Silicon Valley Is Drifting Out of Touch with the Rest of America

I think the title is misleading without more context but the focal distinction of the essay — impractical AGI versus practical domain-specific applied AI — is important.

Eric Schmidt and Selina Xu write that Silicon Valley is AGI-pilled. While China is instead focused on knitting AI deeply into its real economy.

IMO events like last weekend’s Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing are evidence in favor of their argument.

From a different NYT article [1]:

> The event was China’s latest high-profile robotics showcase. During China’s Lunar New Year’s Eve television gala, watched by hundreds of millions of people, humanoid robots performed folk dances. In April, the Beijing municipal government held a half-marathon for 12,000 runners and 20 humanoid robots.

> China is trying to make rapid advancements in robotics, propelled by government directives and massive investments. Robots powered by artificial intelligence have already revolutionized manufacturing in the country. That has brought down operating costs and in some cases helped companies withstand President Trump’s tariffs.

These type of contests and exhibitions are not only a way to incentivize development, but also PR to get society accustomed to living with robots.

1: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/18/world/asia/china-humanoid...

It’s not just being out of touch in terms of AGI. It’s not caring about who is left behind or who society will function when power is in the hands of a few. Sure we could say that’s not Silicon Valley’s responsibility. But when Silicon Valley companies and people are also involved in lobbying or donations or government contracts, I feel like they do bear responsibility.