Jeff Clune explains why he works on self-improving AI despite the risks
jeffclune · x · 2026-09-17
After his research and Recursive Superintelligence were covered by the New York Times, Jeff Clune — UBC professor and co-founder of Recursive Superintelligence — published an essay explaining why he works on self-improving AI.
Key points:
- He takes superintelligence risks extremely seriously: over a decade of deep thought, co-authored a Science paper calling for prioritizing AI safety, advised US/EU/Canadian governments, and supported safety nonprofits.
- He concluded the potential benefits are tremendous and outweigh the risks — the core rationale for founding Recursive Superintelligence.
- The essay doubles as a public defense and background for his new company's direction.
Related event: NYT Spotlights Recursive Self-Improvement Startups; Jeff Clune Responds(2 posts)→
More from AGI Musings
- Aza Raskin on the Utopias Podcast: can we still make humane technology? — aza · 2026-09-17
- Noah Giansiracusa guest posts on Terry Tao's blog: let the diners into the kitchen — AlexKontorovich · 2026-09-17
- In Dec 2024, AI Researchers Didn't Expect a Millennium Problem Solved Until 2054 — Tolopono · 2026-09-17
- Researchers debate AI risk framing: instant-apocalypse narratives vs. boiling-frog gradual harm — eigenhector · 2026-09-17
- Is domain-specific training a constant-factor gain or a scaling exponent change? — eigenron · 2026-09-17
- DeepSeek engineer's essay: AI will outdo me in a year, but I'll keep coding — enginetown · 2026-09-17