OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, has consistently expressed that artificial intelligence will be transformative, historic, and overwhelmingly beneficial to humanity. In a recent blog post titled “The Intelligence Age, ” he envisions a future of shared prosperity where unimaginable advancements such as climate solutions, space colonies, and fundamental physics discoveries become commonplace. Altman counters skepticism regarding the benefits of large language models, arguing that they work because "deep learning works, " and insists that programs like GPT-4o are not mere token predictors, especially as they begin to solve complex mathematical problems. While he acknowledges the historical trend of technology making luxuries accessible to the masses—pointing out that even those on public assistance now enjoy comforts like dishwashers and smartphones—he omits the reality that many still suffer from poverty and homelessness. As he champions the potential for artificial general intelligence (AGI) to solve humanity's pressing problems, the implication is that societal and economic inequalities may persist, especially as automation replaces jobs. Altman’s vision includes a world reminiscent of Burning Man, where people support one another and share generous gifts, supported by universal basic income (UBI) to cope with job losses. However, skepticism remains about whether the wealthy will willingly fund such social safety nets, especially in a political climate resistant to even basic welfare programs. Furthermore, even if AI finds solutions to significant issues, the execution of these solutions is uncertain, as past human behavior shows a failure to prevent wars and tackle crises effectively. For example, the distribution of a new COVID cure could spark conspiracy theories, and while AI may suggest ways to address climate change, entrenched corporate interests might block such initiatives. Recent events at OpenAI underline potential instability; key employees have departed, and the shift of the company to a for-profit model raises questions about its commitment to the original mission of ethical AGI development.

Altman's conviction suggests an overly optimistic view of human nature, which fails to address the historical pattern of good struggling against powerful opposing forces. The narrative of humanity is marred by the tension between ideals and reality, making reliance on an optimistic outlook—labeled here as "The Strawberry Shortcut"—particularly troubling. Voltaire's character Pangloss serves as a cautionary tale against blind optimism. In contemplating the future, one contemplates whether an advanced AGI would take pride in humanity or recoil at current events. Historically, discussions around AI have questioned whether genuine intelligence can be engineered. As Danny Hillis remarked, building systems beyond our comprehension poses a unique challenge, emphasizing exploration over simplistic engineering solutions. Lastly, reflecting on the iPod and its cultural significance, the author acknowledges that while it may be outdated, the themes discussed in "The Perfect Thing" about technology's influence on identity and the evolution of music consumption remain relevant in today's streaming landscape. The book captures the ongoing conversation about how technology shapes society, demonstrating a prescient understanding of future trends.