Chapter 145: Inspiration Brought By Lin Ran
The Empire has never lacked talent.
America is like this, and the Soviet Union is the same.
America has scientists from the shining moments of humanity, and the Soviet Union has them too.
If anyone is most sensitive to the technological singularity proposed by Lin Ran, realizing that the time point he wants has come, it is undoubtedly Viktor Glushkov.
As an expert in the field of automatic control theory, an academician of the Ukraine Academy of Sciences, and the director of the Institute of Control Theory of the Academy of Sciences, he is able to access academic journals from America.
When he saw the extensive report in Scientific American magazine about Randolph Lin’s cooperation with IBM, building a machine with ten computers in parallel that could defeat humans—an artificial intelligence machine—and proposing the concept of technological singularity and a new theory on Cold War victory and defeat, Viktor realized that the opportunity he had been waiting for had arrived.
What opportunity? To promote OGAS within the alliance.
OGAS was mentioned earlier, but only in passing.
The full name of this thing is the Nationwide Automated Economic Management System. Viktor was inspired by Norbert Wiener’s cybernetics ideas and believed that the alliance’s current method of paper statistics and manual decision-making could no longer adapt to the increasingly complex economic demands.
The Berlin Crisis happened precisely because this economic system was inefficient, leading to a shortage of materials allocated by the alliance.
Why was Nikita speechless in the Kitchen Debate? It was also due to the current economic system’s excessive rigidity and inefficiency.
Viktor does not believe that switching to America’s marketization is good; what he hopes for is to solve problems through technology.
That is, a nationwide automated network to collect, process, and analyze economic data in real time, thereby optimizing production, allocation, and consumption.
His design is extremely ambitious and even embodies the basic principles of computer networks, automation technology, and cloud computing.
But it was not approved.
There are many reasons: Soviet computer technology could not support it, there was insufficient financial support, and most importantly, the bureaucratic apparatus worried it would weaken their power.
They worried that such an automated system would expose inefficiencies and corruption, even threatening their positions.
In short, after he proposed this concept last year and submitted it to the Kremlin, it was like a stone ox entering the sea—no further news.
As a master of control theory, from Lin Ran’s interview, the concept of technological singularity, and the sudden emergence of Deep Blue, he saw a glimmer of hope.
External pressure brings internal change.
He had a premonition that the Kremlin would soon summon him.
Viktor felt he needed to be fully prepared.
Ukraine borders Europe, so it is still possible to collect Western magazines through some informal channels.
After seeing the news about Deep Blue, Viktor began to mobilize all his personal connections to collect all available reports related to Lin Ran on the marketplace.
Because they are all scientists, the other party can stir up storms in the White House, lead NASA projects, and as a Chinese person—still a Chinese person from Europe—become NASA’s shadow director.
Viktor felt he could definitely find the puzzle piece he wanted from this.
From public interviews and news reports, Viktor thought he had probably found this puzzle piece.
Just as the White House worried, shortly after the White House meeting on artificial intelligence concluded, the meeting minutes and key speeches appeared on the Kremlin’s table.
“Comrade Korolev, you are the only one among us who has dealt with Randolph Lin. After reading these reports and content, we want to hear your views on technological singularity and artificial intelligence,” Nikita said.
Moments later, Korolev said thoughtfully: “With my shallow understanding, I am not sure if the artificial intelligence technological singularity that Randolph speaks of can be realized.
But computers are absolutely the best tools.
Even without considering artificial intelligence, just considering the role of computers in various work processes, we need to increase research and development and investment in computers.
For example, the human brain is force; we think about problems and solve them, like using force to lift heavy objects.
While the computer is the lever, it can play an amplifying role.
Originally, one might only lift a hundred jin heavy object, but with a computer as the lever, we can pry a thousand jin heavy object.
From a more essential perspective, the computer is hardware, and artificial intelligence is the carrier.
But the algorithms we now use to calculate mathematical equations also belong to a form of artificial intelligence; it’s just narrow artificial intelligence compared to what Randolph describes—artificial intelligence that can only solve specific problems.
While what Randolph describes is general artificial intelligence, like humans.”
It can only be said that a master is a master; even without engaging in computer-related research, he pierced the essence of artificial intelligence and outlined the prototype of the general artificial intelligence concept.
“Therefore, we must increase investment in computer technology no matter what,” Korolev said.
He realized the potential of artificial intelligence and was dissatisfied with the Soviet Union now putting all resources into military development (this is reflected in Asif Siddiqi’s work Challenge to the Red Rocket).
Technological singularity is a good point for scientists to strive for resource support.
Increasing investment in computer research and development in the Soviet Union and putting computers into use would benefit all scientist groups.
Korolev’s attitude was like this, and the other experts brought in by the Kremlin were the same.
Until Viktor.
