LessWrong (Curated & Popular) “A non-review of ‘If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies’” by boazbarak
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Oct 6, 2025 Boaz Barak shares thoughtful insights on the book 'If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies,' highlighting the authors' honesty about AI fears and policy directions. He discusses the book's clear writing while comparing AI risks to historical mistakes. Barak expresses a key disagreement over the book's binary view of AI development, favoring a more nuanced perspective. He examines the concept of AI 'growing' versus 'crafted,' arguing builders maintain control over capabilities. Finally, Barak critiques the lack of empirical evidence to guide risk assessments.
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Value Of Honest Advocacy
- Boaz Barak appreciates that the authors state their fears and policy prescriptions honestly.
- He warns against strategic deception and values transparent advocacy for AI regulation.
History Warns Against Complacency
- Barak agrees history shows reckless adoption of technology (e.g., leaded fuel) caused harm.
- He emphasizes there's no reason to assume AI will be magically safe without active safety work.
Critique Of Binary Framing
- Barak's main disagreement is that the book treats AI development as binary rather than continuous.
- He argues the grown/crafted and current/superintelligence distinctions are presented too sharply.
