“Listening to Elders Is the Biggest Mistake; Don’t Even Trust Me” — Sam Altman’s Advice to IIT Delhi Students

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, recently addressed students at IIT Delhi, sharing his thoughts on artificial intelligence (AI) and the future. During the session, he delivered a striking message: for today’s youth, listening blindly to elders can be the biggest mistake. Even Altman himself suggested that students should rely on their own judgment when envisioning the future.

Youth Understand the Future Better

Altman emphasized that young people have always had a better grasp of technological trends. “The world you will inherit will be very different,” he said. “To anticipate what the future will look like, you should not just rely on me — you need to make your own assessments and trust your instincts.”

He also highlighted that traditional career advice may no longer be fully relevant in a rapidly evolving world shaped by AI.

AI Will Transform the Entire Economy

During his interaction, Altman joined venture capitalist Vinod Khosla in a discussion about the impact of AI. He warned that AI is not just about automating scientific progress — it will automate the entire economy, reshaping industries and job roles.

A Glimpse of India in 2047

When asked about India’s future as it celebrates 100 years of independence in 2047, Altman predicted a super-intelligent generation. He said education and healthcare will undergo dramatic transformations, and the very way people work will change. “By the time today’s first-year students graduate, they will need to excel in AI-driven technical fields to stay relevant,” he added.

Build What People Want

Altman encouraged students to focus on creating solutions that people truly desire. He recalled a principle followed by many investors over the past 20 years: “Build something people want.” He advised students to stay ahead of tools, observe trends, and anticipate what will happen in the coming months.

In conclusion, Altman’s advice to IIT Delhi students was clear: trust your own judgment, stay curious, and prepare for a future dominated by AI innovation.