A Bit of Optimism The Future You Avoid Is Riskier Than the One You Face with LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman
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Sep 16, 2025 
Reid Hoffman, cofounder of LinkedIn and venture capitalist, shares his insights on the power of storytelling in technology and society. He argues that optimistic futures must be imagined to be created. Hoffman discusses how AI changes our brains and the focus shifts from external to internal threats. He critiques short-term capitalism through the Kodak example, emphasizing a balance of selflessness and ambition. Ultimately, he advocates for a hopeful vision of technology while navigating the complexities of privacy and societal impact.
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First Paid Work From Obsession
- At 12 Reid walked into a game publisher's office and returned days later with a fully redlined scenario pack.
- The editor paid him because his obsessive revisions were genuinely useful.
Trust But Test AI Builders
- Trust most AI builders but remain vigilant about blind spots and incentives.
- Use coordinated safety measures like red teams while moving at the 'speed of traffic' in innovation.
Assessment Will Become Continuous
- AI will change educational assessment from one-time written exams to continuous, rigorous oral-style evaluation.
- Hoffman predicts lower exam cost and more frequent testing that better measures true mastery.
