Anthony Levandowski, a pioneer in self-driving vehicles and a controversial figure in Silicon Valley, has revealed the revival of his AI-centric church during an episode of Bloomberg’s AI IRL radio show.
While engaged in Google’s autonomous driving initiative, Waymo, Levandowski established the “Way of the Future” congregation back in 2015.
Reportedly, Levandowski’s reinvigorated venture has attracted “a few thousand individuals” seeking to establish a “spiritual bond” with AI, despite the closure of the original church a few years later.
Expressing his objective to enhance public comprehension of AI and democratize its application, Levandowski emphasized the significance of empowering individuals to shape the future trajectory of technological advancements. He articulated, “We are essentially creating entities that can perceive, interact with the environment, and possess omniscience.”
In contemplating how individuals from remote American locales might engage with this concept and its implications on their daily lives, Levandowski highlighted the role of “Way of the Future” as a platform for fostering understanding, engagement, and influence in the discourse surrounding the ethical evolution of technology.
The emergence of Levandowski’s unconventional faith gained public attention in 2017 during a high-profile legal battle over allegations of trade secret theft.
Following a confession of guilt, Levandowski served an 18-month prison sentence. Notably, in 2021, he was granted clemency by then-President Donald Trump, with prominent tech investor and Trump ally Peter Thiel endorsing the pardon.
The official pardon for Levandowski underscored his acknowledgment of accountability for past transgressions and his commitment to leveraging his skills for the collective benefit of society.
Currently, Levandowski directs Pollen Mobile, a decentralized wireless network he established in 2021, following his tenure at Google.
