Can AI Be Built in Service of Life? A Conversation with Krista Tippett

Artificial intelligence represents a pivotal rite of passage for humanity, demanding a transition from technological adolescence to a state of mature, collective wisdom. Unlike previous tools, AI possesses independent agency, creating a "negative infinity" of existential risks alongside its potential benefits. Navigating this requires moving beyond zero-sum competitive races toward international coordination and governance. Fear, while a natural response to such profound change, must be metabolized into "post-tragic optimism" to foster agency. By integrating a "shadow-loving" approach—acknowledging and addressing systemic externalities—society can steer development toward life-affirming outcomes. Ultimately, the challenge is not merely technical but spiritual, requiring a societal upgrade that prioritizes human dignity, civic care, and the capacity to hold space for grief as we collectively shape the future.