Interview with Matt Ridley. Argues for a shift from digital innovation to innovating with physical atoms, highlighting SpaceX as a primary catalyst for this new industrial movement. Applies an evolutionary biology approach to suggest that competing AI systems will prevent an AI apocalypse. Explores the “Cambrian explosion” in biotech – including gene editing and mRNA vaccines – and the urgent need for abundant energy via gas and nuclear power. Concludes that while civilisation is resilient, slowing innovation cheats posterity of a golden future.
See also the Rational Optimist Society post Ridley: We’re using the wrong pronouns for AI. I highly recommend the Rational Optimist Society Substack.