Vitalik Buterin on Human Agency in the AI Era

Human agency faces significant threats in an era of rapid technological centralization and AI integration. Vitalik Buterin, founder of Ethereum, advocates for "sanctuary technologies"—decentralized spaces that protect individual autonomy and freedom without attempting to control the broader world. This approach contrasts with disempowering safety models that demand the surrender of privacy and agency. Maintaining cognitive sharpness requires intentional, manual engagement with the world, such as navigating cities without digital aids or performing complex tasks without automated assistance. Active learning remains vastly more effective than passive consumption, and individuals must resist the temptation to operate on autopilot. By consciously choosing to remain active participants rather than passive users, humans can continue to define their own roles and contribute meaningfully to the evolution of technology and society.