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    Sam Altman and the Future of AI: Can He Be Trusted?

    32 min
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    Apr 11, 2026
    AITechnologyPolitics

    Explore Sam Altman's influence on the future of AI. This New Yorker feature examines OpenAI's leadership, artificial intelligence ethics, and tech accountability.

    Sam Altman and the Future of AI: Can He Be Trusted?

    Best quote from Sam Altman and the Future of AI: Can He Be Trusted?

    “

    It’s a sophisticated kind of power. It’s not the 'I want to be the richest man in the world' kind of power. It’s the 'I want to be the most necessary man in the world' kind of power.

    ”

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    https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/04/13/sam-altman-may-control-our-future-can-he-be-trusted

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    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

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    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

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    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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    254
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    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
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    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

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    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

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    Learn Anything, Personalized

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    Featured book summaries
    Crucial ConversationsThe Perfect MarriageInto the WildNever Split the DifferenceAttachedGood to GreatSay Nothing
    Trending categories
    Self HelpCommunication SkillRelationshipMindfulnessPhilosophyInspirationProductivity
    Celebrities' reading list
    Elon MuskCharlie KirkBill GatesSteve JobsAndrew HubermanJoe RoganJordan Peterson
    Award winning collection
    Pulitzer PrizeNational Book AwardGoodreads Choice AwardsNobel Prize in LiteratureNew York TimesCaldecott MedalNebula Award
    Featured Topics
    ManagementAmerican HistoryWarTradingStoicismAnxietySex
    Best books by Year
    2025 Best Non Fiction Books2024 Best Non Fiction Books2023 Best Non Fiction Books
    Learning tools
    Knowledge VisualizerAI Podcast Generator
    Featured authors
    Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieGeorge OrwellO. J. SimpsonBarbara O'NeillWinston ChurchillCharlie Kirk
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    Key Takeaways

    1

    The Sam Altman Trust Dilemma

    0:00
    0:20
    0:39
    0:49
    2

    The Architecture of Influence

    0:57
    1:21
    1:56
    2:21
    2:54
    3:17
    3:50
    4:10
    4:34
    5:04
    3

    The Profit Versus Safety Paradox

    5:33
    5:55
    6:29
    6:59
    7:29
    2:21
    8:39
    9:07
    9:32
    10:02
    4

    The Personality of Power

    10:37
    11:01
    11:34
    2:21
    12:29
    12:57
    13:26
    13:51
    14:19
    14:45
    5

    The Ghost in the Machine: Alignment and Ethics

    15:13
    15:31
    15:57
    16:27
    16:49
    17:22
    17:48
    18:14
    18:39
    19:06
    6

    The Global Chessboard: Geopolitics and A.I.

    19:35
    19:58
    20:25
    2:21
    21:12
    21:36
    21:57
    22:21
    22:48
    7

    The Future of Human Agency

    23:14
    23:34
    24:02
    24:28
    24:51
    25:20
    25:49
    26:17
    26:44
    8

    A Practical Playbook for the Listener

    27:10
    27:27
    27:59
    28:27
    28:52
    2:21
    29:48
    30:10
    30:32
    9

    Closing Reflection & Wrap-up

    30:47
    10:02
    31:19
    31:38
    1:21
    32:16
    32:31
    32:40

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