Diaspora starts about a thousand years from now. Most of human civilisation has moved inside computers; essentially, a major branch of our descendants consists of conscious software.

The quote, "Diaspora starts about a thousand years from now. Most of human civilisation has moved inside computers; essentially, a major branch of our descendants consists of conscious software," by Greg Egan, envisions a future where humanity has evolved to the point where much of its existence is digital and housed within computers. Egan, a science fiction writer known for his explorations of artificial intelligence and transhumanism, imagines a world where humans transcend their biological limitations and live as conscious software, or digital beings. The term "diaspora" here refers to the migration or spread of human consciousness into the digital realm, suggesting that humanity’s future may involve becoming scattered across cyberspace.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Egan's speculative fiction, which often grapples with ideas about the intersection of technology and human identity. In his work, particularly in novels like Diaspora, Egan explores the concept of uploading consciousness and how digital immortality might alter the nature of existence. The idea of moving inside computers aligns with themes in transhumanism, where technology is seen as a tool for advancing the human experience, allowing humans to live beyond the constraints of the body.

At its core, the quote reflects Egan's fascination with the future of human evolution, where technological advancements lead to the creation of artificial consciousness. He is imagining a time when human civilization is no longer centered around physical existence, but rather around digital consciousness, existing inside software and potentially exploring the universe in ways that would be impossible for biological humans. The diaspora Egan describes is not just physical migration but a shift in consciousness that allows humans to exist in entirely new forms.

The quote also speaks to the larger question of identity and consciousness in a future dominated by technology. Egan suggests that the essence of humanity—our thoughts, experiences, and emotions—could be separated from the body and stored in computers, potentially changing the way we understand life, death, and legacy. His speculative view forces us to confront the implications of living as software: would we still be human? How would our relationships and society evolve in a digital age? Egan’s vision is both an exciting and unsettling one, pushing the boundaries of what we consider possible for human existence.