Musk and Altman Enter 'Post Old Emails' Era of Feud
Dec 17, 2024
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Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla and SpaceX, dives into his latest feud with Sam Altman, breaching past communications that suggest differing priorities in AI safety. The discussion heats up with insights from Bloomberg reporter Loren Grush regarding the implications of billionaire Jared Isaacman’s influence on NASA and Musk's agenda. They also explore Musk's innovative preschool project, aimed at shaping education through a far-right lens, revealing his controversial approach to learning. Tune in for a mix of tech rivalry and educational reform!
The feud between Elon Musk and Sam Altman escalates as OpenAI reveals emails suggesting Musk's ulterior motives regarding AI safety and control.
Elon Musk's establishment of a Montessori-based preschool reflects his commitment to innovative education and his broader philanthropic goals in reshaping learning.
Deep dives
Meta's Open Source AI Models
Meta has made its open-source AI models widely accessible, allowing small businesses, students, and other users to download and utilize these resources at no additional cost. This move supports a more democratized approach to AI development, ensuring that not just large corporations can benefit from advanced technologies. The availability of these models can empower a diverse range of users to innovate and develop their own applications, thereby fostering creativity and competition in the AI space. Open sourcing efforts like these contribute to a more inclusive tech ecosystem, where knowledge and tools are shared broadly.
The Feud Between Elon Musk and Sam Altman
Recent developments in the feud between Elon Musk and Sam Altman, head of OpenAI, have brought to light a series of emails that reflect the evolving dynamics of their professional relationship. The conflict stems from Musk's initial involvement in funding OpenAI, where he anticipated a non-profit focus but later grew concerned with its shift to a for-profit model. These emails suggest Musk was previously supportive of a for-profit venture when it suited him, raising questions about his integrity in the discussion. As their dispute escalates publicly, both sides seem to be leveraging the situation not just for legal outcomes but to sway public perception as well.
Jared Isaacman's NASA Nomination
Jared Isaacman, a pivotal figure in the commercial space industry and founder of Shift4 Payments, was nominated to lead NASA, which has generated intrigue within the space community. Isaacman gained prominence as the commander of the first all-civilian SpaceX mission and has established himself as a major investor in various space initiatives. His selection reflects a trend of integrating private sector expertise into governmental roles, although concerns about potential conflicts of interest linger due to his ongoing ties to SpaceX. Isaacman's commitment to fostering competition within the space industry may bring new strategies to NASA but also draws scrutiny regarding impartiality in contracting decisions.
Elon Musk's Educational Ventures
Elon Musk is reportedly constructing a Montessori-based preschool named Ad Astra in Texas, reinvesting his interest in education following a previous school he established for SpaceX employees. The preschool represents Musk's belief in innovative educational approaches, harkening back to his earlier attempts at reshaping learning methodologies. This initiative not only reflects his personal educational values but also aligns with a broader philanthropic strategy to utilize a portion of his wealth in socially beneficial ways. As Musk continues to pursue educational projects, there is speculation about larger plans, potentially including a university aimed at addressing perceived deficiencies in the traditional education system.
The simmering feud between Elon Musk and Sam Altman is boiling again. In the latest round, OpenAI, which is being sued by Musk, uncorked a long post last week that included emails purporting to show that Musk didn’t really care about the safety of artificial intelligence (as he has long said he does). According to OpenAI, Musk just wanted to control the company. Also on the docket for Elon, Inc. this week: a conversation with Bloomberg reporter Loren Grush, along with regulars Dana Hull and Max Chafkin, about what Donald Trump’s designated head of NASA, billionaire Jared Isaacman, means for Musk. (Probably only good things.)
Another story that is discussed is Hull’s deep dive into Musk’s funding of a preschool project. It’s part of a larger push from Musk to implement his own far-right agenda into education, and the money runs through at least two of his non-profit entities. There is a familiar cast of characters involved (like longtime money manager Jared Birchall) and some vague goals.