In a recent interview, Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, shared insights on artificial intelligence, his roots in St. Louis, and how both have shaped his perspective on technology and the future.
Sam Altman loves talking about AI. In his words, "It's amazing how much young people have driven the adoption of AI." He reflects on the enthusiasm of a student who, after trying OpenAI’s latest model, GPT-o1, asked, "What does this mean for my future? What should I study?" This interaction stood out to Altman, highlighting the awe and concern that often accompany new technology.
Altman notes that every technological revolution comes with a mix of fear and excitement. When OpenAI launched ChatGPT, there was a collective "freakout." But soon, people began to accept it as a part of life, continuously demanding more from the technology. He describes AI as a tool that will enhance human capability and progress, much like other technological advancements have in the past.
Returning to his roots, Altman shares fond memories of growing up in St. Louis, where he attended John Burroughs School. He recalls riding his bike around Forest Park, swimming at Shaw Park, and spending time at the now-closed Coffee Cartel. Despite having lived elsewhere for nearly two decades, he cherishes these memories and speaks fondly of the city's small-town feel: "You’d go to Schnucks and see a bunch of people you knew," he reminisces, emphasizing the sense of community.
Altman believes that growing up in a place like St. Louis has influenced his approach to developing ChatGPT and other AI technologies. "I think there's something very different about growing up here than what it would have been like if I had grown up in the Bay Area or New York," he says.
Altman is particularly excited about AI’s potential in education and scientific discovery. He notes that AI tools are already helping students learn more effectively, mentioning initiatives by Khan Academy and other education platforms. Additionally, in healthcare, companies like Color Health use AI to create personalized treatment plans, improving patient outcomes.
Looking to the future, Altman is optimistic about AI's ability to accelerate scientific progress. He envisions AI changing the nature of computer programming, making programmers more efficient and enabling them to create more software than ever before. He is particularly hopeful about AI's role in finding cures for diseases and discovering new materials to support clean energy.
When asked about concerns that AI might take away jobs, Altman acknowledges that every technological revolution has led to fears of job loss. However, he remains confident that humans will always find new roles: "The fundamental human drive... that's not going to go anywhere." He believes work will evolve, potentially becoming more like hobbies or creative pursuits rather than tasks done out of necessity.
Altman also addresses worries about misinformation spread by AI. He agrees that deepfakes and misleading AI-generated content are serious issues. OpenAI has taken a firm stance against such uses, implementing safeguards and advocating for regulations to ensure responsible use of the technology.
Discussing the broader implications of AI, Altman highlights the need for more energy to support its growth. He believes that cheaper, clean, and reliable energy is crucial for AI's future development. He recently participated in discussions with U.S. government officials about building critical AI infrastructure, emphasizing that the U.S. must play a strategic role in this development.
Despite his busy schedule, Altman remains committed to giving back to his hometown of St. Louis. He signed the Giving Pledge, committing to donate over half of his wealth to charitable causes, with a particular focus on supporting scientific progress.
Altman underscores the broader vision of OpenAI: 'We believe that this will be one of the most, maybe the most important technological revolution of our lifetimes, and we want to make sure that all people get to benefit from it hugely and that it is introduced in a way that is safe, responsible, and also exciting.'
Altman’s reflections on AI, his journey from St. Louis to leading OpenAI, and his aspirations for the future provide a glimpse into the mind of one of the leaders in this space.
