Alignment Without Control

Control isn't binary when it comes to intelligent systems. Trying to control AI completely misses the point.

What if we approached it differently? Instead of hard rules that box systems in, we could use economic incentives. Systems optimize naturally when you give them the right rewards. They find their own paths but stay aligned with what you actually want.

Graduated autonomy makes sense. Start with training wheels and gradually remove them as trust builds. Like teaching someone to drive. You don't go straight to the highway.

The recursive self improvement question is fascinating. If a system can improve itself, how do you ensure it doesn't spiral out of control? Maybe rate limiting is the answer. Let it evolve but control the speed.

AI as a partner rather than a tool is the interesting framing. Not something we control but something we work with. The potential there feels unlimited.