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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