- A proposal by Sam Altman, chief executive officer of OpenAI, seeks to raise up to $7 trillion for a groundbreaking tech initiative aimed at revolutionizing chip-building capacity and expanding AI capabilities. Talks are underway with investors, including the UAE government
- If funded, Altman’s vision would set the stage for transformative shifts in technology and beyond
- Altman’s proposal addresses critical tech industry challenges, including the scarcity of AI chips, promising to reshape the technological landscape and societal structures
- Altman’s plan has faced criticism, with concerns raised about the feasibility and implications of such a massive investment, as well as questions about its necessity; industry leaders highlight the importance of balancing ambition with pragmatism in driving AI advancements
- ChatGPT and related technologies can radically improve your life if you use them carefully. ChatGPT, for example, provides radically more efficient information gathering in the moment, drastically reducing wasted time and effort in finding information that would allow you to achieve your goals
(Mercola)—In the fast-paced world of technological innovation, few figures loom as large as Sam Altman, the chief executive officer and co-founder of OpenAI. Altman’s recent proposal to raise funds for a groundbreaking tech initiative has captured the attention of investors and industry insiders alike.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Altman is in talks with investors, including the United Arab Emirates government, to secure funding for an audacious plan that aims to revolutionize the world’s chip-building capacity and expand its ability to power artificial intelligence (AI).1
The scale of Altman’s vision is staggering, with estimates suggesting that the project could require raising as much as $5 trillion to $7 trillion — the largest investment in history and an unprecedented sum by any measure.
Altman’s Vision: A $7 Trillion Investment Set to Revolutionize Tech and Beyond
At its core, Altman’s proposal seeks to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the tech industry today. As reported by The Wall Street Journal:2
“The fundraising plans, which face significant obstacles, are aimed at solving constraints to OpenAI’s growth, including the scarcity of the pricey AI chips required to train large language models behind AI systems such as ChatGPT.
Altman has often complained that there aren’t enough of these kinds of chips — known as graphics-processing units, or GPUs — to power OpenAI’s quest for artificial general intelligence, which it defines as systems that are broadly smarter than humans.”
By boosting chip-building capacity and enhancing AI capabilities, the initiative promises to reshape not only the technological landscape but also market dynamics, societal structures — indeed the very fabric of human existence. To ignore the implications of this type of investment would be to bury one’s head in the sand, for it will undoubtedly revolutionize everything in ways we can scarcely imagine.
However, as with any ambitious endeavor, Altman’s plan has not been without its detractors. Critics have raised concerns about the feasibility and implications of such a massive investment, questioning whether the benefits will outweigh the costs in the long run.
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Undoubtedly, a potential $7 trillion investment has the capacity to ignite substantial changes in global economic dynamics if realized. This unparalleled influx of capital has the potential to stimulate substantial economic growth, spurring innovation, job creation, and transformative shifts across various sectors. And, while it’s impossible to predict the exact outcomes, the fact that it could lead to groundbreaking innovations is a no-brainer.
Injecting such a large sum into any sector would likely disrupt existing market dynamics and lead to the emergence of new market leaders. Companies that fail to embrace technological advancements spurred by this investment would risk being left behind in the dust of progress.
Using AI to Unlock Rather Than Block Human Potential
With advancements in machine learning, deep learning and natural language processing, AI has transcended its early limitations to become a driving force behind transformative innovations across myriad of industries. In my view, one of the most profound impacts of AI lies in its ability to enhance productivity and efficiency across various sectors.
From manufacturing and logistics to finance and healthcare, AI-driven automation can streamline processes, optimize resource allocation and reduce operational costs. This not only improves profitability for businesses but can also free up human capital to focus on higher-value tasks.
There are pitfalls, to be sure, which I’ve discussed in “The Transformative Potential of ChatGPT in Learning and Efficiency” and “How to Use ChatGPT as Your Teacher,” but as far as AI taking over completely and replacing all human workers,3 that’s probably not going to happen, at least not to the extent feared, because, as reported by Business Insider,4 “human judgment still needs to be applied to these technologies to avoid error and bias.”
Anu Madgavkar, a partner at the McKinsey Global Institute, told Business Insider,5 “We have to think about these things as productivity enhancing tools, as opposed to complete replacements” — which is precisely the stance I’m advocating for as well.
As just one example, AI-powered tools can be used to help businesses make data-driven decisions with unprecedented accuracy and foresight. By analyzing vast datasets in real-time, AI algorithms can uncover patterns, trends and correlations that human analysts may overlook, leading to more informed and strategic choices in areas such as market forecasting, risk management and customer engagement.
