“We are trying to build general learning algorithms that can learn anything.” - Demis Hassabis, British-American computer scientist
The search for wisdom
Aravind Srinivas, cofounder and chief executive of Perplexity, explained in an interview to media how the pursuit of wisdom should outweigh the pursuit of wealth. For him, technology becomes meaningful only when guided by curiosity, clarity of purpose and a willingness to ask better questions. Srinivas described leaving academia to start Perplexity as an act of conviction. Competing with giants like Google required a strong mind, steady vision and the belief that search needed a challenger. He insisted that great founders must combine courage, heart and the ability to communicate why their work matters.
The rise of a public figure
He was recognised as India’s youngest billionaire, and noted that living in the public eye did not alter his priorities. He stays focused on building, emphasising that Perplexity is still young and growing. Public attention, he says, is secondary to the everyday effort of improving the product.
The future of AI and work
Srinivas believes that AI will transform how people live and work, with hundreds of millions already integrating it into daily tasks. But humans will remain central because AI cannot answer every question. Curiosity will continue to define progress and shape how technology evolves.
The global and Indian landscape
On geopolitical tensions and regulatory uncertainty, Srinivas says his team prefers staying focused on their mission. He views India as a natural market for AI because of its emphasis on education and the search for wisdom. Strong demand, he predicts, will make AI products increasingly popular in the country.
Summary
Aravind Srinivas outlines why curiosity, courage and clarity still set the direction for AI. He reflects on Perplexity’s rise, the limits of AI, and India’s potential as a major AI market.
Food for thought
If AI always leaves some questions unanswered, which questions should humans prioritise asking next?AI concept to learn: Artificial Superintelligence
AI superintelligence refers to a hypothetical form of artificial
intelligence that surpasses human intelligence across all domains: reasoning, creativity, problem-solving, and social understanding. Such
an AI would be capable of improving itself rapidly, potentially leading
to an “intelligence explosion.” While superintelligence could unlock
extraordinary scientific and societal progress, it also raises major
risks, including loss of control, misaligned goals, and unprecedented
power imbalances. Ensuring safety, alignment, and strong global
governance is considered essential before such systems ever emerge.
[The Billion Hopes Research Team shares the latest AI updates for learning and awareness. Various sources are used. All copyrights acknowledged. This is not a professional, financial, personal or medical advice. Please consult domain experts before making decisions. Feedback welcome!]
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