Thinking Machines: AI & Philosophy
Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned (with Joel Lehman)
Mar 22, 2024
Former OpenAI Research Scientist Joel Lehman discusses the non-linear nature of technological progress and the implications of his book 'Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned'. Topics include AI time horizons, exploration vs exploitation for AI startups, importance of stepping stones for AGI, and whether venture money is going to the wrong place.
47:07
Episode guests
AI Summary
Highlights
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Significant progress arises from pursuing what is interesting, not explicit plans.
- Innovation often builds upon existing stepping stones laid by others.
Deep dives
The Thesis of 'Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned'
The central idea of the book suggests that significant leaps of progress do not arise from explicit plans but emerge from pursuing what is interesting. The authors argue that many celebrated achievements were never originally planned and often rely on discoveries made implicitly.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
