In my view, successful societies accept challenges and meet them. Solving problems, bit by bit, is the best way to ensure that we have the capabilities to meet big and truly existential risks, should those risks come along. Debating the chances of our doom, ex ante, on a highly speculative basis, is unlikely to provide the same kind of expertise and talent cultivation. It is instead more likely to demoralize and immobilize us.

So which America are we going to choose?

– Tyler Cowen

Often solving the problem begins with the words “Challenge Accepted”. We can overlook this step. But Challenge Accepted reveals commitment, an admission of reality and a mind willing to adapt and change for the better.

Once Challenge is Accepted the work can begin.

Applies to societies and individuals alike. And when individuals wake up each day saying “Challenge Accepted” society follows suit

Tyler Cowen, “A Doomsday Scenario for American AI,” Marginal Revolution (blog), September 26, 2026, https://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2026/09/a-doomsday-scenario-for-american-ai.html.