A Conversation with Sam Altman: Can AI Ever Be Creative? His Answer: ‘We’ll Find Out Soon.’
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As promised, today I’m sharing my recent conversation with Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. I’ll highlight the key takeaways from our conversation and reflect on what makes his perspective so thought-provoking.
Meeting Sam Altman: A High School Connection
We can all agree that Sam Altman is a key figure in the AI revolution. These days, you can’t go a day without seeing his name in the news.
You might be wondering how I managed to speak with someone as busy as Sam. Here’s the inside story.
Sam is an alumnus of our high school, a fact I only learned when our school hosted its centennial celebration two years ago. At that event, around 2,000 guests, including alumni and their families, gathered, and Sam was one of the biggest draws. He was a guest speaker, and as students, we had the exclusive opportunity to hear him address the assembly.
Since then, he has visited our school a few times, giving us more chances to interact with him in smaller, more casual settings. Sitting in a room with one of the world’s leading innovators—hearing him speak not just about AI but about the future we are stepping into—was surreal. It was inspiring and, honestly, just plain cool.
In November 2022, right after OpenAI released ChatGPT to the public, Craig and I co-founded the AI Club with our best friends at school. We weren’t technically savvy programmers, but we were deeply curious about AI’s possibilities and its impact on our future. While our school and teachers debated policies to prevent AI from being used to complete assignments, we dove into discussions about AI’s potential social and economic effects—engaging not just with other students but with teachers as well.
Then, Sam visited our school. Our club had the incredible opportunity to engage with him directly and even got early access to test OpenAI’s o1 and o3 models. For us, Sam is more than a role model—we feel that he’s our guiding star.
A One-on-One Phone Conversation with Sam
Recently, I had a one-on-one phone call with Sam.
Given his incredibly packed schedule, I was grateful he took the time to speak with me.
Craig and I have interviewed several prominent scientists (as you’ve read and will continue to see on this blog). Since we’re fascinated by AI’s role in scientific advancements, we always ask our interviewees for their perspectives on AI’s evolution and its impact on their fields.
Through these conversations, one theme consistently emerged: AI is going to change our lives faster than we expect. However, every scientist also emphasized that human qualities—curiosity and creativity—will remain irreplaceable. They argued that these traits drive scientific discovery in ways AI cannot replicate.
That idea stuck with me, but I also couldn’t ignore something Sam had said in the past—that AI agents capable of independent reasoning and labor might “join the workforce” as soon as 2025. It made me question whether curiosity and creativity are truly exclusive to humans.
I wanted to hear Sam’s thoughts directly. So, I reached out again, hoping for another chance to interview him.
After our call, I saw news reports that he had been in Japan that day. I don’t know if he called me right after returning to the U.S. or while he was still abroad, but he was as cool and composed as ever. With his usual friendly tone, our conversation began.
Our call focused on four main topics:
1️⃣ What drives his work
2️⃣ AI’s potential impact on medicine
3️⃣ Whether AI can ever be truly creative
4️⃣ The key quality he values when hiring employees
OK. Now, let’s go one by one.
What Drives Sam?
I asked Sam what keeps him motivated despite his hectic schedule.
His answer was simple yet profound: DISCOVERY.
He said that he liked being useful to people and working on something that is going to be impactful. He also stated that it was super exciting and interesting to be on the edge of scientific discovery.
Despite the immense demands on his time, the excitement of being at the forefront of breakthroughs sustains him. Hearing his passion firsthand was incredibly inspiring.
AI’s Future in Medicine
The conversation shifted to AI’s potential in healthcare. Sam was optimistic, emphasizing that AI can empower doctors rather than replace them. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI could help medical professionals make more accurate diagnoses, develop personalized treatments, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
His perspective aligns with what I’ve heard from many scientists I’ve interviewed—AI is a tool, not a threat, and its impact will be transformative.
Can AI Ever Be Creative?
One of my biggest questions for Sam was whether AI could eventually emulate human creativity. I’ve always believed that creativity is a uniquely human trait, something AI could never fully replicate.
When I posed this question, Sam took a long pause and then said, “We’ll find out soon”.
That moment stuck with me. It wasn’t a definitive answer, but it suggested that the boundaries of AI’s capabilities are still being explored. Perhaps creativity isn’t just a human trait—perhaps AI’s evolution will redefine what we consider creative.
What Quality Does Sam Value Most in Employees?
When hiring, what is the most important quality Sam looks for?
His answer: DRIVE– something like willfulness or the ability to execute a vision.
That word resonated deeply with me. It’s not just about having ideas; it’s about taking action, being adventurous, and persisting in what you care about.
In my previous interviews with scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators, curiosity often emerged as a key driver of discovery. I believe it’s the fuel that keeps scientists passionate, motivated, and constantly pushing boundaries. But Sam’s emphasis on drive taught me something crucial—curiosity alone isn’t enough. It’s the ability to take action that turns ideas into reality and opens doors to new possibilities.
My Admiration for Sam’s Mindset
Looking back at my first encounter with Sam in September 2023, I remember his thoughts on seizing opportunities and how AI is reshaping our world. He emphasized that most things aren’t a one-way door – we can take a chance, and if it doesn’t work out, we can adjust and try again. In today’s fast-moving world, the real risk isn’t in taking a leap, but in holding back. If we do, 10, 20, or even 30 years later, we might look back with regret, wishing we had pursued what truly excited us.
Final Reflections
It’s not every day that you get to meet someone whose work is actively changing the future. But what struck me most wasn’t just Sam’s knowledge or success—it was his openness and approachability. He is always willing to engage with us, answer our questions, and offer valuable advice.
For me, this experience highlighted the importance of staying open to new ideas and having the drive to pursue our passions, even when the path ahead isn’t clear. I don’t want to let myself look back years later and regret the things I could have done, would have done, but didn’t try. At least, I’ll try to avoid that bitterness.
As I continue on my own journey, I’ll carry this realization with me, and I invite you to reflect on Sam’s words and mindset.
Thanks for reading!
Our next blog post will be about our interview with Dr. Craig Mello, Nobel Prize Laureate in 2006.
See you then!
Thomas