Debate Ignites Over $7 Trillion AI Chip Project: Ambition vs. Skepticism
Addressing critics’ concerns regarding Sam Altman’s $7 trillion investment proposal for a new AI chip project, it’s undeniable that such a monumental sum of money raises eyebrows and invites scrutiny from various quarters. Comparisons to the entire federal budget, the U.K.’s GDP, or even global chip sales underscore the sheer scale of Altman’s ambition. As reported by Yahoo! Finance, Altman’s proposed investment is:6
“… more than the entire federal budget, twice the U.K.’s annual GDP, 13 times 2023’s global chip sales, or enough to pay for over two years of universal health care in the U.S.”
Referring to Altman’s vision as “showmanship” intended to draw “loyalist,” cult-like followings to AI rather than addressing genuine technological needs, critics like Silicon Valley investor Sam Lessin have voiced their concerns.7,8
“You have to hand it to Sam Altman … the guy knows how to do marking in the modern era. But when you see people floating ‘trillion dollar’ fundraises in headlines you have to question what has happened to society/our system. Are we really at the point where the only way to blast through the news cycle is by anchoring on things that are completely indistinguishable from Onion headlines?” Lessin wrote in a post on X.
Another critic, Sasha Luccioni, a climate researcher at the open source AI platform Hugging Face, has emphasized the immense natural resources required for AI system and chip development and underscores the need for careful consideration of the environmental consequences, especially regarding water and rare earth minerals.9
Industry figures like Jensen Huang, founder of Nvidia, also express skepticism regarding the necessity of raising $7 trillion for AI chip development. Huang argues that the continuous evolution and improvement of AI technology will naturally drive down costs over time. He challenges the notion that such an exorbitant investment is warranted, suggesting that advancements in computer architecture will render such astronomical figures unnecessary. As reported by Inc.:10
“During an interview at the World Government Summit in Dubai … the founder of AI computing giant Nvidia expressed skepticism at the need to raise $7 trillion to overhaul the AI-chip-making process …
Asked how many graphics processing units (GPUs) he could buy for $7 trillion, Huang answered, ‘all the GPUs, apparently,’ poking fun at Altman’s figure.
‘If you just assume computers aren’t going to get any faster,’ Huang said, ‘you might come to the conclusion that we need 14 planets, three galaxies and four more suns to fuel all this, but computer architecture continues to advance.’”
Huang’s skepticism underscores the importance of balancing ambition with pragmatism in technological innovation. While Altman’s vision is undoubtedly ambitious, it’s essential to critically evaluate the feasibility and necessity of such large-scale investments in driving AI advancements.
Altman remains resolute, however. In response to critics, he tweeted,11 “You can grind to help secure our collective future or you can write Substacks about why we are going [to] fail.” His terse retort highlights his unwavering commitment to advancing AI technology, despite the naysayers’ skepticism and concerns.
Geopolitical and Economic Implications
Should Altman succeed in raising these funds, it would carry significant implications, including the following:
• Domestic political impact — Within the US, such a substantial investment could spark debates and negotiations in Congress regarding budget allocations, government priorities, and regulatory frameworks for AI development and deployment.
It may also impact domestic policy agendas, with discussions revolving around job creation, education reform to meet the demands of a tech-driven economy, and addressing concerns about AI’s impact on employment.
• International political impact — The investment could intensify global competition in AI development, particularly between major powers like the US, China and the European Union. This competition could fuel diplomatic tensions and strategic rivalries as nations seek to establish dominance in AI technology.
It may also influence diplomatic relations and alliances as countries seek partnerships for AI research, development and deployment. This could lead to shifts in traditional alliances and the formation of new coalitions based on technological collaboration.
• Global workforce impact — Altman’s proposal could prompt countries to reassess their investments in AI and technology, potentially triggering a wave of increased funding in this sector globally. Nations with significant AI industries may then seek to attract investment and talent, leading to competition for skilled workers, research facilities, and technological innovation hubs.
Regulatory and Ethical Considerations
The regulatory challenges of Sam Altman’s proposed $7 trillion investment in AI would also be manifold. It would likely catalyze discussions on AI governance, ethics, and regulation at the international level, and more than likely, countries would choose to collaborate to establish common standards and guidelines for the responsible development and use of AI technologies.
But, if they don’t, differing regulatory approaches to AI could lead to companies choosing to operate in jurisdictions with more favorable regulatory environments. This in turn would encourage states or countries to make their regulatory framework as lax as possible, thereby allowing the technology to proliferate with few guardrails or safeguards.
