Sam Altman and Olive Oil: A Controversial Take

Sam Altman's Olive Oil Usage Criticized

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has been playfully rebuked for his inefficient use of olive oil, described as an “offense to horticulture” by the Financial Times.

The observation arose during the publication’s “Lunch with the FT” series, where Altman was observed in his kitchen preparing a pasta dish with garlic and a salad. This provided a brief respite from his intensive work advocating for changes to American copyright regulations.

The Graza Olive Oil Situation

Altman utilizes Graza olive oil, recognized for its aesthetically pleasing squeeze bottles and popularity on social media platforms – a characteristic aligned with his millennial demographic.

However, the issue isn't the oil's cost or trendiness, but rather a perceived misunderstanding of the product's intended use. Graza offers distinct “sizzle” and “drizzle” varieties, specifically designed for sautéing and finishing dishes, respectively.

While specialized knowledge of Spanish olive cultivation isn’t universally held, someone who maintains two types of olive oil in their kitchen would likely understand the difference in purpose and price point between the two.

A Culinary Misstep

Altman reportedly used the “drizzle” finishing oil for sautéing, despite the “sizzle” oil being readily available. This is akin to overcooking delicate ingredients like fresh basil, resulting in a needless waste of valuable resources.

The analogy is drawn to the practice of some Silicon Valley startups, suggesting a similar disregard for financial prudence – essentially, wasting money.

OpenAI's Financials

Despite securing a record-breaking $40 billion in funding this year, OpenAI continues to experience significant financial losses, reportedly around $5 billion in the previous year.

The path to profitability remains unclear given these substantial expenses. At one point, the company was even operating at a loss on its $200-per-month ChatGPT Pro subscription plan.

Correlation or Coincidence?

While Altman’s cooking habits likely don’t directly explain OpenAI’s financial situation, the incident suggests a potential parallel between wasteful spending in the kitchen and the broader management of venture capital funds.

If a tendency to squander resources extends beyond the culinary realm, it could indicate a pattern of inefficient financial practices.