Sam Altman told students to trust their own thinking more, as careers are changing fast because of AI.
He said young people today have more chances to create and do big things on their own.
He added that while AI may replace some jobs, it will also create many new opportunities in the future.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman questioned the choices of Indian students, as while speaking at the Dogra Hall of IIT Delhi, he challenged the belief of students taking career advice, especially from parents. He said that it could be a mistake, as today’s world is driven by AI and changing at a pace that older generations may not fully grasp. Addressing a packed hall of students, Altman urged them to rely more on their own judgement. His remarks drew laughter and reflection and later sparked debate online about tradition, risk and the future of work in India.
SurveyAltman clarified that parents remain important when it comes to values and life lessons. However, he warned that depending on them to predict careers in a fast-shifting world may not always help. He said even he would not fully trust his own sense of how quickly change will unfold. According to him, young people are often better at sensing new trends and adapting to them.
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Altman repeatedly used the word ‘agency’ in the conversation. He defined it as the idea that an individual can influence an outcome through hard work and passion. He said that the world does not encourage this idea, but students should definitely have this idea. According to him, the incentives for initiative have never been better. With AI technology, even a single passionate person can create products and services that would require a whole team to create.
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Recalling the early days of OpenAI, Altman said the idea behind the company was once dismissed as unrealistic. He noted that unpopular ideas can sometimes be an advantage because there is less competition. What matters, he said, is sticking to a belief for a long time with patience and confidence. He linked this to resilience, calling it the one skill every student should build this year.
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Altman struck a balanced tone when questioned about whether AI will replace jobs. He admitted that some roles will disappear, but at the same time, he said history shows new kinds of work emerge with new technology. He further added that many students in the hall may one day hold jobs that do not yet exist even as a concept.
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Bhaskar Sharma
Bhaskar is a senior copy editor at Digit India, where he simplifies complex tech topics across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and emerging consumer tech. His work has appeared in iGeeksBlog, GuidingTech, and other publications, and he previously served as an assistant editor at TechBloat and TechReloaded. A B.Tech graduate and full-time tech writer, he is known for clear, practical guides and explainers. View Full Profile
