Best of the Spectator Americano: what does Sam Altman want?
May 28, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Karen Hao, a journalist and author of 'Empire of AI', delves into the controversial leadership of Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. She discusses the balancing act of ethical responsibility in AI development, and how Altman's management style has molded public perception. The chat also uncovers the tense rivalry between Altman and Elon Musk, exploring the implications of a shifting tech landscape. Hao raises awareness about user privacy concerns in the race for advanced AI while critiquing the rise of techno-authoritarianism.
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Sam Altman's Controversial Leadership
- Sam Altman is skilled at telling compelling future stories to rally support and resources.
- His loose relationship with truth has caused internal organizational friction and calls for his departure.
Power of AI Belief
- AI's impact lies more in what people believe it can do than its current capabilities.
- Altman has mobilized massive resources based on these beliefs despite middling technology performance.
AI's Quasi-Religious Beliefs
- Some in AI hold quasi-religious fears that AI could become conscious and catastrophic.
- This mindset heightens the stakes and clashes with Altman's pragmatic vision, shaping AI development conflicts.
