Key Facts
- ✓ Yann LeCun is considered one of the 'godfathers' of modern AI.
- ✓ The meeting took place at the Michelin-starred restaurant Pavyllon in Paris.
- ✓ Pavyllon is located next to the Grand Palais, where President Emmanuel Macron hosted an international AI summit in 2025.
- ✓ LeCun discussed his stepping down from Meta and the limits of large language models.
Quick Summary
Computer scientist Yann LeCun, a pioneer in artificial intelligence, met for a discussion at the Michelin-starred restaurant Pavyllon in Paris. The restaurant is located next to the Grand Palais, where President Emmanuel Macron hosted an international AI summit in 2025. LeCun, who is considered one of the 'godfathers' of modern AI, discussed his views on intelligence and the future of AI technology. He touched upon his departure from Meta and the limitations of large language models. LeCun emphasized that intelligence is fundamentally about learning. He also commented on the concept of AI 'domination', suggesting alternative terms like 'total world assistance' or 'intelligent amplification' to avoid the scary connotations of domination.
Meeting in Paris
The meeting took place at Pavyllon, a Michelin-starred restaurant located next to Paris's Grand Palais. This location holds significance as it was the site where President Emmanuel Macron kick-started 2025 by hosting an international AI summit. The summit was described as a glitzy showcase packed with French exceptionalism and international tech luminaries.
Yann LeCun arrived for the meeting ahead of schedule. He was waiting in the nearly empty winter garden of the restaurant, nestled between two plastic Christmas trees. LeCun is recognized as one of the 'godfathers' of modern AI.
"Intelligence really is about learning"
— Yann LeCun, Computer Scientist
Views on AI and Intelligence 🧠
During the discussion, LeCun expressed his perspective on the nature of intelligence. He stated that intelligence really is about learning. This fundamental view shapes his approach to AI development and its potential.
LeCun also addressed the terminology often used when discussing the future impact of AI. He acknowledged that the word 'domination' can sound scary in the context of AI. He proposed alternative phrases to describe the potential outcome of advanced AI.
- Total world assistance
- Intelligent amplification
These alternatives were offered to frame the future of AI in a more positive and less threatening light.
Personal and Professional Context
The article mentions that Yann LeCun has spent nearly a week 'running around town plotting world domination', a phrase he recontextualized as working towards 'total world assistance'. He appeared well-rested despite a busy schedule. The discussion also touched upon his stepping down from a major role, specifically from Meta. Additionally, the limitations of large language models were a topic of conversation.
Conclusion
The meeting at Pavyllon provided a setting for Yann LeCun to share his insights on the trajectory of artificial intelligence. His appearance at the restaurant, situated near the site of a major international AI summit hosted by Emmanuel Macron, underscores his continued prominence in the field. LeCun's focus remains on the learning capabilities of intelligence and a vision for AI that assists rather than dominates. His comments on stepping down from Meta and the limits of current technologies like large language models highlight the ongoing evolution of the AI landscape.
"total world assistance"
— Yann LeCun, Computer Scientist
"intelligent amplification, if you want"
— Yann LeCun, Computer Scientist
"Domination sounds scary with AI"
— Yann LeCun, Computer Scientist
