Once upon a time, Sam Altman was relatively unknown outside of tech circles. However, with the launch of ChatGPT by his company, OpenAI, he quickly rose to prominence, embarking on global tours, engaging with adoring journalists, and meeting with impressed politicians. With a slender frame and an endearing youthful appearance, he swiftly became the face of digital capitalism that the public found acceptable.
The narrative took an unexpected turn when the OpenAI board suddenly dismissed him, citing his lack of full transparency. This decision didn’t sit well with Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, a major investor in OpenAI, who expressed his strong disapproval. Consequently, Altman was swiftly reinstated, causing a stir in the world as the dramatic events unfolded, underscoring the deceptive nature of appearances.
Had the world delved into Tad Friend’s 2016 profile of Altman in the New Yorker, the widespread admiration might have been more subdued. Altman himself admitted to having limited interests beyond technology, showing impatience towards social gatherings and most individuals. He possessed a keen intellect and intuitive understanding of intricate systems, yet his disinterest in those he deemed ineffective, which encompassed many, was noted as a significant flaw.
Recent developments have cast a shadow on the once endearing image of Altman. OpenAI’s shift in stance regarding the military and warfare application of its technology raised eyebrows, as did Altman’s pursuit of a staggering $7 trillion investment from the United Arab Emirates for ventures in chips and AI. This ambitious endeavor, nearly a third of the US GDP, underscores Altman’s grand vision, aiming not only for ownership but also for the production of essential components like GPUs through semiconductor fabrication units.
Despite the seemingly audacious nature of Altman’s goals, he garners admiration from Silicon Valley insiders who view him as a visionary. His alignment with the technocratic ideology, which places faith in technology as the ultimate solution to global challenges, has positioned him as a leading figure in the quest for technological salvation. Altman’s candid acknowledgment of the immense computational requirements for this vision to materialize sets him apart, earning him praise for his unwavering commitment to leveraging technology for societal good.
As the world grapples with the implications of advancing AI and the necessity for unprecedented data and computational power, Altman remains resolute in his mission. His belief in the symbiotic relationship between economic growth and democracy underscores his sense of duty towards safeguarding the future. While contemplating worst-case scenarios involving aggressive AI and geopolitical tensions, Altman’s preparedness reflects a blend of pragmatism and foresight, ensuring that his monumental ambitions are underpinned by a sense of responsibility and readiness for any eventuality.