Unlike the White House gathering all experts at the same time for free discussion,
The Kremlin’s strategy was one by one.
Viktor Glushkov was the last expert to enter the Kremlin to discuss this matter.
“Comrade Glushkov, we want to hear your views on computers, your ideas about technological singularity, and more importantly, your views on completing economic allocation through computers.”
A familiar voice sounded.
Regarding OGAS, the Kremlin had discussed it many times internally.
Some oppose, naturally some support, and Alexei Kosygin is one of the supporters because he saw the potential of this system to improve economic efficiency.
Economic resource allocation was mentioned in Lin Ran’s interview; it would be abnormal if the Soviet side did not know.
After reviewing the technological singularity-related reports again after arriving.
Viktor said: “I believe the arrival of technological singularity is a long process.
We must increase investment in this area, starting now, starting from this moment.
The potential of computers is something everyone can see.
If computers can defeat humans in the field of chess, they can defeat humans in other fields.
We won the competition in the space field, and we must also achieve victory in computer competition.
We need to take the technological singularity seriously.
As for computers allocating resources, this is also what I said in the OGAS system.
Achieving automation and optimization of economic allocation through a computer network.
I have explained its essence many times: replacing traditional manual statistics and multi-layer approval processes through real-time data collection and analysis.
By predicting supply and demand changes in advance, optimizing resource allocation, and ultimately improving resource allocation efficiency.
In this regard, I very much agree with Professor Lin’s viewpoint.”
A cold voice sounded; this came from the State Planning Committee, the core of the Soviet command economy.
Mainly responsible for formulating plans and coordinating national economic activities, the State Planning Committee completely relies on manual statistics and local government reported data, and is also one of the main obstacles to OGAS.
Nikolai Baibakov said: “Comrade Glushkov, do you worry that this is America’s conspiracy?
If we adopt this method and it fails, what then?
If it succeeds, will the alliance’s public think *not as good as machines*—have you thought about such consequences?”
Nikolai tried to shape the concept of machines replacing people to cause everyone’s unease.
“First, I want to say that we can pilot it in some countries first.
For example, take Ukraine, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Poland as pilot countries, implement OGAS in these four countries first, and then decide whether to promote it throughout the alliance based on the results.”
The first trick Viktor learned from Lin Ran: let the results speak.
To promote technological singularity and artificial intelligence, first bring out Deep Blue to show off.
To gain control of NASA, first predict the failure of Freedom 7, then lead NASA to victory—back and forth, and everyone naturally believes you.
To promote international shipping standards, first build a modern shipping route.
Viktor even found reports linking international shipping standards to Lin Ran.
At this time, inspired by Lin Ran’s deeds, Viktor felt completely enlightened.
He no longer pursued urgently convincing the Kremlin to promote OGAS across the entire alliance.
Aren’t you suspicious? Let’s pilot it bundled in these four European countries first.
Whether it works, see the effect.
Moreover, the countries he chose were carefully selected.
Leaving aside that East Germany is one of the most industrialized and technologically advanced countries in the alliance system, its manager Walter Ulbricht himself has implemented a new economic system and emphasized scientific management, holding a relatively open attitude toward technological progress.
Czechoslovakia has strong strength in mechanical engineering and electronics, is enthusiastic about economic reform, and has even tried to introduce market mechanisms.
Poland, despite low loyalty, has core industries of coal and steel, which naturally fit OGAS allocation.
As for the last Ukraine, it is his own country, where he can personally participate and adjust OGAS based on the feelings of his own citizens.
In fact, the OGAS project had received some support and even passed the ministers’ meeting in 1964, agreeing to let them start a feasibility study.
But resistance from the bureaucratic system soon prevented the project from being put into practice.
Now, Viktor’s design is much more reasonable and requires far fewer resources.
The Kremlin increasing investment in the computer field is already a high-probability event, and he also said to pilot it in Eastern Europe first.
This made Nikolai Baibakov, who heard this, feel uneasy.
When did you kid get so clever?
“As for giving the public the illusion that machines are superior to people, I think there is even less need to worry.
Because current machines still need people to operate them, and the achieved results are also the product of the Kremlin’s wise decisions.”
This was another killer move Viktor learned from Lin Ran.
The merit all belongs to the leaders.
When Lin Ran was interviewed, he frequently mentioned the White House, giving credit to Kennedy and the White House; Viktor did the same.
OGAS’s success is not because this machine allocation method is so awesome, but because of the Kremlin’s wise decisions.
It was just short of saying directly: So great, Comrade Nikita!
If it were the era with Newton, even Sir Newton would have to sigh: Where did you kid find these “innocent” scientists?
Nikita knocked on the table, signaling the meeting to begin. After questioning all the scientists they thought should be consulted, it was finally the turn of the Kremlin’s heavyweights to meet.
