in the early stages. It’s about strategic support and scaling organisations with the potential for positive progress.

To me, that absolute curiosity to learn everything is still a driver, coming back to my childhood. Today, I try to channel that curiosity into business and investments.

We are happy with how Njordis Group is evolving, and we have great plans for the next years. It’s something I spend a lot of time on, building and shaping, and supporting tech companies in meaningful ways."

AI, simulation, and singularity: Exploring humanity's future

Anders Indset delves into the philosophical and scientific challenges of AI, exploring the paradoxes of technological progress, consciousness, and the future of humanity.

"We challenged physicists to prove through math or science that we are not living in a simulation. It turns out it’s very difficult because of the challenges quantum theory presents to how we perceive the world."

He also explains Nick Bostrom’s three scenarios for the simulation hypothesis:

"One: We will never reach technological maturity because we’ll go extinct before we do.
Two: Humanity as a species simply stops trying to reach technological maturity.
Three: Progress is possible, and then it’s just a matter of time before we build simulations.

If progress is possible, and given the exponential advances in technology, it’s much more likely we are already living in a simulation than being part of base reality. Elon Musk referred to this as a one-in-billion chance that we live in base reality."

Talking about the Importance of Perception, he said:

Philosophers from Plato’s Allegory of the Cave to René Descartes’ 'evil Deceiver' and Bishop Berkeley’s 'subjective idealism' all touch on the idea that what we perceive may not be reality but is real because it gives us sensory experiences."

If we were to create simulations within simulations, entropy might eventually halt the process unless there’s an external intervention. This entropy could mirror the universe's physical limits."

AGI would be an intelligence encompassing the totality of human knowledge and abilities, but once achieved, it could skyrocket into unpredictable states, raising questions about control and the nature of humanity.

We argue for the development of Artificial Human Intelligence (AHI), where we enhance human intelligence but retain the essence of what it means to be human. This involves acknowledging that consciousness and agency cannot be fully replicated by computational means.

If we could rebuild every neuron in a brain, would that entity have a mind? Where does the magic of thought arise? These unanswered questions preserve the unique essence of being human.

A thinker without a paradox is like a lover without passion. As long as there’s the potential for the unknown, there’s potential for progress and life. If everything becomes static, humanity will enter a state of homeostasis—a dead system. The challenge is to leave room for the unknown and the possibility of growth."

Ex Machina: The god experiment

Anders Indset's forthcoming book, Ex Machina: The God Experiment, is set for release in January 2025 which dives into profound questions about reality, creation, and the intersection of science, technology, and philosophy.

"If we want to have bliss, divinity, and immortality created by technology, we are essentially on the path to creating gods—Ex Machina.

If we are part of a quantum simulation, there has to be something outside of that—a base computer, an initial state. How can something evolve out of nothing?

We are now wiring up our brains, hacking biology and chemistry, and speeding up discoveries with advanced algorithms. AI will soon expand the periodic table, creating new elements and substances beyond our imagination.

We are moving from divine creationism to humane creationism, where humanity manipulates and re-engineers reality. We are not just playing gods; we are building godlike machines.

All the atoms in our universe could theoretically be simulated by a powerful quantum computer. But if simulations occur infinitely, entropy might eventually halt everything unless an external force intervenes.

have immense respect for beliefs and spirituality. While I identify as an agnostic atheist, I acknowledge that there are aspects of reality we cannot yet explain.

The volume of debate and curiosity around these questions has increased exponentially. This reflects humanity's growing need to understand our reality and the boundaries of our existence.

The subtitle, 'The God Experiment,' represents our journey to create and understand everything. It reflects the shift from divine creation to the deliberate, human-driven manipulation of reality."

Exploring quantum, leadership, and blockchain

As the interview continues, Anders Indset discusses his role in advancing quantum technology, leadership education, and blockchain innovation:

"I was curious about blockchain as an infrastructure technology. I wanted to understand the asset structures of Bitcoin, business use cases, and whether there is something substantial behind tokens and meme coins.

That is run by my business partner. I co-own the company, but I do very little work there. What we do is put some of my philosophical thinking into educational programs for larger corporations on topics like AI, leadership, and ecology.

With the Quantum Economy, it has evolved around the book. We are gathering a community and trying to support various initiatives. It’s not a big business model; it’s more about my interest in quantum technology and the philosophical notions tied to it.

I spent a lot of time with my colleague Florian Neukart, who is on the board of Terra Quantum and my co-author. We exchange ideas and thoughts on how quantum tech and the quantum field are evolving.

I spend time facilitating events and gathering the community to be part of the dialogue and get the latest updates on research papers and progress in the technology.

It’s my way to stay close to the developments from research centres and organisations. I try to be amongst the people who get information and updates at an early stage.

I am curious about how quantum technology will evolve, who the leaders will be, and what the business models will look like. Through the Quantum Economy, I aim to shape and build a part of that dialogue."

Anders Indset also reflects on leadership, the importance of action, and maintaining humanity in an age of technological and existential challenges:

"At the beginning, there wasn’t light; there was an action. It was an activity, something happened. How can we have active agents, leaders who take action, anticipate future scenarios, and build futures?

The essence of activation becomes so important. We have access to amazing technology and resources. Therefore, it’s not just about existing but about actively engaging and shaping the world around us."