Is a slow takeoff safer?

In their discussions, both Lex Fridman and his guests indicate a preference and perceived safety benefit in a slow takeoff for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Sam Altman, in particular, states that he finds the short timelines with a slow takeoff to be the safest scenario. He and Lex Fridman agree that longer timelines with a fast takeoff are less desirable and more frightening due to rapid, uncontrolled advancements in AI capabilities 1 2.

In another conversation, John Carmack suggests that there likely won't be a fast takeoff, given the real-world constraints like the need for substantial computing power and infrastructure, which are not easily or quickly scaled 3.

Overall, the consensus seems to favor a slow takeoff as being safer, primarily due to the increased ability to manage and understand the development of AGI over gradual advancements.