Mistral AI CEO Arthur Mensch recently criticized OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s emphasis on achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), suggesting that the pursuit of AGI is akin to creating God. Mensch expressed discomfort with the strong interest Silicon Valley has in AGI, labeling it a religious fascination.
In an interview with The New York Times, Mensch remarked, The whole AGI rhetoric is about creating God. I don’t believe in God. I’m a strong atheist. So, I don’t believe in AGI. He also echoed concerns raised by tech leaders like Elon Musk and Altman about the potential risks associated with AGI surpassing human intelligence.
On a different note, Anthony Levandowski, known for his involvement in the tech industry, has rejuvenated his AI church, Way of the Future, with an emphasis on establishing a spiritual connection with AI.
Mensch highlighted the looming threat posed by tech giants such as Microsoft and Google in terms of controlling the AI industry. He voiced worries regarding the potential clash between global AI standards and the diverse cultural values of nations.
While the pursuit of AGI remains a prominent topic in the tech domain, with figures like Musk and Altman touting it as a transformative event, there are also apprehensions about the possible dangers associated with achieving AGI, including the risks of subtle misalignments highlighted by Altman.
Moreover, Musk has taken legal action against Altman and OpenAI for allegedly deviating from the startup’s core principles and focusing on maximizing profits for Microsoft.
As the discourse around AGI continues, it’s crucial to consider the multifaceted perspectives and concerns, including those related to ethics, control, and potential implications of achieving artificial general intelligence.
