#193 – Rob Reid: The Existential Threat of Engineered Viruses and Lab Leaks
Lex Fridman Podcast
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Existential Risks and Cosmic Prospects
This chapter explores the existential threats posed by engineered viruses and potential lab leaks, alongside the paradox of intelligent civilizations potentially self-destructing after reaching technological maturity. It discusses the implications of space exploration and colonization, suggesting that humanity's survival may hinge on becoming a multi-planetary species while considering ethical dilemmas surrounding life beyond Earth. The chapter raises thought-provoking questions about the future relationship between humans and superintelligent AI, examining consciousness, legacy, and the emotional dimensions of a world where humanity may no longer be the dominant species.
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