Another major challenge would be to ensure fair competition and prevent monopolistic practices. This would be paramount, as the concentration of such vast resources in a few companies or countries could stifle innovation and limit market access for smaller players.
Additionally, managing data privacy and security concerns would be crucial, particularly as AI systems rely heavily on data collection and processing. Striking a balance between fostering innovation and protecting individual rights and freedoms would require robust regulatory frameworks and international cooperation.
Moreover, addressing ethical considerations, such as algorithmic bias and accountability for AI-driven decisions, would be essential to maintain public trust and confidence in AI technologies. Overall, navigating these regulatory and governance challenges would be essential to harnessing the potential benefits of AI while mitigating associated risks.
Consider ChatGPT as a Complement to Your Consciousness and Creativity
I believe ChatGPT and related technologies can radically improve your life if you use them carefully. ChatGPT, for example, provides radically more efficient information gathering in the moment, drastically reducing wasted time and effort in finding information that would allow you to achieve your goals.
The effectiveness of ChatGPT in learning and efficiency hinges on your perspective though. If you view it merely as an extension of your own mind, its potential is significantly limited. In fact, this view of technology radically increases your fear of it. This is because many people don’t understand that their mind and five senses have relatively limited data, compared to the ocean of data in their consciousness.
Your mind can be compared to a thimble that has a limited capacity to store information compared to the vast ocean of knowledge that is available outside our five senses in the realm of consciousness. ChatGPT can be used as a tool that complements and extends your own “ocean” of knowledge and creativity. It can then become an ally in the learning process, and an aid that fosters deeper understanding, stimulates curiosity and encourages independent thought.
By embracing this technology and integrating it into your workflows and learning processes, you can expand your horizons and enhance your own capabilities. I firmly believe that, if used in that spirit, ChatGPT can help us create a more informed, efficient and creative world.
- 1, 2 Wall Street Journal February 8, 2024
- 3 Working Paper The Future of Employment September 17, 2013 (Archived)
- 4, 5 Business Insider January 15, 2024
- 6, 7, 9, 11 Yahoo! Finance February 13, 2024
- 8 X Sam Lessin February 9, 2024
- 10 Inc. February 12, 2024
Five Things New “Preppers” Forget When Getting Ready for Bad Times Ahead
The preparedness community is growing faster than it has in decades. Even during peak times such as Y2K, the economic downturn of 2008, and Covid, the vast majority of Americans made sure they had plenty of toilet paper but didn’t really stockpile anything else.
Things have changed. There’s a growing anxiety in this presidential election year that has prompted more Americans to get prepared for crazy events in the future. Some of it is being driven by fearmongers, but there are valid concerns with the economy, food supply, pharmaceuticals, the energy grid, and mass rioting that have pushed average Americans into “prepper” mode.
There are degrees of preparedness. One does not have to be a full-blown “doomsday prepper” living off-grid in a secure Montana bunker in order to be ahead of the curve. In many ways, preparedness isn’t about being able to perfectly handle every conceivable situation. It’s about being less dependent on government for as long as possible. Those who have proper “preps” will not be waiting for FEMA to distribute emergency supplies to the desperate masses.
Below are five things people new to preparedness (and sometimes even those with experience) often forget as they get ready. All five are common sense notions that do not rely on doomsday in order to be useful. It may be nice to own a tank during the apocalypse but there’s not much you can do with it until things get really crazy. The recommendations below can have places in the lives of average Americans whether doomsday comes or not.
Note: The information provided by this publication or any related communications is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. We do not provide personalized investment, financial, or legal advice.
Secured Wealth
Whether in the bank or held in a retirement account, most Americans feel that their life’s savings is relatively secure. At least they did until the last couple of years when de-banking, geopolitical turmoil, and the threat of Central Bank Digital Currencies reared their ugly heads.
It behooves Americans to diversify their holdings. If there’s a triggering event or series of events that cripple the financial systems or devalue the U.S. Dollar, wealth can evaporate quickly. To hedge against potential turmoil, many Americans are looking in two directions: Crypto and physical precious metals.
There are huge advantages to cryptocurrencies, but there are also inherent risks because “virtual” money can become challenging to spend. Add in the push by central banks and governments to regulate or even replace cryptocurrencies with their own versions they control and the risks amplify. There’s nothing wrong with cryptocurrencies today but things can change rapidly.
