Sam Altman reflects on OpenAI and looks ahead: AI joins the workforce in 2025

Since the birth of ChatGPT two weeks ago, the development of artificial intelligence has further entered a new stage, beginning to have the ability to handle complex reasoning. With the arrival of the new year, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reflected on the company's development trajectory, sharing the achievements, challenges, and lessons of the past two years. He admitted that although the progress has been significant, the understanding of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is still in the early stage, but the efforts of the past nine years have put this startup on a unique and far-reaching path.

Reviewing the Original Intent and Vision of OpenAI

Altman stated that OpenAI was founded nearly nine years ago, with the goal of achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and ensuring that it can bring widespread benefits to all of humanity. At the time, there were few people interested in this vision, and many believed it was an impossible task to accomplish.

In 2022, OpenAI was still a quiet research lab, dedicated to a project called "Conversing with GPT-3.5". After observing the enthusiasm of developers testing the API, the team launched a test tool focused on the conversational experience, and on November 30 of the same year, it was officially named ChatGPT and released.

Unexpectedly, the launch of ChatGPT became a catalyst for the AI revolution, bringing unprecedented growth curves to the company, industry, and the world. Altman stated that this moment marked a major breakthrough in OpenAI's years of effort, and proved that the potential value of AI technology far exceeded expectations.

AI Prototype: The Challenge of Establishing a New Industry

Altman pointed out that the past two years have been the most challenging but also the most rewarding of his life. In a short period of time, the company has almost built a brand new industry from scratch, which is an exciting but stressful process.

Since artificial intelligence technology is a completely new field, there are almost no manuals or examples to refer to. The team experienced countless trials and errors in the rapid development, often taking two steps forward and one step back. Although this rapid exploration process is chaotic, it also brings valuable experience and learning opportunities.

Recalling the "Unexpected" Dismissal

Altman mentioned a sudden crisis in 2023: he was unexpectedly dismissed in a video conference, and the decision was immediately announced in a public statement. In the "fog of war" of the crisis, all parties involved were confused about the reasons for the event, which became a failure of the governance structure.

However, this incident prompted OpenAI to reshape its governance model, establishing a stronger system to address complex challenges. Altman admitted that this crisis taught him more about the importance of leadership and diverse perspectives. He said that this experience made the company more united and drove the team to complete some of their best research work after the crisis.

AI Will Join the Workforce in 2025

Currently, OpenAI's user base has grown from 100 million per week to over 300 million, and its technologies and products are not only widely used, but have also helped solve many practical problems. Altman believes that future AI will continue to change the global work patterns, and will start to "join the workforce" in 2025, bringing substantial productivity improvements to businesses.

He also mentioned that OpenAI's vision has gradually shifted from AGI to superintelligence. Altman believes that superintelligent tools will greatly accelerate scientific discoveries and innovations, further enhancing human prosperity and well-being. Although this sounds like science fiction, he believes that the world will gradually recognize the potential and importance of this technology in the coming years.

OpenAI is Balancing Technology and Safety

Altman reaffirmed OpenAI's commitment to safety and the shared benefits of technology. He believes that allowing society to gradually adapt to new technologies is the best way to ensure safety. By gradually applying AI to the real world, society can evolve with technology and improve the safety of the technology.

OpenAI's goal is to become a global leader in safe and coordinated research, and to continuously optimize its research direction through feedback from real-world applications.

Altman's Outlook for the Future

Altman is confident about the future, but also believes that the progress of future technology will still be full of twists and turns. He pointed out that OpenAI needs to constantly adjust its strategy to meet the rapidly changing demands, such as product development and capital requirements.

When looking to the future, he emphasized that OpenAI will not be satisfied with its current achievements, but is committed to realizing a more brilliant future. He believes that superintelligence will help humans achieve many goals that they cannot accomplish on their own, and ultimately achieve unprecedented prosperity.

Altman: OpenAI's mission is of great significance

Altman stated that it is an honor and a responsibility to participate in this historic work. He believes that OpenAI's mission goes beyond the scope of a regular company, as its technology has a profound impact on the future of humanity.

At the start of the new year, he hopes to continue driving the development of artificial intelligence together with the team and global partners, bringing broader benefits and lasting changes to humanity.