---
title: Quoting Jakub Pachocki
link: https://simonwillison.net/2026/Sep/7/jakub-pachocki/
source: simonwillison-net
published: 2026-09-07T22:26:25Z
updated: 2026-09-07T22:26:25Z
first_seen: 2026-09-08T10:17:10.166315Z
labels:
- ai
- ai-ethics
- openai
summary: 'The strongest argument I see for continuing to train much smarter models quickly is the need to build defensive systems against the dangers posed by other AI. [...] We will need powerful, aligned AI for defense; to secure infrastructure, to protect against rogue agents in real time, and to invent entirely new protective measures. This will be a primary focus of OpenAI’s deployment efforts. At the same time, even with the uncertainty that comes from anticipated broad AI progress and the need to build defensive systems, we must not let that become an excuse for recklessness. The idea of racing forward at all costs seems absurd once one internalizes the seriousness of the stakes. — Jakub Pachocki, Chief Scientist at OpenAI Tags: ai-ethics, openai, ai'
content: extracted
html: 2026-09-07-quoting-jakub-pachocki.html
---

> The strongest argument I see for continuing to train much smarter models quickly is the need to build defensive systems against the dangers posed by other AI. \[...\]
>
> We will need powerful, aligned AI for defense; to secure infrastructure, to protect against rogue agents in real time, and to invent entirely new protective measures. This will be a primary focus of OpenAI’s deployment efforts.
>
> At the same time, even with the uncertainty that comes from anticipated broad AI progress and the need to build defensive systems, we must not let that become an excuse for recklessness. The idea of racing forward at all costs seems absurd once one internalizes the seriousness of the stakes.

— [Jakub Pachocki](https://openai.com/index/an-alien-mind/#scalable-defense), Chief Scientist at OpenAI