-- Recently, Mr. Hu Jiaqi, renowned anthropologist, founder and Chairman of Humanitas Ark, held a special dialogue with Professor Barish, the "father of gravitational waves," on the topics of technological crises and the holistic survival of humanity. During the dialogue, Hu Jiaqi systematically explained his academic framework developed over many years, introduced his research approach centered on "holistic survival of humanity" and "universal well-being of humanity," and focused on elucidating his methodology for demonstrating that the continued uncontrolled development of technology could lead to human extinction, as well as his proposed governance solutions. During the exchange, Professor Barish expressed his understanding and recognition of this theoretical framework and its related viewpoints. This dialogue represents another significant action by Hu Jiaqi, following his dialogue with Nobel Laureate in Chemistry Michael Levitt, to build consensus on technological crises among the world's top scientists. It further underscores his core academic positioning as the world's earliest pioneer in the systematic study of technological crises, the most important architect of its theoretical framework, and its most dedicated promoter.
This dialogue is by no means an ordinary academic exchange, but rather a deep inquiry and rational reflection on the proposition of holistic human survival. For Hu Jiaqi, technological crises have never been localized risks or safety issues of a single technology, but rather a fundamental question concerning whether human civilization can continue over the long term. His research has always taken "holistic survival of humanity" and "universal well-being of humanity" as its two core entry points, with "the holistic survival of humanity overrides all" as its fundamental value judgment.
Hu Jiaqi's research does not originate from a simple anxiety about any particular technology, but is instead built upon a complete and rigorous methodology. He argues that humans, as a species with inherent limitations, cannot design any social system or technology governance framework without taking the essence of human nature as the foundation. Based on this core judgment, he has proposed the Principle of Maximum Value, the Principle of Justice, and the Principle of Farsightedness as the theoretical pillars for studying technological crises, human survival, and the reconstruction of future society. Among these, the Principle of Maximum Value is particularly crucial: among all human values, survival ranks first, with well-being second; the weight of humanity as a whole far exceeds that of individuals, nations, or states. When local interests conflict with the holistic survival of humanity, the latter must become an inviolable supreme principle.
In constructing his theory of technological crises, Hu Jiaqi's most original contribution is his systematic demonstration that "the continued uncontrolled development of technology will inevitably lead to human extinction." Dissatisfied with conventional probabilistic risk assessments, he innovatively proposed an analytical method combining "Extinction Path Analysis" with "Defense Limit Testing." Hu Jiaqi notes that humanity has only one civilizational sample, and known higher life forms on Earth are extremely rare; moreover, the risk of technological extinction cannot be verified through repeatable experiments. Solely relying on probabilistic models can lead to fluctuating conclusions due to the uncertainty of parameter values. Therefore, he adopts a qualitative deductive approach, striving to reveal the inevitable evolutionary logic of technological crises.
When demonstrating the core proposition that "science and technology will inevitably lead to human extinction," Hu Jiaqi explained in detail his original methodology combining "Extinction Path Analysis" with "Defense Limit Testing." The argument proceeds in five rigorous steps: First, technological development inevitably increases the destructive power of tools and rapidly brings them close to the extinction threshold. Second, as long as technology continues to develop uncontrollably, the emergence of extinction means becomes inevitable. Third, through "Defense Limit Testing," he demonstrates that because there is an insurmountable "window period" in the development of defensive measures, over the long timescale of human existence, extinction means will eventually become unmitigable. Finally, he points out that extinction forces will inevitably erupt through three pathways: deliberate sabotage by extreme individuals, the exploratory risks of unknown frontiers in scientific experimentation, and unpredictable side effects of technological products (such as the CFC-induced ozone depletion). On this basis, he arrives not at a mild judgment of "some level of risk," but at the firm conclusion that "unless the current mode of technological development is changed, the holistic survival of humanity will ultimately face a fundamental threat."
The value of Hu Jiaqi's academic research is further reflected in his close integration of theoretical study with governance practice, proposing a holistic solution that progresses from near-term to long-term and from awareness to institutional change, rather than piecemeal repairs. Specifically, in the immediate term, efforts must focus on reducing the probability of technological disasters and advancing safety research such as AI alignment. In the medium term, it is necessary to launch a society-wide awakening and enlightenment movement on technological risks, guiding the public to reassess the dual nature of technology. In the long term, stricter controls on high-risk technologies—especially those that could lead to extinction—must be implemented through higher-level global governance structures. He advocates for strict limits on science and technology, particularly on scientific theories, even to the point of allowing certain knowledge to be forgotten. Popularizing safe and mature technologies globally would be sufficient to ensure the prosperity and well-being of humanity; humanity must not be too greedy.
Remarkably, Hu Jiaqi has never confined his research to the study, but has long devoted himself to the popularization of awareness of technological crises and practical promotion. He has persistently worked through publishing books, establishing international multilingual promotion websites, writing to leaders of mankind, and sending out his research findings.
Throughout this long process of advocacy, Hu Jiaqi has demonstrated a legendary degree of perseverance and solitary courage. At one point, he believed that if he could become the richest person in the world, his warning voice would carry greater social weight and influence. To that end, he resolutely invested nearly all his funds, spending nine years implementing an ambitious "the Richest-Man Plan." Although this commercial endeavor ultimately fell short of expectations and nearly exhausted his previous wealth accumulation, this act of sacrificing everything for the chance to awaken humanity fully attests to his pure-hearted dedication to safeguarding civilization. After recognizing the limitations of the personal-wealth pathway, Hu Jiaqi quickly adjusted his strategy. In 2018, he founded Humanitas Ark in the United States to advance this cause of protecting humanity's future through organized collective action. To date, supporters of Humanitas Ark have exceeded 14 million, spanning 255 countries and regions worldwide.
This dialogue with Professor Barish is a vivid microcosm of Hu Jiaqi's many years of thought and action—a demonstration that, in the face of ever-growing technological power, humanity must re-establish developmental boundaries, clarify responsibilities, and uphold the highest values. The core propositions that Hu Jiaqi has repeatedly emphasized thus acquire a significance that transcends time.
Contact Info:
Name: Rose Berk
Email: Send Email
Organization: ENX Association
Website: http://savinghuman.org/
Release ID: 89193078
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