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Comment by paulhebert

8 hours ago

These mathematicians dedicated their life to math and were working for a long time to achieve the pinnacle of their careers.

OpenAI just burned millions of dollars over a weekend after hearing that someone else was close to solving the problems. Their interest was in their AI system more than the actual math problems.

Don’t you see how that’s different?

12 comments

paulhebert

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ralph84  8 hours ago

I see how it can be devastating to their ego, but no, I don't see a particular difference in a company spending money for clout vs. a person spending time for clout. The underlying motivation is the same.

  • paulhebert  7 hours ago

    Do you really think people dedicate their life to mathematics for clout?

    If clout was the goal I don’t think becoming a lifelong mathematics academic would be the first step

    • pickleRick243  7 hours ago

      for many fairly strong mathematicians, the career calculus is fame and status (mild though it may be) through mathematics or anonymity but financial reward in tech or finance. Yes, clout by becoming a lifelong academic is in fact rational for some and part of their motivation. Of course they really like what they do as well, but earning the respect of the peers they know are also respected by a large swathe of society is very important.

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