[bluelightning2k]

There is a paradox. To build the future requires irrational belief. And to sell that vision.

Perhaps the difference between insanity and visionary, "scam" and genius is simply the outcome.

When someone like Sam Altman declares optimistically that we will get AGI and talks about what kind of society we will need to build... It's kind of hard to tell what mix of those 4 is at work. But certainly it will be perceived differently based upon the outcome not the sincerity of the effort.

[crabmusket]

> There is a paradox. To build the future requires irrational belief.

I'm not convinced this is true. What is irrational about the possibility of e.g. scientific progress, inventing new products, or creating a viable business?

Irrational belief may be one way to motivate yourself to try those things. But it's not the only way. Calculated risk-taking isn't irrational, is it?