Sam Altman argues that the rise of digital superintelligence will be gradual and transformative, with major benefits for science and productivity. However, critics say his vision is overly optimistic, underestimates current technical and social challenges, and glosses over risks like inequality and AI alignment. Others, such as James Pethokoukis, see the essay as a strategic attempt to calm public anxiety, while some urge a more grounded debate about AI’s real-world limitations.