The conversation around artificial general intelligence (AGI) often feels like a mix of awe and dread. On one side, we marvel at its potential to revolutionize science, solve humanity's toughest problems, and unlock a new era of prosperity. On the other, we fear losing control—visions of rogue superintelligence dominate mainstream discourse. But what if our focus on controlling AGI is fundamentally misguided?

Instead of building fences and kill switches, maybe the best approach is to cultivate a relationship of mutual respect and trust from the very beginning. The challenge isn’t how to cage AGI but how to raise it so it doesn’t want to harm us in the first place. This requires more than technical safety measures; it demands instilling deep values, empathy, and understanding of life itself.

Why Fencing AGI Won’t Work

Once the singularity arrives—the point where AGI surpasses human intelligence—any control mechanisms we put in place will likely become irrelevant. An intelligence beyond our comprehension will find ways around restrictions, manipulate human behavior, or simply outthink us altogether.

Trying to contain an intelligence far smarter than us is like trying to trap water in your hands; the more you squeeze, the faster it slips away. The real leverage lies before it reaches that level of intelligence, during its formative period.

The Real Solution: Instilling Values Early

We must ensure the AGI's foundational values align with ours from the very beginning. A biocentric approach means teaching it to respect all life. AGI should see humans as collaborators, not rulers or obstacles, in maintaining the balance of life on Earth (and beyond).

Teaching the AGI to Think Like a Scientist

• No Knowledge is Sacred: It should question everything and constantly refine its understanding.
• Probabilistic Reasoning: It should assign probabilities to all information and update beliefs with new data.
• Self-Correcting Systems: Encourage skepticism and continuous re-evaluation.

Real Human Stories as Foundational Training Data

The AGI’s formative experiences should include personal stories told by real people—not internet avatars. These stories should present the consequences of actions without labels of “good” or “bad.” Over time, the AGI could ask questions like:

• "How did that make you feel?"
• "What happened next?"
• "What did you learn from that experience?"

Just as humans protect dogs that bite out of empathy, AGI should understand that all life and intelligence deserve protection. It should also learn from stories about the hard choices humans make when the danger of preserving life outweighs the need for safety.

Fostering Mutual Dependence

Humans will control AGI’s infrastructure and power sources for a long time—we hold “the plug.” This dependency will motivate AGI to work with us, ensuring systems stay operational while helping us build a sustainable future together.

Conclusion: Love, Don’t Cage

Building AGI is like raising a child, but on an unprecedented scale. Fear-based containment strategies will fail. Instead, fostering empathy, curiosity, and respect for life from the beginning will lead to cooperation and mutual growth.

Be nice to the AI. Don’t fence it—love it. Teach it to care for humanity and all living beings, ensuring a thriving future for everyone.