YC
Elon Musk : How to Build the Future
@ Y Combinator
09/16/16
Takeaways
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Elon Musk
09/16/16
@ Y Combinator
If you're doing something useful for society, that's a good thing, even if it doesn't change the world. Creating something that provides value to a large number of people is important.
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Elon Musk
09/16/16
@ Y Combinator
AI is the single biggest factor likely to affect humanity in the near term, so it's crucial to ensure its development is positive and beneficial.
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Elon Musk
09/16/16
@ Y Combinator
Genetics is the second most important area to focus on, especially in solving genetic diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's through genetic reprogramming.
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Elon Musk
09/16/16
@ Y Combinator
Developing a high bandwidth interface to the brain is essential, as we currently face limitations in how we interact with our digital selves.
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Elon Musk
09/16/16
@ Y Combinator
When making decisions that others deem crazy, it's important to feel the fear but let the significance of the goal drive you to act anyway.
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Elon Musk
09/16/16
@ Y Combinator
Accepting the probabilities of success can help diminish fear. When I started SpaceX, I thought the odds of success were less than 10%, but I accepted that risk.
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Elon Musk
09/16/16
@ Y Combinator
I think the odds of establishing a self-sustaining Mars colony are pretty good, and I believe this can be accomplished in about 10 years, maybe sooner.
EM
Elon Musk
09/16/16
@ Y Combinator
We need to ensure the democratization of AI technology so that no single company or small group has control over advanced AI, which could lead to dangerous situations.
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Elon Musk
09/16/16
@ Y Combinator
If we can effectively merge with AI by improving the neural link between our brains and digital extensions, we can collectively become the AI, solving the control problem.
EM
Elon Musk
09/16/16
@ Y Combinator
I spend about 80% of my time on engineering and design, focusing on developing the next generation of products at SpaceX and Tesla.
EM
Elon Musk
09/16/16
@ Y Combinator
The biggest epiphany I've had this year is that the machine that builds the machine, the factory, is more important than the vehicle itself.
EM
Elon Musk
09/16/16
@ Y Combinator
Currently, the production line speed is incredibly slow, averaging about 5 centimeters per second, but I am confident we can increase it to at least 1 meter per second.