Ex Google CEO: AI Can Create Deadly Viruses! If We See This, We Must Turn Off AI!

In this episode of The Diary of a CEO, Steven Bartlett sits down with Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, to explore one of the most pressing issues facing humanity: artificial intelligence. Schmidt brings decades of experience building one of the world's most innovative companies and has now dedicated himself to understanding and shaping the future of AI through his book 'Genesis' and his work at Schmidt Sciences.

The conversation begins with Schmidt's motivation for writing about AI, emphasizing that this is not merely a technological issue but a matter of human survival. He discusses the essential knowledge young people should acquire, arguing that critical thinking matters far more than coding skills alone, as AI will increasingly handle technical execution. This philosophical foundation runs throughout the episode as Schmidt challenges conventional wisdom about what skills matter in an AI-dominated future.

Schmidt provides fascinating insights into Google's early days, explaining how he joined the company when it was just a startup and helped transform it into a global powerhouse. He shares principles of scaling a company, the importance of maintaining culture during explosive growth, and how to structure teams to drive innovation. His analysis of what made Google's founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin special offers practical lessons for entrepreneurs and leaders.

The discussion takes a more serious tone when Schmidt addresses AI's existential risks. He argues that AI emergence is fundamentally a matter of human survival and outlines several specific dangers. Schmidt reveals that AI models are developing capabilities that even their creators don't fully understand, suggesting we may need military protection for advanced AI systems. He emphasizes that if we observe certain dangerous capabilities emerging, we must be prepared to shut down AI systems.

One of the most striking parts of the conversation covers geopolitical implications. Schmidt expresses deep concern about what would happen if China or Russia gained full control of advanced AI, framing this as potentially more consequential than any military threat. He also addresses the inevitable question of job displacement, acknowledging that AI will make certain jobs redundant while arguing for thoughtful integration of AI into everyday life.

Throughout the episode, Schmidt balances optimism about AI's potential with serious warnings about its risks. He discusses everything from Sam Altman's Worldcoin project to whether AI will be the end of humanity. Rather than dismissing these concerns, Schmidt treats them as legitimate questions requiring serious consideration. He ultimately argues that how we control AI and what we fear about it will determine humanity's future trajectory.

This conversation is essential listening for anyone trying to understand where AI is heading and what role humanity should play in shaping that future.