“Galactic x-risks: Obstacles to Accessing the Cosmic Endowment” by JordanStone
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 [...] ---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 onThe original text contained 76 footnotes which were omitted from this narration. --- First published: June 18th, 2025 Source: https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/x7YXxDAwqAQJckdkr/galactic-x-risks-obstacles-to-accessing-the-cosmic-endowment --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO. ---Images from the article:Apple Podcasts and Spotify do not show images in the episode description. Try Pocket Casts, or another podcast app.