This podcast episode delves into the multifaceted relationship between technology and society, outlining three distinct perspectives on technology—including Vitalik's own "techno-optimism"—and examining the existential risks posed by AI. With insights ranging from a revised understanding of AI risks and the dilemmas of centralized versus decentralized AI, to the advocacy for Defensive Accelerationism as a means to bolster defenses against potential threats, Vitalik emphasizes the necessity of a positive vision for the future that prioritizes safety, ethical development, and community engagement in navigating these complex challenges.