‘Trust Your Own Instincts’: Sam Altman’s Straight Talk to Indian Youth on Preparing for the AI Future

New Delhi | 23 Feb 2026 Speaking at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared candid and thought-provoking advice for young people getting ready for a world shaped by artificial intelligence. Responding to a question on common mistakes made by students preparing for the AI era, Altman stressed the importance of independent thinking over conventional guidance. His remarks stood out for their honesty and relevance at a time of rapid technological change. “I think listening to old people is the biggest mistake young people make,” Altman said, adding that even experienced leaders may not fully grasp how fast the world is changing. He encouraged students to build their own understanding of the future, saying the world they will inherit will be very different. According to him, relying only on traditional career advice may no longer work in an AI-driven age, and young minds must learn to trust their own judgement. Altman also spoke about India’s growing importance in the global AI landscape. Praising the enthusiasm of developers and innovators, he described the country as one of the fastest-growing markets for OpenAI. “The energy here, the excitement of builders with AI in India for the entire stack is amazing to see,” he said, calling his interaction with students at IIT Delhi one of the highlights of his visit. The OpenAI chief further applauded Narendra Modi’s leadership on artificial intelligence. “I love the Prime Minister's vision,” Altman said, appreciating the focus on democratising AI while ensuring its benefits reach everyone. He noted that balancing innovation with responsibility and risk management is crucial, and said India is well placed to take AI development “to the next ‘Trust Your Own Instincts’: Sam Altman’s Straight Talk to Indian Youth on Preparing for the AI Future Speaking at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared candid and thought-provoking advice for young people getting ready for a world shaped by artificial intelligence. Responding to a question on common mistakes made by students preparing for the AI era, Altman stressed the importance of independent thinking over conventional guidance. His remarks stood out for their honesty and relevance at a time of rapid technological change. “I think listening to old people is the biggest mistake young people make,” Altman said, adding that even experienced leaders may not fully grasp how fast the world is changing. He encouraged students to build their own understanding of the future, saying the world they will inherit will be very different. According to him, relying only on traditional career advice may no longer work in an AI-driven age, and young minds must learn to trust their own judgement. Altman also spoke about India’s growing importance in the global AI landscape. Praising the enthusiasm of developers and innovators, he described the country as one of the fastest-growing markets for OpenAI. “The energy here, the excitement of builders with AI in India for the entire stack is amazing to see,” he said, calling his interaction with students at IIT Delhi one of the highlights of his visit. The OpenAI chief further applauded Narendra Modi’s leadership on artificial intelligence. “I love the Prime Minister's vision,” Altman said, appreciating the focus on democratising AI while ensuring its benefits reach everyone. He noted that balancing innovation with responsibility and risk management is crucial, and said India is well placed to take AI development “to the next level.”