Emails show 'Godfather of AGI' Ben Goertzel courted Epstein for funding and congratulated him on jail release

Recent disclosures from the Department of Justice have unveiled a series of emails between renowned artificial intelligence researcher Ben Goertzel and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, shedding light on their complicated relationship. Goertzel, often referred to as one of the 'godfathers of AGI' (artificial general intelligence), received funding from Epstein for his AI projects over several years. In a blunt email from January 2013, Epstein expressed frustration over Goertzel's lack of progress in their AI endeavors, but intriguingly, he also commented on Goertzel's personal appearance, suggesting that the scientist should abandon his 'hippie look' to better attract potential investors. "I think it is now time for you to drop the hippie look," he wrote, advising that his 'disheveled 80s appearance' could hinder their pursuit of AGI, which is viewed as a pivotal advancement in AI technology. Goertzel responded humorously, stating that he would consider cutting his hair for the right amount of funding. The emails reveal a pattern of Goertzel seeking financial support from Epstein, who perceived the potential of AGI and had a vested interest in the research. Goertzel reportedly received a $100,000 grant from Epstein in 2001 and additional funding during the following years, although the total amount he ultimately secured remains unclear. Despite being aware of Epstein's legal troubles—including a guilty plea in 2008 for solicitation of a minor—Goertzel maintained a professional relationship with him. In a 2010 email, he congratulated Epstein on his release from jail and downplayed the negative media coverage surrounding Epstein's past. Goertzel later admitted to making a mistake by accepting Epstein's financial support, expressing regret over his lack of due diligence regarding Epstein's criminal background. Currently, Goertzel serves as the CEO of SingularityNET, a blockchain and AI organization, and chairs The AGI Society, which organizes annual conferences on artificial intelligence. The revelations from these emails have raised questions about ethical boundaries in the tech industry, particularly concerning the sources of funding for groundbreaking research. As the fallout from Epstein’s association with various influential figures continues, the emails between him and Goertzel highlight the complexities of navigating personal ethics in the pursuit of innovation and funding in the tech world. The correspondence also indicates Epstein's interest in AI research, as he often pushed for more concrete achievements in Goertzel's work, suggesting milestones like having an AI system pass IQ tests for children. In conclusion, this troubling relationship underscores the necessity for researchers to thoroughly vet their funding sources, especially when those sources are embroiled in significant ethical controversies.