Understanding OpenAI's Strategic Framework and the Forces Driving the AI Revolution
psychology
Capability Overhang
AI's capabilities are "hanging" far above us, but due to inertial workflows, humans haven't learned to reach them. Like ancient people using an iPhone 15 Pro just to crack nuts.
arrow_rightImagination is the bottleneck, not technology
arrow_rightFirst, we use new tools for old work
arrow_rightGradually, new use cases emerge as we experiment
security
Immune Response
OpenAI's competitive strategy treats competitors like Google Gemini as "viruses." Once detected, an immediate 6-8 week "immune response" is triggered to absorb strengths and self-evolve.
arrow_rightAltman views threats like a "pandemic" to be fought immediately
arrow_rightCode red alerts marshal resources to critical areas
arrow_rightStrategic counterattacks like GPT-5.2 deployed quickly
electrical_services
AI Utility Company
Altman's ultimate business blueprint: top-tier models are "power plants," ChatGPT is the global "grid," and massive compute is the "fuel." This explains why compute equals revenue.
arrow_right$1.4 trillion in infrastructure commitments over 8 years
arrow_rightGoal: factory producing a gigawatt of AI infrastructure weekly
arrow_rightAccess to AI as a fundamental driver of the economy
trending_up
Exponential Growth
The key to understanding OpenAI's expansion speed and funding goals. Humans think linearly (1 to 2), while AI develops exponentially (folding paper 42 times reaches the moon).
arrow_rightRevenue grew from $2B (2023) to $13B (2025) — 3.2× yearly
arrow_rightProjecting hundreds of billions by 2030
arrow_rightCognitive misalignment explains why many underestimate AI