"We appear to be programmed with the idea that there are 'things' outside of our self, and some are conscious, and some are not"

This quote by Ray Kurzweil suggests that people are born with a natural inclination to believe that there are entities beyond ourselves that are mindful and aware. This could be analyzed as a reference to the idea of a greater power or a spiritual force that exists beyond our physical realm. It might likewise be analyzed as a reference to the concept that there are other mindful beings in the universe, such as aliens or other intelligent life kinds. Kurzweil's quote suggests that humans are born with a natural curiosity and desire to explore and understand the world around them, which this curiosity is driven by a belief that there is something more out there than simply ourselves. This might be seen as a tip to constantly be open to originalities and possibilities, and to never stop checking out and finding out.