When Steve Bannon and Steve Wozniak Agree, It’s Time to Pay Attention—AI Superintelligence: The One Thing Bringing Opposites Together
Full disclosure: I use AI every day for a variety of purposes. Let’s be real, the cat’s out of the bag, and there’s no putting it back. Still, I worry that the race toward AI superintelligence could become an existential threat to humanity if we’re not careful.
Earlier this week, over 800 public figures — including tech pioneers, celebrities, right-wing politicians, and military leaders — signed a joint statement calling for a ban on AI development that could lead to superintelligence.
Yes, you read that right. Steve Bannon and Steve Wozniak are on the same side of this one. As someone at ArcStone said, “That’s like oil and vinegar.” Are pigs flying yet? Not quite, but it does illustrate the seriousness of this issue.
This initiative, led by The Future of Life Institute, doesn’t call for stopping AI altogether. It’s a pause on the race toward superintelligence — until there is a broad scientific consensus and strong public buy-in that it can be achieved safely, controllably, and without posing a threat to humanity.
According to the Institute, only 5% of Americans support the current unregulated approach to AI development. And let’s be honest — that 5% likely includes the tech executives and investors with the most to gain from unchecked progress.
Max Tegmark, president of the Institute, recently asked:
“Where are the discussions? Do we want human-replacing AI systems?”
That question hit me hard. Because honestly, where are the discussions?
AI advancements are rolling out faster than we can blink, not thoughtfully, but forcefully. The “first to the finish line” mentality is accelerating under Trump’s AI agenda, with talk of “global domination in AI”, fast-tracked construction projects, tech lobbyists, and investors ready to cash in. His mission to strip out so-called “woke” elements in AI only adds fuel to the fire.
So, where are the conversations from other leaders, business owners, and citizens?
This affects us all.
Curious about the statement and ready to take a stand?
