On a Monday morning in April, Sam Altman sat comfortably in the San Francisco headquarters of OpenAI, discussing the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI). Altman expressed his concerns about potentially releasing dangerous AIs without fully understanding their dangers. Despite this, he emphasized that OpenAI’s decision to let ChatGPT loose in the world was a great public service, as it provides people with the opportunity to grapple with the concept of a powerful new intelligence that may soon coexist with humans.
Altman co-founded OpenAI in 2015 with Elon Musk and other AI researchers, with the belief that artificial general intelligence (AGI), comparable to a highly capable college graduate, was within reach. They aimed to develop a superintelligence superior to human intellect but prioritized safety and the benefit of humanity over rushing for commercial gains. OpenAI operated as a nonprofit and committed to transparent research, avoiding the secretive approach often associated with big tech companies.
In the past, OpenAI received minimal public attention. However, when Altman assumed the role of CEO in 2019, the release of the ChatGPT technology sparked widespread interest. Altman described their latest AI engine, GPT-4, as an alien intelligence, capable of producing lucid essays and even coding. The impressive capabilities of ChatGPT drew in millions of users in a short period, making it one of the most rapidly adopted consumer products in history. This success prompted significant investment from major companies in the US and China, leading to the acceleration of AI research and development.
During my visit to OpenAI, Altman discussed the technology that allowed the company to surpass tech giants, as well as the potential implications if a superintelligence emerges from their cloud servers. AI has long been seen as a technology capable of causing profound disruption, with various imagined scenarios depicting extreme outcomes. Altman himself entertained the notion of AI surpassing human capabilities and colonizing the universe, leaving humans confined to the solar system. However, he now considers such ideas naive.
Altman shared his vision of the AI future, highlighting that it would fundamentally transform society rather than simply introducing technological change. While he acknowledges the uncertainties and dangers associated with AI’s development, Altman’s influence as the CEO of OpenAI makes his views and choices significant in shaping the future. The headquarters of OpenAI reflects a blend of spirituality and opulence, with a mandala on the lobby wall and luxury aesthetics throughout the office space. As I met with Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI’s chief scientist, I observed that the environment resembled a high-end design showroom rather than a traditional research laboratory.
Overall, OpenAI’s mission to develop superintelligence while prioritizing safety and the welfare of humanity sets it apart from other tech companies. Altman’s diligent approach and willingness to address the risks associated with AI demonstrate a commitment to responsible development, even as the rapid progress of AI raises questions about its ultimate impact on society.
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