As for physical precious metals, many Americans pay cash to keep plenty on hand in their safe. Rolling over or transferring retirement accounts into self-directed IRAs is also a popular option, but there are caveats. It can often take weeks or even months to get the gold and silver shipped if the owner chooses to close their account. This is why Genesis Gold Group stands out. Their relationship with the depositories allows for rapid closure and shipping, often in less than 10 days from the time the account holder makes their move. This can come in handy if things appear to be heading south.
Lots of Potable Water
One of the biggest shocks that hit new preppers is understanding how much potable water they need in order to survive. Experts claim one gallon of water per person per day is necessary. Even the most conservative estimates put it at over half-a-gallon. That means that for a family of four, they’ll need around 120 gallons of water to survive for a month if the taps turn off and the stores empty out.
Being near a fresh water source, whether it’s a river, lake, or well, is a best practice among experienced preppers. It’s necessary to have a water filter as well, even if the taps are still working. Many refuse to drink tap water even when there is no emergency. Berkey was our previous favorite but they’re under attack from regulators so the Alexapure systems are solid replacements.
For those in the city or away from fresh water sources, storage is the best option. This can be challenging because proper water storage containers take up a lot of room and are difficult to move if the need arises. For “bug in” situations, having a larger container that stores hundreds or even thousands of gallons is better than stacking 1-5 gallon containers. Unfortunately, they won’t be easily transportable and they can cost a lot to install.
Water is critical. If chaos erupts and water infrastructure is compromised, having a large backup supply can be lifesaving.
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies
There are multiple threats specific to the medical supply chain. With Chinese and Indian imports accounting for over 90% of pharmaceutical ingredients in the United States, deteriorating relations could make it impossible to get the medicines and antibiotics many of us need.
Stocking up many prescription medications can be hard. Doctors generally do not like to prescribe large batches of drugs even if they are shelf-stable for extended periods of time. It is a best practice to ask your doctor if they can prescribe a larger amount. Today, some are sympathetic to concerns about pharmacies running out or becoming inaccessible. Tell them your concerns. It’s worth a shot. The worst they can do is say no.
If your doctor is unwilling to help you stock up on medicines, then Jase Medical is a good alternative. Through telehealth, they can prescribe daily meds or antibiotics that are shipped to your door. As proponents of medical freedom, they empathize with those who want to have enough medical supplies on hand in case things go wrong.
Energy Sources
The vast majority of Americans are locked into the grid. This has proven to be a massive liability when the grid goes down. Unfortunately, there are no inexpensive remedies.
Those living off-grid had to either spend a lot of money or effort (or both) to get their alternative energy sources like solar set up. For those who do not want to go so far, it’s still a best practice to have backup power sources. Diesel generators and portable solar panels are the two most popular, and while they’re not inexpensive they are not out of reach of most Americans who are concerned about being without power for extended periods of time.
Natural gas is another necessity for many, but that’s far more challenging to replace. Having alternatives for heating and cooking that can be powered if gas and electric grids go down is important. Have a backup for items that require power such as manual can openers. If you’re stuck eating canned foods for a while and all you have is an electric opener, you’ll have problems.
Don’t Forget the Protein
When most think about “prepping,” they think about their food supply. More Americans are turning to gardening and homesteading as ways to produce their own food. Others are working with local farmers and ranchers to purchase directly from the sources. This is a good idea whether doomsday comes or not, but it’s particularly important if the food supply chain is broken.
Most grocery stores have about one to two weeks worth of food, as do most American households. Grocers rely heavily on truckers to receive their ongoing shipments. In a crisis, the current process can fail. It behooves Americans for multiple reasons to localize their food purchases as much as possible.
Long-term storage is another popular option. Canned foods, MREs, and freeze dried meals are selling out quickly even as prices rise. But one component that is conspicuously absent in shelf-stable food is high-quality protein. Most survival food companies offer low quality “protein buckets” or cans of meat, but they are often barely edible.
Prepper All-Naturals offers premium cuts of steak that have been cooked sous vide and freeze dried to give them a 25-year shelf life. They offer Ribeye, NY Strip, and Tenderloin among others.
Having buckets of beans and rice is a good start, but keeping a solid supply of high-quality protein isn’t just healthier. It can help a family maintain normalcy through crises.
Prepare Without Fear
With all the challenges we face as Americans today, it can be emotionally draining. Citizens are scared and there’s nothing irrational about their concerns. Being prepared and making lifestyle changes to secure necessities can go a long way toward overcoming the fears that plague us. We should hope and pray for the best but prepare for the worst. And if the worst does come, then knowing we did what we could to be ready for it will help us face those challenges with confidence.
