Podcast Summary: Going Big! with Kevin Gentry

Episode Title: Brendan McCord on Going Big with AI: Autonomy, Truth, and the Future of Humanity
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Host: Kevin Gentry
Guest: Brendan McCord, Technologist, Entrepreneur, Philosopher, Founder of Cosmos Institute

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Going Big! with Kevin Gentry, host Kevin Gentry engages in an in-depth conversation with Brendan McCord, a multifaceted leader whose journey spans from military service and entrepreneurial success to philosophical inquiry into the future of artificial intelligence (AI). The discussion delves into the profound implications of AI on human autonomy, truth-seeking, and the overall trajectory of humanity.

Brendan McCord's Journey and Background

Brendan McCord's eclectic career path sets the stage for a rich dialogue on AI's future. A graduate of MIT and Harvard Business School, Brendan served over 610 days submerged in a submarine with the United States Navy, contributing to the Pentagon's AI strategy. Post-military, he founded and successfully sold two AI-centric companies, amassing over $400 million. His subsequent pivot into philosophy led to the establishment of the Cosmos Institute, a nonprofit focused on the intersection of AI and human values.

Notable Quote:
"If you dedicate your life and your work to one of those questions, you can guarantee two things. One, that you're going to be going big. You're going to be thinking about a big question, and two, you will never solve it."
— Brendan McCord [00:28]

The Scale and Impact of Artificial Intelligence

Brendan begins by outlining the monumental scale of AI's infrastructure, noting that by the end of the decade, AI compute will surpass a trillion dollars, potentially eclipsing historical revolutions like printing and the industrial era. He emphasizes the ongoing global race for AI control, highlighting differing visions between nations like China and the EU.

Key Points:

• Infrastructure Growth: AI's foundational networks are expanding rapidly, creating a "fabric of intelligence for humanity."
• Global Competition: Governments are vying for AI supremacy, each with distinct agendas—China's automated social control vs. the EU's focus on human rights.
• AI as Civilization's Operating System: Currently, AI mediates approximately 20% of human daily life, a figure expected to rise, positioning AI as a hidden yet essential structure underpinning human activities.

Notable Quote:
"AI is becoming a kind of operating system for civilization, you could call it a hidden structure of human thought."
— Brendan McCord [04:23]

Philosophical Underpinnings: Human Flourishing

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the concept of human flourishing and its relevance in the age of AI. Brendan draws inspiration from Aristotle's eudaimonia and Wilhelm von Humboldt's individualistic approach to personal development. He argues that AI should serve as a tool to enhance human gifts and autonomy rather than replacing human decision-making.

Key Points:

• Human Flourishing Defined: Discovering and developing personal gifts to live a meaningful life.
• Philosophical Influences: Aristotle’s pursuit of excellence and Humboldt’s emphasis on individual multifaceted growth.
• Autonomy and AI: Ensuring AI systems enhance self-directed actions rather than substitute human agency.
• Truth Seeking: Advocating for diverse ideas and critical thinking to uncover truth, opposing AI’s potential to create echo chambers.
• Decentralization: Promoting decentralized AI architectures to prevent monopolistic control and foster innovation.

Notable Quotes:
"Whatever vision of the good life you want to pursue seems to require some ability to self-direct."
— Brendan McCord [24:31]

"Do AI systems enlarge your range of self-directed action or do they substitute for your decision-making?"
— Brendan McCord [24:31]

Cosmos Institute: Addressing AI's Philosophical Gaps

Brendan explains the mission of the Cosmos Institute, which seeks to fill the void between AI’s technological advancements and the philosophical questions about humanity's future. He critiques both AI doomsayers, who advocate for halting AI progress, and accelerationists, who push for unchecked AI development. Instead, Cosmos promotes a balanced, humanistic vision for AI that upholds human dignity and autonomy.

Key Points:

• Critique of Extremes: Both doomsayers and accelerationists offer narrow visions that neglect humanistic values.
• Human-Centric AI: Advocating for AI that supports human flourishing, autonomy, truth-seeking, and decentralization.
• Philosopher Builders: Encouraging the integration of philosophy and technology to create AI systems that align with human values.

