In this episode of Bankless, we dive into the transformative world of AI with Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and author of Super Agency. Reid shares his optimistic vision for artificial intelligence, exploring how AI amplifies human agency, democratizes superpowers, and revolutionizes industries. We discuss the philosophical "AI religions," the role of innovation in safety, and why the U.S. must lead in the cognitive industrial revolution. Tune in for a forward-thinking conversation about the future of AI, society, and what could possibly go right.
Superagency: Reid Hoffman’s Bull Case for AI
Artificial intelligence is no longer a far-off dream—it’s here, reshaping industries, amplifying productivity, and sparking heated debates about its future. On the latest episode of Bankless, we sat down with Reid Hoffman—LinkedIn co-founder, tech visionary, and author of Super Agency—to explore how AI could elevate human agency, unlock unprecedented opportunities, and transform society.
Reid’s core message is one of optimism. In his words, AI is about “super agency”—the ability to amplify human decision-making and action through transformative technology. Whether it’s a doctor using AI to diagnose patients faster or an entrepreneur leveraging tools like ChatGPT to scale their business, AI empowers individuals in ways we’re only beginning to grasp.
But Reid’s vision isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. He emphasizes that AI doesn’t replace human agency; it enhances it. “We’re not losing agency,” he explains. “We’re gaining it.” This isn’t just a Silicon Valley fantasy. Reid likens AI to past transformative technologies like cars and the internet. Each brought initial disruption but ultimately created new industries, opportunities, and prosperity for billions.
The Four “AI Religions”
Reid introduces a fascinating framework for understanding the cultural perspectives on AI:
- Doomers believe AI will lead to humanity’s destruction, envisioning dystopias where machines take over.
- Gloomers fear that AI will create widespread job loss, disinformation, and societal upheaval—an inevitability they view with resignation.
- Zoomers embrace AI as an unmitigated force for good, accelerating toward a utopian vision of endless innovation.
- Bloomers, Reid’s camp, recognize AI’s potential while advocating for thoughtful, intentional growth to minimize risks.
Reid’s “bloomer” philosophy strikes a balance. He acknowledges the challenges but insists on asking a powerful question: What could go right? By imagining and steering toward positive outcomes, we unlock the full potential of AI while mitigating its downsides.
AI’s Democratizing Power
A key theme in Reid’s vision is democratization. He sees AI as a technology that, like smartphones or the internet, will become accessible to billions. This means a world where everyone—from a Silicon Valley engineer to a taxi driver in Morocco—can harness AI to improve their lives. Whether it’s a virtual doctor in your pocket, a personal tutor for every subject, or tools to navigate legal contracts, AI promises to close the gap between resources available to the wealthy and the rest of society.
However, Reid is realistic about the challenges. Transitioning to an AI-enabled society won’t be seamless. Job displacement, privacy concerns, and the concentration of power are real risks. Yet he believes these issues can be addressed through intentional design and broad access to AI tools.
Why Innovation Equals Safety
Reid also flips the script on the “precautionary principle,” which argues for slowing down AI development to minimize risks. Instead, he advocates for innovation as a path to safety. Drawing parallels to cars, he explains that technologies like seat belts and anti-lock brakes weren’t developed by holding back—they were invented through iteration and deployment. The same logic applies to AI: advancing the technology helps us identify and mitigate its dangers.
The Role of America in the Cognitive Industrial Revolution
Finally, Reid makes a compelling case for U.S. leadership in AI. He warns that in a multipolar world, falling behind in AI could mean ceding economic and geopolitical power to adversaries. By embracing innovation, the U.S. can ensure that its values—freedom, individual empowerment, and democratic principles—shape the future of AI.
The Frontier Awaits
Reid Hoffman leaves us with a powerful reminder: AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about the kind of world we want to build. By embracing innovation and asking the right questions, we can create a future where AI serves humanity, not the other way around.