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Arundhati Roy: Artificial Intelligence Is Capitalism's Final Destination

Oct 23, 2026

Summary

Acclaimed writer Arundhati Roy discusses her new essay, "Apocalypse Now and Then," arguing that AI represents capitalism's final destination and a threat to human creativity and social coherence. She critiques the corporatization of language and the environmental devastation caused by data centers, particularly in India. Roy contends that the technology is a "tidal wave of stupidity" controlled by oligarchs who view intelligence as a commodity, urging the public to resist and recognize the impending crisis.

Topics discussed

Introduction and context for Arundhati Roy interview Why the essay is titled 'Apocalypse Now and Then' AI's impact on literature and theft of writer's work The commodification of intelligence and loss of trust AI as capitalism's final destination and control issues The inevitability of AI failure and economic bubble Climate impacts and global resistance to data centers Call to action: spreading awareness and saying no Reading from the essay: AI as a crime against humanness
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