Lydia Laurenson: "The Inside Story of Leverage Research"

Lydia Laurenson recently published an inside account of Leverage Research, the now-defunct organization within the rationalist and AI safety community. The detailed article attracted critical scrutiny from Oliver Habryka, who had insider experience in related spaces. According to Habryka's critique, the account downplays several serious issues: alleged infiltration attempts targeting other organizations, widespread deception by Leverage staff, and multiple reports of psychological crises among employees. Habryka argues the narrative frames Leverage's collapse as largely circumstantial rather than rooted in institutional dysfunction and individual accountability. While he acknowledges the article contains factual elements, he suggests it misses crucial context needed for a complete understanding.

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