[realce]

Eventually we will pull the black ball out of the urn. It is the responsibility of those currently alive to assess the possible harm their creations might cause.

This cynical invincibility complex is becoming a tacit allowance of extreme danger. It's not some annoyance for people to act responsible, and not all technological achievements are the same as ones previously produced.

[tarr11]

> Eventually we will pull the black ball out of the urn

What is this reference?

[jbreckmckye]

In the 18th and 19th centuries, gentlemen's clubs would vote whether to accept a new member. Each man would secretly place a ball in an urn, either black or white.

If your urn contained even one black ball, your membership was vetoed and your chances - ruined.

[realce]

I had forgotten the stem of this, thank you!

[realce]

https://mishayurchenko.me/2019/03/27/pulling-a-black-ball-fr...

[consumer451]

Seems like it might be this? https://nickbostrom.com/papers/vulnerable.pdf