Sam Altman

OpenAI CEO

Contemporary influential 97 sayings

Sayings by Sam Altman

I think the biggest risk is that we don't try hard enough.

Various — This is a nuanced view, often balanced with safety concerns. Confidence slightly lower due to potent…
Controversial Unverifiable

The future of AI is going to be about collaboration.

Ongoing — Various interviews
Controversial Unverifiable

We're trying to build something that is both powerful and safe.

2023 — Interview with The Verge
Controversial Unverifiable

I think the biggest opportunity is to create a much better world.

2023 — Interview with Lex Fridman
Controversial Unverifiable

The future of AI is going to be about augmented intelligence.

Ongoing — Various interviews
Controversial Unverifiable

I think the most important thing is to be curious.

Ongoing — Various interviews
Controversial Unverifiable

We need to make sure that AI doesn't exacerbate existing inequalities.

2023 — Testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee
Controversial Unverifiable

I think the biggest risk is that we build AI that is misaligned with human values.

2023 — Interview with Lex Fridman
Controversial Unverifiable

The future of AI is going to be about empowering everyone.

Ongoing — Various interviews
Controversial Unverifiable

The biggest mistake I see startups make is not being ambitious enough.

2014 — Y Combinator Startup School
Humorous Unverifiable

If you want to build a really big company, you have to build something people really want.

2014 — Y Combinator Startup School
Humorous Unverifiable

Most people are not crazy enough to believe in themselves.

2015 — Interview with Entrepreneur Magazine
Humorous Unverifiable

Don't be afraid to be wrong. Be afraid to be boring.

2016 — Tweet
Humorous Unverifiable

If you're not making mistakes, you're not trying hard enough.

2014 — Y Combinator Startup School
Humorous Unverifiable

Startup ideas are not the hard part. Execution is.

2014 — Y Combinator Startup School
Humorous Unverifiable

The most important thing is to just get started.

2013 — Y Combinator Blog Post
Humorous Unverifiable

Build something people want. That's it.

2014 — Y Combinator Startup School
Humorous Unverifiable

The future is going to be weirder than you think.

2017 — Tweet
Humorous Unverifiable

Focus on the long term. Everything else is a distraction.

2018 — Interview with Forbes
Humorous Unverifiable

The biggest competitive advantage is to move fast.

2014 — Y Combinator Startup School
Humorous Unverifiable