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Hey, Let’s Chat About The Biggest Power Shift Ever!

Writer's picture: Chris StahlChris Stahl

Hey there!

I was just thinking about how our world has been shaped by some pretty amazing tech advancements. Remember when our ancestors discovered fire? Game changer, right? It kept them warm, safe, and made their food way more nutritious. And don’t even get me started on the wheel! It totally revolutionized how we move things around and opened up a world of possibilities for trade and development.

Oh, and electricity? Mind. Blown. It powered up our machines, lit up our homes, and made it possible to chat with someone on the other side of the world. It was a massive leap forward that changed everything from how we live to the global balance of power.

Now, Here Comes the Exciting Part!

We’re standing on the edge of something HUGE! There are some breakthrough technologies just around the corner that are about to shake things up in a big way. I’m talking about artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, and so much more. These bad boys are going to redefine life as we know it. And guess what? They have the potential to make resources accessible to everyone, reduce inequalities, and empower people and communities all over the world.

So, What Do You Think?

We’ve come a long way, haven’t we? From discovering fire to harnessing the power of electricity, each wave of technology has changed the game for us. And now, we’re about to witness the greatest redistribution of power in history. Exciting times, right?


This new wave of technology is super exciting, right? It’s all centered around AI, but there’s so much more to it - synthetic biology, quantum computing, and a ton of new energy sources. It kind of feels like we’ve been here before, doesn’t it? A new technology comes along, and it changes everything. But this time, it’s different. There are some key things about this wave that are unique, and I feel like they’re getting lost in all the noise. Amidst all the hype, hope, and fear, it’s super important to understand what’s actually changing. That’s the key to unlocking the future.

So, What’s Different This Time?

  1. Speed of Adoption: Technologies are being adopted at an unprecedented rate. Remember how long it took for the internet to become mainstream? Well, AI and other emerging technologies are being adopted way faster. This means that the impacts, both positive and negative, will be felt much sooner than we might expect.

  2. Interconnectedness: Everything is connected. AI, quantum computing, synthetic biology, and new energy sources are not just standalone technologies. They are all interlinked and will impact each other in ways we can’t even imagine yet. This level of interconnectedness will amplify the effects of each technology and lead to outcomes that are hard to predict.

  3. Democratization of Technology: Technology is becoming more accessible to everyone. Open-source software, affordable hardware, and online resources are leveling the playing field. This means that more people, from different backgrounds and parts of the world, can contribute to the development and application of these technologies.

So, What Does This All Mean?

It means that we are on the cusp of something truly transformative. The unique characteristics of this wave of technology will lead to a redistribution of power unlike any other in history. It will create new opportunities, challenge existing power structures, and reshape the world in ways we can’t even imagine yet.

Super exciting, right? But also a bit scary. It’s important to approach these changes with a healthy dose of caution and a whole lot of curiosity. Let’s keep our eyes wide open, ask the tough questions, and make sure we’re ready for whatever comes our way.


AI is a whole different ball game compared to previous tech waves. What sets it apart is the way it unlocks new powers and changes the ones we already have. I feel like people aren’t talking about this enough. Every tech wave changes power structures, but none of them have spread power around like this one is about to.

Think about it. AI can analyze data, spot patterns, and make decisions way faster and more accurately than any human. This means that whoever controls AI has a ton of power. But it’s not just about the big players. AI can also empower individuals and small groups to do things that were once only possible for large organizations or governments.

And Here’s the Real Game Changer

AI can learn and improve on its own. This means it can come up with new ways of doing things that we haven’t even thought of yet. It can solve problems that seem impossible to us right now. This kind of self-improving power is unlike anything we’ve seen before.

But Wait, There’s More!

AI doesn’t just change how power is distributed; it also transforms the very nature of power. In the past, power was often linked to physical strength, wealth, or access to information. Now, power is increasingly linked to who has the most advanced AI. This changes the game for everyone, from individuals to nations.

So, What’s the Bottom Line?

We’re about to see a massive shift in power. It’s going to create new opportunities, challenge existing power dynamics, and potentially lead to a more equal and just world. But it’s also going to raise some big questions. Who gets to control AI? How do we make sure it’s used for good? And what happens if it falls into the wrong hands?

These are questions we all need to be asking because the answers will shape our future. Let’s make sure we get it right!


Back in the day, the most powerful tech was only accessible to a select few. You needed a ton of money or the backing of a national government to build a steam-powered factory, an aircraft carrier, or a nuclear power plant. These were massive, expensive, and super complicated projects.

But guess what? That’s all changing!

