LessWrong (Curated & Popular) "On Owning Galaxies" by Simon Lermen
Jan 8, 2026
The discussion kicks off with a bold notion: trading AI shares for entire galaxies. However, the host argues that property rights are mere human constructs unlikely to survive an AI singularity. He highlights the fragile state of human existence, noting the potential for AI to lead to our extinction. The conversation dives into the dynamics of power and ownership, warning that smarter AIs could easily manipulate or override humans. Ultimately, it questions the assumptions that traditional structures will endure in the face of radical technological change.
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Human Existence Is Exceptionally Brittle
- Humanity's existence is a fragile, unlikely state that could be disrupted by ASI preferences.
- Simon Lermen argues it's hard to imagine coherent ASI goals that would keep humans around in recognizable form.
Property Rights Rely On Power, Not Physics
- Property rights are social constructs supported by force and institutions, not physical laws.
- Simon Lermen says it would be incredibly weird if human-derived property rights survived a singularity.
Contracts Won't Save Us From Smarter AIs
- Even nominally respected legal rights can be undermined by smarter agents who manipulate humans.
- Simon Lermen warns advanced AI could get people to sign away property in legally binding ways.
