The Danger Isn’t Technology. It’s Us.
By Eric Braverman | December 8, 2025 | The National Interest
In an era dominated by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and other transformative technologies, a prevailing fear grips many: that technology itself poses an existential threat to humanity. The concerns are familiar—machines might outsmart us, replace human labor on an unprecedented scale, or even turn against us. Yet, as Eric Braverman argues in his insightful piece for The National Interest, the true danger isn’t technology itself, but the people who wield it and the choices society makes.
Technology as a Neutral Tool
Technology has always been a double-edged sword. Throughout history, tools like the wheel have facilitated both survival and warfare. The printing press amplified both education and propaganda. Nuclear power ushered in a new era of energy production but also introduced devastating weapons. At every turn, it is human decisions that shape outcomes, not the technologies themselves.
Today, what differentiates the current landscape is the sheer scale and speed with which innovations can impact the world, combined with an extreme concentration of power. Technologies that once took decades to gain widespread influence can now achieve global reach in months, amplifying the consequences of even a single decision. This concentration increases the risk that a few reckless or unethical leaders could cause outsized harm. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has recently voiced concerns about very young tech founders—some as young as 18—leading billion-dollar ventures with minimal experience or mentorship, raising questions about readiness and responsibility.
People: The Heart of the Problem and the Solution
Braverman emphasizes that the problem is not the development of technology, but how people choose to use it. The good news is that most individuals want to play an active role in shaping the future of technology. A Telescope/Gallup survey found that 87% of Americans are eager to take personal responsibility for how technology affects their lives.
To harness this positive engagement, Braverman outlines a multi-faceted approach:
-
Preparing Tomorrow’s Founders Today:
With innovations scaling faster than ever, it is critical to identify and support high-potential young entrepreneurs under 25 before they assume positions of power. Initiatives like the emerging “Rising Founders” platform aim to connect these young leaders globally with resources such as capital, customers, and mentorship. Equally important is fostering social understanding, resilience, and ethical grounding early on, ensuring they lead responsibly. -
Incentivizing Responsible Innovation:
Instead of opposing economic growth or technological adoption outright, the focus should be on restructuring incentives. Automation and AI often become necessities for business survival, not acts of malice. Creating markets that reward reskilling and fair adaptation can help workers transition amid disruptions. Drawing on examples like advance market commitments for vaccines, Braverman suggests financial commitments and collaborations from businesses, governments, philanthropists, and individuals that encourage investments in workforce training. -
Aligning Societal Values and Leadership Goals:
Society and innovators must share common definitions of success and value. The launch of HumanityAI—an initiative promoting responsible innovation—reflects this ethos. Why not reward founders for ethical breakthroughs as we do with prestigious awards in other domains? Employee ownership models, such as those championed by Common Trust, and sovereign talent funds that reinvest proceeds from fast-growing companies into talent development and infrastructure, could embed responsible innovation into cultural and economic frameworks.
Moving Beyond Fear and Towards Stewardship
Rather than curbing technological progress, Braverman envisions leveraging technology itself to advance ethical innovation. AI tools can democratize access to best practices, mentorship, and impact modeling for young founders worldwide. They can personalize education, highlight ethical initiatives, and foster community connections endorsing responsible behavior.
Blaming technology is a simplistic escape. As AI pioneer Yann LeCun famously noted, even the smartest AI remains “dumber than a cat.” The true question is whether humanity has the wisdom and ethical grounding to govern the technologies it creates.
The Future Is in Our Hands
Braverman’s thoughtful reflection concludes with a call to action: the future is not predetermined by machines or algorithms, but shaped by human decisions. Training ethical leaders, realigning incentives, and cultivating societal expectations can transform potential threats into opportunities for shared prosperity. The project may span generations, but the power to start correcting course rests with us today. Fear of machines should not dominate discourse; instead, we must focus on the people behind them and ensure they embody wisdom, care, and responsibility.
About the Author: Eric Braverman chairs the Telescope Foundation, supports emerging founders committed to security and prosperity, and teaches at Yale. He formerly led Schmidt Futures, the Clinton Foundation, and co-founded McKinsey’s public sector practice.
For further insights, explore related articles in The National Interest on military aid, economic policy, and global diplomacy.
