Unbridled optimism and cynicism drive AI charity
QQQ•Anthropic said it would give 5% of its shares to a public benefit fund, while Elon Musk said he would give one SpaceX share to every child in America. The pledges reflect both optimism about AI-driven prosperity and efforts to address public concerns, the column argues.
1. Large pledges announced
Anthropic said it would contribute 5% of its shares to a public benefit fund, subject to shareholder approval; an additional 2% could be added at the board’s discretion for each 50% increase in the company’s value above a set baseline. Elon Musk said he would give one SpaceX share to every child in America. The column estimated Anthropic’s pledge could exceed $75 billion if its impending IPO valued the company above $1.5 trillion, and put Musk’s pledge at $11 billion.
2. Optimism and self-interest
Anthropic employees expect AI to produce a Nobel-level discovery by 2030 and annual GDP growth of 17%, according to a company survey. Musk has said AI-driven abundance could make money matter less, while Jeff Bezos predicted people may work three days a week in the future. The column also noted that promises can be easier to make than keep, citing Tesla Roadster customers who paid deposits in 2017 and are still waiting.
3. Public concerns
A March Gallup poll found 70% opposed data centers in their area, and Pew Research Center said attitudes were turning more negative. The column suggested charitable pledges could help AI companies win permission to build and provide a response if AI-related unemployment rises substantially. Anthropic said its fund would not be used for lobbying or political giving.
