# AI elites may hoard intelligence like mercantilists hoarded gold, Venkatesh Rao argues

> Original title: AI elites might hoard intelligence like mercantilists hoarded gold

- Source: The Decoder
- Published: 2026-11-02T19:43:51.000Z
- Bad Influence: https://badinfluence.news/items/jvvtvtbgamxvyg41ajqtfd58v
- Original: https://the-decoder.com/ai-elites-might-hoard-intelligence-like-mercantilists-hoarded-gold/

## Summary

Engineer Venkatesh Rao argues in a Contraptions essay that elites treat AI intelligence as a scarce resource to manage and withhold, much as mercantilists treated gold. He says AI could increase demand for thinking, as early capitalists worked more to buy tea and sugar, and that political priorities should focus on fair access to AI.