Nate Soares and Big Yud have a book coming out. It’s called “If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies”. From the names of the authors and the title of the book, you already know everything you need to know about its contents without having to read it. (In fact, given the signature prolixity of the rationalists, you can be sure that it says in 50,000 words what could just as easily have been said in 20.)

In this LessWrong post, Nate identifies the real reason the rationalists have been unsuccessful at convincing people in power to take the idea of existential risk seriously. The rationalists simply don’t speak with enough conviction. They hide the strength of their beliefs. They aren’t bold enough.

As if rationalists have ever been shy about stating their kooky beliefs.

But more importantly, buy his book. Buy so many copies of the book that it shows up on all the best-seller lists. Buy so many copies that he gets invited to speak on fancy talk shows that will sell even more books. Basically, make him famous. Make him rich. Make him a household name. Only then can we make sure that the AI god doesn’t kill us all.

Nice racket.

  • istewart@awful.systems
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    4 days ago

    Looking forward to stumbling across this one in a used bookstore 20 years from now, comically misfiled next to a copy of John Dies at the End