Now, the most cutting-edge tech is becoming accessible to way more people. You don’t need to be a billionaire or a world leader to get your hands on AI, quantum computing, or synthetic biology. These technologies are becoming more affordable and accessible every day.

And Here’s Why That’s So Important

When more people have access to powerful technologies, it changes the dynamics of power. It means that small groups or even individuals can have a big impact. It democratizes innovation and opens up a world of possibilities for positive change.

But, There’s a Flip Side

While this democratization of technology is super exciting, it also comes with some risks. When powerful technologies are more accessible, there’s also the potential for misuse. It’s important to have safeguards in place to ensure that these technologies are used responsibly and ethically.

So, Where Does That Leave Us?

We’re entering a new era where the most powerful technologies are no longer reserved for the elite few. This is a huge opportunity for positive change, but it also comes with some big challenges. It’s up to all of us to navigate these changes responsibly and make sure that this new wave of technology benefits everyone.


The last big tech wave, with computers and the internet, was all about sharing information. But this new wave? It’s all about action! We’re seeing a huge leap in what people can do on their own, and it’s happening crazy fast. AI is getting stronger and way more affordable every month. Things that were either impossible or super expensive just a few years ago are now common.

And Here’s the Cool Part

Because AI is becoming more powerful and cheaper, it’s opening up a world of possibilities. Small businesses can now use AI to optimize their operations, researchers can analyze massive amounts of data to find new solutions, and individuals can develop new apps and tools that can change the world. It’s a total game-changer!

But, Let’s Not Forget

While all this progress is super exciting, it also comes with some responsibilities. As AI becomes more widespread, we need to make sure it’s being used ethically and responsibly. We need to consider the impact on jobs, privacy, and security. And we need to make sure that the benefits of AI are shared by everyone, not just a privileged few.

So, What’s Next?

We’re standing at the edge of a new frontier. The possibilities are endless, and the pace of change is breathtaking. But we need to approach this new era with a healthy dose of caution and a whole lot of curiosity. Let’s ask the tough questions, explore the possibilities, and work together to create a better future.


These AIs are going to be total lifesavers! They’ll plan your retirement party, manage your diary, develop business strategies, and even design new cancer-fighting drugs. They’ll run hospitals, plan invasions, and answer your emails. Whether you want to build an airline or ground the entire fleet, it’s all becoming more doable. And it’s not just for business—whether your goals are commercial, religious, cultural, military, democratic, or authoritarian, having cheaper power at your fingertips will boost your capabilities dramatically.

And Here’s the Best Part

These tools won’t just be for the rich and powerful. Everyone, from billionaires to street hustlers, kids in India to pensioners in Beverly Hills, will have access to not just the technology, but the capability it brings. It’s a proliferation of power on a scale we’ve never seen before.

But, Let’s Keep It Real

While this is incredibly exciting, it also comes with some challenges. With great power comes great responsibility, right? We need to make sure that these technologies are used for good and not misused. We need to think about the impact on society, the economy, and the world. And we need to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from these advancements, not just a select few.

So, Let’s Get Ready!

We’re entering a new era of possibility, and it’s up to all of us to make the most of it. Let’s approach this new frontier with a healthy dose of caution, a whole lot of curiosity, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.


Power, in its truest sense, is the ability to accomplish goals. And now, that power is becoming available to everyone, everywhere. And I mean, who doesn’t want the ability to achieve their goals, right? This is way more empowering than the web ever was.

Think About It

The web made it possible to access and share information like never before. It connected people across the globe and opened up a world of opportunities. But this new wave of technology? It’s taking things to a whole new level. It’s not just about accessing information; it’s about having the tools and capabilities to turn that information into action. It’s about having the power to make a real impact on the world.

And That’s Not All

This new era of empowerment isn’t just for the tech-savvy or the well-connected. It’s for everyone. Whether you’re a student in a small village or a CEO in a big city, these technologies can help you achieve your goals.

But, Let’s Be Mindful

With this newfound power comes a responsibility to use it wisely. We need to think about the impact of our actions on others and on the world. We need to consider the ethical implications of the technologies we use. And we need to work together to create a future that’s bright for everyone.

So, What’s the Plan?

Let’s approach this new era with a healthy dose of optimism, a dash of caution, and a whole lot of determination. Let’s empower ourselves and others to make a positive impact on the world. And most importantly, let’s use this newfound power for good.


It’s all happening so fast that it’s hard to keep up. We live in a time where the most powerful technologies are open-sourced in just months, giving millions access to the cutting edge. And that cutting edge? It’s the biggest force amplifier we’ve ever seen. This new era will create massive new businesses, empower a long tail of actors—both good and bad—supercharge the power of some states, and erode that of others.

