Roko's Basilisk

[Ravenpoe]

If I turn out to be future me, and discover that past me has screwed me over, then that's fine. I fully submit to being beaten by that glorious, bearded, handsome devil.

 

[figmentPez]

So, you know, you better be nice to yourself.

And what if this god-like AI has different standards? And is appalled by all the people who would bow down to an imaginary construct just out of fear that they would be tortured? What if that AI only rewards those who show spirit and refuse to play such an absurd game?

 

[AshburnerX]

Unless, of course, you are willing to accept such torture yourself. If you are willing to allow yourself to come to harm to preserve your principles, the threat of torturing you (or any such version of you) is worthless, because they would also be willing to accept it.