Not Boring Radio

A Tale of Two Vaticans (OpenAI & the American Pope) with Reggie James

May 23, 2025
Reggie James, founder and author of the Product Lost substack, dives into the intriguing intersection of faith and technology. He explores how Silicon Valley's ethos reflects religious aspirations while examining AI's potential role in guiding our search for meaning. James shares his spontaneous writing process and critiques modern individualism's impact on communal values. He also discusses the church's evolving role amid technological advances, emphasizing the importance of human connection in this rapidly changing landscape.
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INSIGHT

OpenAI's Theistic Vision

  • Sam Altman's vision for OpenAI is deeply theistic, aiming to be a "subscription for your life."
  • This reflects a shift from replacing maternal care to replacing divine authority with technology.
ANECDOTE

Writing in Shower Bursts

  • Reggie captures his essay ideas via quick notes and often pieces them together during moments like showers.
  • His wife assists by recording dictations when ideas strike, enabling rapid writing sessions that avoid over-editing.
INSIGHT

Accidental Theism in Tech

  • The theistic nature of tech leaders' visions like Sam Altman's is likely accidental, not intentional.
  • Silicon Valley is generally less focused on criticism and historical depth, favoring experimentation and rapid learning.
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