Impolitic with John Heilemann Karen Hao: Superintelligence & Supreme Hype on the A.I. Frontier
Jun 9, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Karen Hao, a former Wall Street Journal correspondent and author of 'Empire of AI,' delves into the evolution of OpenAI from altruism to a $300 billion powerhouse. She highlights the skepticism surrounding claims of superhuman AI, questioning the narratives spun by tech leaders that serve their egos. The conversation also touches on the ethical dilemmas of AI's rapid advancements and how they intersect with corporate interests and politics. Hao’s insights challenge listeners to rethink the implications of this technology.
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Karen Hao's AI Reporting Start
- Karen Hao initially covered AI after realizing Silicon Valley’s incentives often misalign with public interest.
- She identified OpenAI as important early on due to shifts from transparency to secrecy and nonprofit to for-profit.
Altman's Persuasive Power
- Sam Altman's success stems from persuasive storytelling to gain influence and resources.
- His ability to mirror others’ values helps him quickly gain power without forcing it.
Altman's Aw Shucks Persona
- Altman uses a disarming, bland persona to soften the scale of AI’s potential impact.
- This approach makes him seem approachable while accumulating vast power behind the scenes.
