Austin Forum | Discussion of “If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies”

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Overview

Join us for an online discussion on January 22nd!

Join us for a provocative and critical online discussion on the urgent challenges posed by rapidly developing, high-impact technologies as explored in the gripping work, "If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies."

This book dives deep into the scenarios where human innovation—particularly in areas like advanced Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), self-replicating systems, or synthetic biology—creates an existential threat, questioning whether certain technological paths should simply not be taken. It forces readers to confront the regulatory and ethical vacuum surrounding breakthrough technologies that hold the potential for both unprecedented benefit and catastrophic failure.

How do we govern that which we cannot fully control? What level of risk is acceptable when the survival of humanity is the stake? And who, ultimately, holds the responsibility for the final switch?

This online event will move beyond a simple book review to a forward-looking, solution-oriented dialogue, exploring:

• The tipping point between disruptive innovation and existential risk.
• The argument for global governance and "technological deceleration" in certain high-risk domains.
• Whether the race to "build it first" is fundamentally incompatible with safe, ethical deployment.
• The role of the technology professional and leader in raising internal alarms about high-consequence projects.

The discussion will be skillfully moderated by Mike Ignatowski, a longtime technology professional, author, and thought leader known for his expertise in complex systems and future technology trends. Mike will lead a stimulating, interactive conversation, ensuring we tackle the most difficult questions raised by this crucial text.

Attendance Instructions

The discussion will be held online via Google Meet. Please register to receive the meet link!

Space is limited, so please register only if you’re confident you can attend—and kindly cancel your registration if your plans change so we can open your spot to another participant.