Josh Kushner uses 'Lord of the Rings' to explain what being close to OpenAI taught him about perceived power

Business Insider

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Josh Kushner, a venture capitalist and founder of Thrive Capital, has compared OpenAI’s perceived power to the One Ring in *Lord of the Rings*, suggesting that Sam Altman and the company hold something irresistible—and dangerous. In an interview with Colossus Magazine, Kushner reflected on the chaos surrounding Altman’s brief ouster in November 2023, which also led to Greg Brockman’s temporary resignation as president. Kushner’s analogy highlights how OpenAI’s concentration of power and value has drawn intense attention, even from those within the company. Thrive Capital, one of OpenAI’s largest investors, “immediately went to war” after Altman was ousted, according to Kushner. He acknowledged the immense pressure on OpenAI but praised the company’s handling of the situation despite inappropriate behavior from some stakeholders. The drama reached a peak when Altman was fired and then reinstated just days later amid employee and investor backlash—a rare turn of events in Silicon Valley governance. Kushner’s comments also touch on his broader views about power corrupting, to which he simply replied, “Yes.” His perspective is informed by Thrive Capital’s close ties to OpenAI, which has seen its value skyrocket as interest in AI grows. Kushner’s remarks underscore the high stakes involved in managing such a powerful company and the potential for conflict when perception of power becomes reality. The situation at OpenAI reflects broader trends in tech governance, where massive investments and high expectations create intense scrutiny. As OpenAI continues to shape the future of artificial intelligence, its ability to navigate these challenges will be critical. Kushner’s Lord of the Rings analogy may seem dramatic, but it captures the essence of how power can both attract and divide—even among allies.

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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/19/2026