Will the advent of AGI/ASI warrant ditching the Gregorian calendar?

Could the Rise of AGI/ASI Spark a New Calendar Era?

As we stand on the cusp of potentially transformative technological advances, it’s worth pondering how artificial general intelligence (AGI) and artificial superintelligence (ASI) might reshape our society—and perhaps even the way we measure time itself.

Historically, humanity has marked significant turning points with new calendar systems or epochal references. From the adoption of the Gregorian calendar to commemorate the reform of the Julian calendar, to resetting time after pivotal events like the birth of Christ, the founding of Rome, or major revolutions such as the French Revolution—these moments serve as cultural milestones, symbolically resetting our collective timeline.

Given that AGI and ASI are often heralded as humanity’s “ultimate invention,” they could represent a similar epochal shift. Could future generations recognize the emergence of superintelligent AI as a defining demarcation—what some might call a “Year Zero” of a new era? While this idea is speculative, it raises intriguing questions about how profound technological milestones could influence cultural frameworks, including how we organize and perceive time.

Of course, implementing a new calendar system to reflect such a moment would be fraught with challenges. Cultural sensitivities, religious traditions, and the practical implications of changing a global standard all pose significant barriers. Nonetheless, contemplating this possibility encourages us to reflect on the deep impact that foundational technological shifts can have on our worldview.

Are discussions about redefining our temporal framework in response to AI advancements merely speculative, or is there room for serious consideration within academic and technological circles? As history suggests, major civilizational turning points often inspire new ways of understanding our past and future—perhaps soon, our calendar might too.

Food for thought as we navigate a future shaped by the coming age of artificial intelligence.