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Existential Pessimism vs. Accelerationism: Why Tech Needs a Rational, Humanistic "Third Way"

cosmosinstitute.substack.com · 4,159 words · saved by 1 readers

We need a balanced, enterprising optimism—an ambitious and clear vision for what constitutes the good in technology, coupled with the awareness of its dangers

Two years ago, I had a moment of profound reflection. The second of our two toddlers had just been born. Two AI startups I founded had just been acquired for $400 million. Struck by these events, I chose to embark on the perennial human quest—to understand the good life and the good society. I had been too busy solving the puzzles in front of me to examine what the right path was to achieve truly good ends. With help, I put together a philosophy reading list and devoted 3-4 hours each night to it after putting my kids to bed. That immersion has transformed my life. I now believe that…

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