Sam Altman, tech entrepreneur and former president of OpenAI, discusses the divide in the AI world and his recent departure from OpenAI. Canada's changing sentiment towards immigration and its plan to maintain high levels of immigration is also discussed. The podcast explores the use of fiction as propaganda, focusing on Rudyard Kipling and Boris Pasternak, as well as the influence of propaganda on literature during World War II.
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Quick takeaways
Canada is experiencing a shift in sentiment towards immigration, with polls showing increased resistance due to economic hardships and housing costs.
Literature has been a powerful tool for propaganda, with covert support from intelligence agencies shaping narratives during the Cold War.
Deep dives
Canada's Shifting Sentiment on Immigration
Canada, known for its welcoming attitude towards immigrants, is experiencing a change in sentiment towards immigration. Despite the country's need for workers to support an aging population, polls indicate that Canadians are becoming more resistant to increased immigration due to economic hardships and housing costs. Support for fewer immigrants has risen from 34% to 53% in just six months. While Canada remains a popular destination for immigrants, the government is facing pressure to better manage immigration criteria and attract skilled workers.
The Role of Propaganda in Literature
Propaganda often infiltrates art, and literature is not an exception. Some authors willingly offer their pens to governments, while others unknowingly become vehicles for propaganda. During the Cold War, Western intelligence agencies covertly supported authors who wrote fiction that aligned with their interests. Examples include Rudyard Kipling's letters of Indian soldiers, which were rewritten to favor British rule, Boris Pasternak's Dr Zhivago, secretly published by the CIA to undermine Soviet censorship, and John Steinbeck's The Moon is Down, written as a means of inspiring resistance against fascist occupations. These works demonstrate the power and influence of propaganda in literature.
The Influence and Controversy Around Sam Altman's Firing from OpenAI
OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) firm, has faced turmoil following the sudden dismissal of its co-founder and boss, Sam Altman. Rumors suggest he was fired for expanding the company's commercial offerings without adequately considering safety concerns. Altman's departure has led to a revolt, with the majority of OpenAI staff threatening to resign if he is not reinstated. The situation reflects a larger conflict in Silicon Valley between those who fear unchecked AI as an existential risk and those who believe in its potential for human progress. Altman's move to join Microsoft, OpenAI's largest shareholder, further complicates the situation as both companies navigate AI governance and competition in the industry.
It is still unclear why the board of OpenAI fired him last week, but hundreds of staff are revolting anyway. The debacle reveals a sizeable rift between the tech companies at the forefront of AI development. Canadians typically consider themselves pro-immigration. Is the tide changing (10:45)? And the books you didn’t know were propaganda (18:49).
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