Elon Emails

Altman's revision of the opening paragraphs

From:
Sam Altman
Date:
December 8, 2015 (Sent 10:34 AM)
To:
Elon Musk
Subject:
Draft opening paragraphs
how is this? __ OpenAI is a non-profit artificial intelligence research company with the goal of advancing digital intelligence in the way that is most likely to benefit humanity as a whole, unencumbered by an obligation to generate financial returns. Because we don't have any financial obligations, we can focus on the maximal positive human impact and disseminating AI technology as broadly as possible. We believe AI should be an extension of individual human wills and, in the spirit of liberty, not be concentrated in the hands of the few. The outcome of this venture is uncertain and the pay is low compared to what others will offer, but we believe the goal and the structure are right. We hope this is what matters most to the best in the field.

About this email

Altman returns an edited version of Musk's draft opening, tightening the second paragraph about broad dissemination and AI as an extension of individual human wills.

Notes

Text matches the court exhibit (Dkt. 32-5). Also shown at the 2026 trial (reported as trial Exhibit 14).

Where it came from

Court record; attribution confirmed.

OpenAI, executive & internal. Tags: launch, blog-draft, mission, nonprofit, musk-v-openai