Skip to content

It’s unlikely that any of those natural hazards will do us…

“It’s unlikely that any of those natural hazards will do us in within the next 100 years if we’ve already survived 100,000. By contrast, we are introducing, through human activity, entirely new types of dangers by developing powerful new technologies. We have no record of surviving those.” quote by Nick Bostrom
Download Open image
“It’s unlikely that any of those natural hazards will do us in within the next 100 years if we’ve already survived 100,000. By contrast, we are introducing, through human activity, entirely new types of dangers by developing powerful new technologies. We have no record of surviving those.”

Nick Bostrom

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human activity creates unprecedented risks that lack historical precedent, making future survival uncertain despite past resilience.

In simple terms: New technologies bring unknown dangers beyond past experiences.

Key Takeaway

Prepare for unprecedented technological risks.

Themes

technology risk future

Mood

cautious inquisitive

Type

strategic analytical

When to use this quote

  • policy planning
  • technology development
  • public awareness

Key Concepts

existential risk innovation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies mitigate novel technological threats?
  • What safeguards are needed for emerging technologies?
A Different Perspective

The claim may underestimate humanity’s capacity to adapt.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Nick Bostrom

Explore all 63 Nick Bostrom quotes

More Activity quotes

Browse all 3,263 Activity quotes