AI Book Review: Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race that Will Change the World
Quick Summary
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Introduction: The Human Paradox at the Heart of AI
“You didn’t need a brilliant idea to start a successful tech company. You just needed a brilliant person behind the wheel.”
– Parmy Olson, Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race that Will Change the World
I highlighted a lot in the book, yes, a lot. The book weaves the story of two men, Sam Altman and Demis Hassabis, from their early years to the present day, tying in the other influencers in the world of AI. It is part historical perspective, mostly biographical, and a touch of theoretical, leading me to think more deeply about super-intelligence.
But what really stood out to me when reading this book is how much weight is given to the people who are creating AI. It may seem obvious. I mean of course we know that there are people behind the AI; we read about them all the time in headlines. But what I gained from reading this book was a slower paced, more intentional understanding of the people behind AI, as best I can glean from a book, which ignited my compassionate and empathetic side.
Parmy Olson’s Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race that Will Change the World pulls back the curtain on the human stories powering the AI revolution, revealing that the real race is between visionaries determined to shape tomorrow. I really love that Olson shares stories about dreams, competition, hard work, and emotions – really a collection of human elements.
About Parmy Olson
This was the first Parmy Olson book I had read, and I found her writing style very easily digestible and her storytelling engaging. Parmy Olson is a journalist and author who writes about technology and the people shaping it. She has reported for major outlets like Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg. Parmy Olson is respected for her investigative skills, her storytelling, and her ability to humanize technology by focusing on the people behind it.
Why You Should Read This Book
This book is helpful for anyone working in technology, leading a business, or simply curious about AI and ChatGPT. Readers who want to understand the people and motivations behind new technology will also find it valuable.
Favorite Quotes: The Human Side of AI
As I read, I was captivated by numerous quotes that reveal the human perspective behind AI. Olson illustrates that every significant advancement in AI starts with an individual and their journey. Below are a few of my favorite quotes from Parmy Olson’s book, Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race that Will Change the World.
People Matter More Than Ideas
“You didn’t need a brilliant idea to start a successful tech company. You just needed a brilliant person behind the wheel.”
Having smart, hardworking people is often more important than having a brand-new idea. Hence we still see tech firms willing to spend literally millions to hire people and their brainpower.
Building a Support Network
“Altman left school with a hard lesson. If you had ambitious ideas, there would always be some haters. The solution was to align yourself with those who had power and authority and to surround yourself with a support network.”
When you have big goals, some people may not support you. I’ve personally experienced that when you have an idea big enough, it’s likely to upset a few people. Building a network of friends and mentors is necessary to keep moving forwards.
Understanding What People Want
“Maybe Altman had to give people what they didn’t know they wanted.”
Sometimes, leaders try to guess what people will enjoy or need, even if no one has asked for it yet.
Storytelling and Shared Vision
“It was all very vision-led, and ‘Let’s get on board with the mission,’” says a former staffer. “Demis and Mustafa were extraordinary, amazing storytellers. They balanced each other incredibly well.”
Leaders are the people behind the vision. We are drawn to people, and stories and these are truly what motivate us.
Seeing the Big Picture
“As he invested in more companies pioneering the distant future, Altman seemed to be experiencing what’s known as the overview effect, a cognitive shift that astronauts get when they view Earth from space and get an overwhelming sense of awe and self-transcendence.”
I love this. I know what it means to experience flow and can only imagine what astronauts experience from outer-space. Having a total perspective shift, wider than you can imagine feel like a very human experience.
Reputation Matters
“In Silicon Valley, a good reputation was more valuable than any mansion or sports car.”
Again, it’s really about the person. Our reputations are created by who we are, what we stand for, and the actions we take. Our reputations are worth a lot.
Experience Shapes Perspective
“Many of the women who showed up to a typical Silicon Valley conference or drinks event worked in marketing or PR rather than in engineering or research. Women were thus more likely to work on AI ethics in the first place; they knew firsthand what discrimination could feel like.”
This brings in the perspective of women in tech and how personal experience shapes professional focus.
What Is This Book About?
The Competition Between OpenAI and DeepMind
The book describes two companies, OpenAI and DeepMind. Their leaders have different ideas about how to build AI. Some want to share their work with everyone, while others want to keep it private and make money.
Is AI a Race Between Countries?
The book looks at how the United States and China both want to be leaders in AI. This competition matters for both companies and countries.
How AI Changes Our Lives
AI is changing many jobs, such as healthcare and human resources. It can make work faster and easier, but it can also cause problems like job loss and less privacy.
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Final Thoughts For Now
AI is as much about people as it is about the tech we are developing. Olson’s book helps us understand who is leading the way and why. I encourage you to stay curious, ask questions, and always look for the people behind the technology.
References and More Reading
How AI Was Used in This Post
AI supported this post by assisting with topic brainstorming, research, drafting, and proofreading. All contributions were overseen to ensure a human-centered tone.
