# Exponential Growth **Domain:** Mathematics / Technology / Forecasting **Doc Type:** Concept Node **Maturity:** Developed **Related:** [[Ray Kurzweil]], [[Moore's Law]], [[Singularity]], [[Ephemeralization]] --- ## Definition **Exponential growth** occurs when a quantity changes in proportion to its current value, producing compounding rather than constant linear increase. Technological discussions often apply the model to computation, storage, communications, biological tools and the price-performance of information technologies. ## Kurzweil Context [[Ray Kurzweil]] uses families of compounding technological trends to argue that human intuition systematically underestimates long-range change. The framework supports his account of the [[Singularity]] and recursive technological acceleration. ## Evidence Boundary No real technological curve grows exponentially without qualification forever. Physical limits, economics, measurement choice, substitution among technologies and social deployment can alter the curve. Exponential reasoning is most useful as a tested model, not a metaphysical guarantee. ## Key Insight **Compounding changes the horizon of possibility, but the curve remains an empirical claim about a specified quantity and interval.**