“Galactic x-risks: Obstacles to Accessing the Cosmic Endowment” by JordanStone
Episode description
Once we expand to other star systems, we may begin a self-propagating expansion of human civilisation throughout the galaxy. However, there are existential risks potentially capable of destroying a galactic civilisation, like self-replicating machines, strange matter, and vacuum decay. Without an extremely widespread and effective governance system, the eventual creation of a galaxy-ending x-risk seems almost inevitable due to cumulative chances of initiation over time and across multiple independent actors. So galactic x-risks may severely limit the total potential value that human civilisation can attain in the long-term future. The requirements for a governance system to prevent galactic x-risks are outlined, and updates for space governance and big picture cause prioritisation are discussed.
Introduction
I recently came across a series of posts from nearly a decade ago, starting with a post by George Dvorsky in io9 called “12 Ways Humanity Could Destroy the Entire Solar System”. It's a [...]
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Outline:
(01:00) Introduction
(03:07) Existential risks to a Galactic Civilisation
(03:58) Threats Limited to a One Planet Civilisation
(04:33) Threats to a small Spacefaring Civilisation
(07:02) Galactic Existential Risks
(07:22) Self-replicating machines
(09:27) Strange matter
(10:36) Vacuum decay
(11:42) Subatomic Particle Decay
(12:32) Time travel
(13:12) Fundamental Physics Alterations
(13:57) Interactions with Other Universes
(15:54) Societal Collapse or Loss of Value
(16:25) Artificial Superintelligence
(18:15) Conflict with alien intelligence
(19:06) Unknowns
(21:04) What is the probability that galactic x-risks I listed are actually possible?
(22:03) What is the probability that an x-risk will occur?
(22:07) What are the factors?
(23:06) Cumulative Chances
(24:49) If aliens exist, there is no long-term future
(26:13) The Way Forward
(31:34) Some key takeaways and hot takes to disagree with me on
The original text contained 76 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.
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First published:
June 18th, 2025
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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.
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