Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work at the forefront of AI development, inside a company like OpenAI? What if you could get a glimpse into the minds of the brilliant researchers who are shaping the future of intelligence? 🤔
This isn’t science fiction. This is the story of Miles Brundage, a leading AI policy researcher who recently left OpenAI after six years. In his farewell blog post, he drops a bombshell: “We’re not ready for AGI.” 💣
The Dream Job Dilemma
Imagine dedicating your life to a mission, only to realize you could make a bigger impact from the outside. That’s the crossroads Miles faced. He left his “dream job” at OpenAI to advocate for responsible AI development on a broader scale.
Why? He felt constrained. The rapid commercialization of AI, while exciting, shifted focus away from crucial research and open publication. Miles yearned for the freedom to explore critical questions and share his findings without limitations.
Are We Ready for AGI? The Answer is a Resounding NO
Miles doesn’t mince words. He believes that neither OpenAI nor any other leading AI lab is prepared for the challenges of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). And the world? Even less so.
He paints a stark picture of our current state of (un)readiness, highlighting key areas where we fall short:
- Understanding the Risks: While public awareness is growing, we still lack a unified understanding of the potential downsides of AGI.
- Technical Tools: We need more robust tools to control and steer AI development.
- Regulation: Governments are playing catch-up, struggling to keep pace with the rapid advancements in AI.
- Societal Resilience: We’re ill-equipped to handle the potential disruptions of AGI, from deepfakes to job displacement.
The problem isn’t just awareness; it’s action. Miles argues that without deliberate effort from policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders, we risk sleepwalking into a future we’re not prepared for.
The Future of Work (or Lack Thereof)
One of the most thought-provoking aspects of Miles’s post is his take on the future of work in an age of increasingly powerful AI. He envisions a future where AI-driven productivity could usher in an era of early retirement and abundance.
Imagine a world where the obligation to work for a living becomes a relic of the past. 🤯
While this might sound utopian, it also raises critical questions about economic equality and the distribution of resources. Miles acknowledges these concerns, emphasizing the need for equitable access to the benefits of AI.
The Price of Intelligence
As AI models become more sophisticated, access to cutting-edge technology could become increasingly stratified. Miles argues that the gap between free and paid AI capabilities will likely widen, with those willing to pay having a significant advantage.
This raises concerns about fairness and accessibility. Will the benefits of AI be evenly distributed, or will they primarily accrue to those who can afford it?
A Call to Action
Miles’s message is a potent reminder that the future of AI is not predetermined. It’s a future we must actively shape through responsible development, thoughtful regulation, and a commitment to ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared by all.
Here’s what you can do:
- Stay Informed: Educate yourself about the potential benefits and risks of AI.
- Support Responsible AI Development: Advocate for policies and practices that prioritize safety, ethics, and fairness.
- Join the Conversation: Engage in discussions about the future of AI and how we can shape it for the better.
The future is coming, whether we’re ready or not. It’s time to decide what role we want to play in shaping it.
Resources 🧰
- Miles Brundage’s Blog Post: Why I’m Leaving OpenAI—and What I’m Doing Next – Read Miles’s full account of his time at OpenAI and his vision for the future of AI policy.
- Scoring Humanity’s Progress on AI Governance: https://milesbrundage.substack.com/p/not-ready – Explore Miles’s in-depth analysis of the global landscape of AI governance and the areas where we need to improve.
