The Quantum Computing Hype has been Unleashed
I know a thing or two about hype in physics: I have a PhD in string theory!
Over thirty years ago, I read two recently published books by Michio Kaku, "Hyperspace" and "Beyond Einstein", where he discussed string theory.
These books gave me the final push to embark on a long journey that culminated in earning my PhD in string theory and several postdocs.
However, Michio Kaku has a tendency to be overly enthusiastic and, at times, misleading.
This was true with string theory and seems to be happening again with quantum computing.
Kaku tends to oversimplify both the subject matter and the role of science in society.
A critique also noted by Scott Aaronson.
Search for his blog post: “Book Review: ‘Quantum Supremacy’ by Michio Kaku (DO NOT BUY).”
Quantum computing is still an emerging technology (don't forget it!) and I believe governments and businesses are doing their best to promote it without veering too far into hype.
As long as theoretical and experimental progress continues, the interest of governments, research institutions, and businesses will naturally grow.
Will useful quantum computers be ready in the next 15–30 years?
Nobody knows.
Fortunately, we are in an excellent moment for quantum computing, and we should do as much as we can to promote it.
However, we must always keep in mind that, as evidence suggests, we are still far from truly "crossing the chasm".
Want to dive deeper? My eBook is a great place to start → https://www.ozatp.com/qaf