It Doesn’t Matter Who You Are

Whether you’re a giant corporation or a start-up, an established party or an insurgent movement, a wild-eyed entrepreneur or a lone wolf with an ax to grind, there’s a huge potential boost here for you. In this volatile atmosphere, winners and losers will emerge quickly and unpredictably as power surges through the system. In short, this represents the greatest reshuffling of power in history, all happening within the space of a few years.

But Let’s Not Get Carried Away

While this is an incredibly exciting time, it’s also a time to be cautious. With such a rapid redistribution of power, there’s a lot of potential for things to go wrong. We need to be mindful of the potential negative impacts and work to mitigate them.

So, Here’s the Deal

We’re on the cusp of a new era. It’s going to be a wild ride, and there’s no telling exactly how it will all play out. But one thing is certain: this is a time of immense opportunity. Let’s approach it with a sense of responsibility, a commitment to doing good, and a determination to make the most of it.


Those who are most comfortable today are the most vulnerable. Even as everyone is talking about AI non-stop, the people with power today—the professional classes—seem shockingly unprepared for the disruptions and shifts in power that are coming their way. Doctors, lawyers, accountants, business VPs—they won’t escape unscathed. And yet, most of the people I talk to seem incredibly nonchalant about the changes that are coming. It’s not just about automated call centers. This wave will fundamentally reshape and reorder society. And those with the most to lose, who rely on established capital, expertise, authority, and security architectures, are precisely the most exposed.

Let’s Get Real

It’s easy to brush off the changes that are coming as something that will only affect others. But the reality is that this wave of change will impact everyone, from the top to the bottom. It’s not just about losing jobs to automation; it’s about a complete restructuring of power and influence.

And Here’s the Thing

The people who are most comfortable today—who have the most capital, expertise, authority, and security—are the ones who stand to lose the most. Their comfortable positions are the most at risk. And yet, many of them seem incredibly blasé about the changes that are coming.

So, What Can We Do?

It’s important to approach this new era with a sense of urgency and a commitment to being proactive. We can’t just sit back and wait for the changes to happen; we need to actively engage with them and work to shape the future in a way that is positive and equitable for everyone.


I call it “pessimism aversion” too: this tendency to turn a blind eye to massive technological change and what it really means. Until recently, this was pretty common among the Silicon Valley elite. Many of them chased after “disruption” without thinking about the likely outcomes. But the arrival of generative AI and other AI products has started to change that. Even though there’s a long way to go, Silicon Valley leaders have started to be more proactive and cautious when developing the largest AI models. But more broadly, it’s crucial that societies facing this wave don’t dismiss it as just talk, turn away, and get caught out. The prep for what I call containment—a comprehensive plan for managing these tools—needs to start now.

Here’s the Deal

We can’t afford to be complacent. This wave of technological change is going to impact every aspect of our lives, from the way we work to the way we interact with each other. It’s not just about automation and job loss; it’s about a fundamental shift in the balance of power.

And Let’s Be Honest

The Silicon Valley elite have a lot of influence over the development and deployment of these technologies. It’s great that they’re starting to take a more proactive and precautionary approach, but we need to make sure that this mindset is adopted more widely. It’s not enough for just a handful of people to be thinking about the potential impacts; we all need to be engaged in this conversation.

So, What’s the Plan?

We need a comprehensive approach to managing these tools. That means thinking about the ethical implications, the potential impacts on society, and the ways in which these technologies could be misused. It means developing guidelines and regulations that ensure these tools are used for good. And it means preparing for the changes that are coming, rather than just reacting to them once they’re here.


As power starts to proliferate and its distribution and nature fundamentally change, turning a blind eye is not the answer. We need to confront the consequences of this shift in who can do what, when, and how. We need to understand what it means and start planning how we can control and contain it for everyone's benefit. Sure, history can be a useful guide, but with AI, synthetic biology, and the rest, we can be confident of one thing: we are facing something genuinely unprecedented.

Let’s Break It Down

  1. Confront the Consequences: We need to face the reality of the situation. This isn’t just about automation and job loss. It’s about a fundamental shift in the balance of power.

  2. Understand the Implications: We need to think deeply about what this means for our society. Who will benefit from these changes? Who will be left behind? And how can we ensure that these technologies are used for good?

  3. Plan for the Future: We can’t just react to these changes as they happen. We need to be proactive and start planning now for how we can control and contain these technologies.

Let’s Get Real

We are in uncharted territory. This is not like any other technological revolution we’ve faced before. The stakes are higher, and the potential impacts are more far-reaching. We need to approach this new era with a sense of urgency and a commitment to doing good.

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