There's a critical fork in the road when it comes to AI development. For years, the case for pumping the brakes seemed obvious—why accelerate into uncertain territory? But here's what shifted: staying on the sidelines isn't actually neutral. If you're watching from the bleachers, you have zero say in how the game plays out. Step onto the field though, and suddenly you can actually shape the direction things move. It's not about endorsing an arms race. It's about the difference between being a passenger in your own future versus holding some of the steering wheel.