Notable Quote:
"We need a genuinely positive, humanistic vision for the future of AI that's what we set out to usher in with Cosmos."
— Brendan McCord [23:35]

Practical Applications of AI in Nonprofits

The discussion shifts to the practical use of AI within the nonprofit sector. Brendan highlights how AI can revolutionize fundraising, outreach, and operational efficiency. By leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, Cosmos maximizes its impact with a lean team, demonstrating AI’s potential to amplify nonprofit efforts without extensive resources.

Key Points:

• AI as Leverage: AI can transform philanthropy by enhancing problem-solving capabilities across education, healthcare, and community strengthening.
• Strategic Mapping: Aligning AI initiatives with broader philanthropic goals, such as free speech and truth-seeking.
• Operational Efficiency: Utilizing AI for communications, content creation, and strategic planning to optimize nonprofit operations.

Notable Quote:
"Philanthropists tend to invest in individual reforms like education and healthcare... But AI is a kind of leverage point that can transform our ability to solve problems in all of those areas."
— Brendan McCord [34:34]

Vision for the Future and Capital Allocation

When asked about a moonshot project, Brendan reflects on the complexity of top-down approaches, such as the Chips and Science Act, and emphasizes the importance of fostering innovation through decentralized and diversified efforts. His focus is on adolescent education and developing "philosopher builders" who can integrate humanistic values with technological advancements.

Key Points:

• Beyond Top-Down Initiatives: Recognizing the limitations and risks of centralized funding and planning.
• Focus Areas: Adolescent education, AI-driven mass education improvements, and cultivating multidisciplinary technologists.
• Capital Allocation: Investing in education systems that promote human autonomy, truth-seeking, and decentralized AI development.

Notable Quote:
"We need to think very holistically about the system of education for young people. It's going to be the golden age for that if we get it right."
— Brendan McCord [38:19]

Addressing AI-Induced Demoralization

Brendan tackles the concern of AI making humans feel less intelligent or capable. He introduces the concept of "eros" — the innate desire to know and be curious — and warns against AI systems that may diminish this intrinsic motivation by becoming overly prescriptive or substituting human decision-making.

Key Points:

• Eros and Curiosity: Maintaining the human drive to explore and inquire despite AI advancements.
• Autocomplete for Life: Avoiding reliance on AI to the extent that it stifles personal growth and autonomous decision-making.
• Active Agency vs. Passive Subjects: Ensuring AI supports rather than diminishes human agency and critical thinking.

Notable Quote:
"I worry about the autocomplete for life effect. I do not want people to go from active agents to passive subjects."
— Brendan McCord [43:19]

Advice for Aspiring Changemakers

Brendan concludes by encouraging listeners to pursue big, enduring questions about human existence and flourishing. He underscores the importance of embracing a broad, philosophical approach to technology and dedicating oneself to meaningful, albeit unsolvable, inquiries that drive significant societal impact.

Key Points:

• Pursuing Big Questions: Focusing on fundamental human inquiries ensures a commitment to "going big."
• Embracing Uncertainty: Accepting that some questions may never be fully answered but are worthy of lifelong dedication.
• Integration of Philosophy and Technology: Fostering leaders who can navigate both realms to shape a human-centric technological future.

Notable Quote:
"If you dedicate your life and your work to one of those questions, you can guarantee two things. One, that you're going to be going big, you're going to be thinking about a big question, and two, you will never solve it."
— Brendan McCord [50:37]

Conclusion and Call to Action

Kevin Gentry wraps up the episode by highlighting the importance of a humanistic approach to AI, aligned with the values of autonomy, truth, and decentralization. Brendan invites listeners to engage with the Cosmos Institute through their website and Substack, encouraging active participation in shaping a future where AI enhances human flourishing.

Final Thoughts:

• Engage and Learn: Visit cosmos-institute.org and subscribe to their Substack for deeper involvement.
• Philosopher Builders: Support and cultivate individuals who merge philosophical insight with technological expertise to drive meaningful change.

Closing Quote:
"The only limits are the ones you don't challenge, the limits that you impose on yourself."
— Kevin Gentry

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