Peter Thiel says that effective altruists got 'one big thing right' (www.businessinsider.com)

In a recent podcast conversation with Walter Isaacson, Peter Thiel acknowledged that while he is critical of the effective altruism movement, they were correct about one significant aspect: the potential impact of artificial intelligence. Thiel described effective altruism as having a cult-like quality but praised its early proponents for predicting that AI would be an "enormously socially transformative thing" that could also be weaponized. This recognition arises during a time when AI technology is garnering widespread attention, reflecting the shift in focus toward its implications for society. Thiel further emphasized the movement's foresight by linking it to the success of the AI company Anthropic, founded by individuals with ties to effective altruism. He noted that despite personal reservations about the movement, the accurate predictions regarding AI advancements showcase a level of insight that should not be overlooked. Thiel concluded with a stark assertion that "AI is around the corner," highlighting the urgency for the AI/ML community to address its societal ramifications as it continues to evolve rapidly.