Nikita’s voice was low:
“Comrades, we are gathered here today to discuss a problem concerning our future destiny.
Randolph Lin, in cooperation with IBM, has achieved a breakthrough in computer technology; they proposed in the White House that artificial intelligence will be the decisive key in the Cold War.
These days, we have also intensively summoned a series of experts in computers, cybernetics, and the field of mathematics, and everyone has fully heard their views.
Now I want to hear your views: whether artificial intelligence capable of bringing technological singularity is really possible, and what we should do?”
Kosygin opened the documents, his brows slightly furrowed:
“I approve increasing research and development investment in computers and related technologies, chasing the Americans in the computer field, and even investing certain resources to obtain technical secrets from Silicon Valley.”
For the Soviet Union, it’s acquisition—openly going for it.
“At the same time, we must also increase investment in artificial intelligence.
We can concentrate a group of experts to conduct related research, while real-time observing America’s investments and movements in this area, and then adjust our resource investments.
Randolph’s automatic translation machine in two months will be an important observation indicator for us.”
Everyone’s opinions were similar.
Increasing investment in computers—no problem, and it should indeed be done.
Originally, after the Cuban Missile Crisis last year, talks were held with America on stopping nuclear tests and disarmament.
The Soviet economy was not at the point of being unable to afford these resources.
“Good, I propose that subsequent computer research be fully entrusted to Comrade Sergei Alexeyevich Lebedev, with specific research progress reported directly to Comrade Kosygin.
Comrade Kosygin will judge, based on research progress, difficulties, and key achievements, whether collective discussion and decision-making are needed.”
This topic was unanimously approved.
The second one is key: Glushkov’s OGAS.
“I read Comrade Glushkov’s report submitted to the Kremlin last year.
OGAS’s vision is indeed bold: achieving economic automated management through a nationwide computer network, which can improve efficiency and optimize resource allocation.
This is very attractive in theory, especially in the background of our slowing economic growth.
But the problem is that implementing such a system requires huge investment, and is our computer technology mature enough to support such a massive network?”
“Comrade Glushkov proposed a small-scale OGAS plan today, only needing to build such an OGAS system in the four Eastern European countries; I think this is a plan worth trying.”
“We should indeed provide the Kremlin with more accurate and timely information support through OGAS.”
“America’s computer technology progress brings us pressure. If we do not act, the West will make a big fuss about it, proclaiming their technological advantages.
And if OGAS fails, we will become even more of a laughingstock in the West, especially in a place like Eastern Europe—our attempts in Eastern Europe failing would absolutely not escape the free world’s media.”
“If OGAS succeeds, it will also bring new problems.”
“Comrade Suslov, I understand your concerns.
But isn’t maintaining the system’s purity one of our goals to achieve?”
This is not yet the later Leonid, and compared to Leonard, Nikita has some idealism.
“I think we should make some attempts.
Even if it fails, it’s not a big problem.
Let me tell you my views on technological singularity and artificial intelligence.
I believe regardless of whether what Randolph says is true.
Artificial intelligence will become one of our important advantages.
From America’s system, they will cultivate many artificial intelligences.
Different financial groups will cultivate different artificial intelligences: Morgan, Rockefeller, DuPont, Ford, etc., and Western European countries like England, France, etc., will also have their own artificial intelligences.
For example, if they have 10 artificial intelligences, each with a machine brain composed of 1 billion transistors.
Maybe our total in the artificial intelligence field is not as good as theirs, but the entire federation has only one artificial intelligence, which will have 8 billion transistors.
We can have an artificial intelligence much more powerful than theirs.”
After this emergency training from the experts, Nikita had a general understanding of artificial intelligence and computers, even able to use professional terms like transistors.
And what he said, viewed in later generations, is that America would have GPT, Gemini, Grok, etc.
If the Soviet Union could survive to 2020 without change, they would definitely have only one artificial intelligence.
The limitations of the era shaped Nikita’s understanding.
“Essentially, after Randolph proposed the artificial intelligence decisive theory, America turned the Cold War from a sprint into a marathon.
Although no one really thinks the Cold War is just a sprint—whoever lands on the moon first wins.
But after publicly turning it into a marathon, our economic resilience will become even more important.”
The unspoken subtext here is that the importance of moon landing decreases; even if moon landing wins, the emotional value it brings to the public will decrease—you still have to solve your economic problems.
“Given this judgment, OGAS becomes very necessary.
We are all clear about the delays, inefficiencies, and false reporting caused by the bureaucratic system.
OGAS can avoid these problems.
And if it is implemented first in the four Eastern European countries, it can meld these four countries into a whole, which is also beneficial to us.”
Nikita’s speech made the voices supporting an OGAS pilot in the four Eastern European countries overpower the opposing voices.
Lin Ran cannot see Soviet reports and does not know that the Soviet Union has begun promoting OGAS.
