Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, expressed surprise at Elon Musk’s lack of empathy towards the ambitious goals of the AI company, considering Musk’s history of daring ventures such as SpaceX.

Expecting Understanding from a Fellow Innovator

In an interview with podcaster Lex Fridman, Altman remarked on his expectation that Musk, as a former cofounder of OpenAI, would appreciate the company’s ambitious pursuits. Altman highlighted Musk’s past endeavors, notably his bold vision with SpaceX despite initial skepticism.

Musk’s Lawsuit and Prior Intentions

Altman referenced Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI, filed on February 29, accusing the company of straying from its nonprofit mission through a partnership with Microsoft. Altman revealed that Musk had previously entertained the idea of transforming OpenAI into a for-profit entity under his control before leaving its board in 2018.

Bewilderment at Musk’s Actions

Altman expressed bewilderment at Musk’s lawsuit and subsequent conduct, particularly Musk’s suggestion to drop the lawsuit if OpenAI changed its name to “ClosedAI.” Altman viewed this as a surprising move, indicating Musk’s seriousness about the legal action.

Disappointment in Musk’s Behavior

Altman’s sentiments echo those of Vinod Khosla, an early supporter of OpenAI, who criticized Musk’s lawsuit as a reaction of “sour grapes” and a departure from his previous collaborative spirit. Altman expressed sadness over the situation, reflecting on Musk’s stature as a revered figure in the innovation community.

Conclusion

Altman’s remarks shed light on the rift between Musk and OpenAI, highlighting the complexities of navigating conflicting visions and legal disputes within the realm of AI development. While Altman and others express disappointment, the broader implications of Musk’s actions on the future of OpenAI remain uncertain.