Balaji Srinivasan, investor, former CTO at Coinbase and GP at a16z, and writer of The Network State, joins Nathan to discuss polytheistic AI and AI gods, human-AI symbiosis, how AI will be controlled, and much more. If you need an ecommerce platform, check out our sponsor Shopify: https://shopify.com/cognitive for a $1/month trial period.

We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.

SPONSORS:

Shopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of ALL eCommerce in the US. And Shopify's the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy's, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries.From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you're selling, Shopify's got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/cognitive

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X/SOCIAL:

@labenz (Nathan)

@balajis (Balaji)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@CogRev_Podcast

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) - Episode Preview

(00:06:07) - Evolution of AI Systems

(00:09:39) - Challenges of AI Robustness

(00:29:54) - Intersection of AI and Politics

(00:52:14) - Regulation

(00:52:44) - Slippery slope of precedent setting

(00:54:00) - Role of AI in political chaos

(00:54:41) - Emergence of decentralized AI

(01:05:39) - AI's future as amplified intelligence

(01:1300) - Polytheistic model of AI

(01:32:00) - Role of AI in Habitat Degradation

(01:33:32) - AI's ability to do differential diagnosis

(01:34:04) - ABC of economic apocalypse: AI, Bitcoin, China

(01:36:00) - Evolution of AI in chess and medicine

(01:38:22) - Difference between AI existential threat and economic disruption

(01:40:19) - Impact of cryptography on public infrastructure

(02:07:40) - Role of tribalism in AI

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected].