OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, known for his cautious tone when forecasting the future of artificial intelligence, recently made one of his boldest predictions yet: artificial general intelligence (AGI) could replace 30–40% of today’s tasks within the next few years.
In a wide-ranging interview with German newspaper Die Welt, Altman touched upon the timeline for AGI, its implications for the workforce, and how future AI systems may treat humans.
AGI by 2030: A Near-Certain Arrival
When asked about the arrival of “superintelligence” that surpasses humans in most aspects, Altman did not hedge. He suggested that AGI may emerge before the end of this decade:
“If we don’t have models [by 2030] that are extraordinarily capable and do things that we ourselves cannot do, I’d be very surprised.”
Altman pointed out that GPT-5 is already smarter than him “and a lot of people,” signaling that progress toward AGI is accelerating more rapidly than many anticipated.
40% of Tasks Could Be Automated
Instead of framing the disruption in terms of jobs lost, Altman clarified that it is more accurate to think in terms of tasks automated.
He envisions a near future where 30–40% of tasks currently performed in the economy will be carried out by AI. That means many professions will see routine and repetitive work offloaded to machines, freeing humans for more complex, creative, or interpersonal responsibilities.
“A Loving Parent,” Not a Dominator
One of the more philosophical parts of the interview came when Altman was asked about Eliezer Yudkowsky’s belief that the relationship between AGI and humans could mirror that of humans and ants. Altman rejected this dystopian vision.
Instead, he compared future AGI to “a loving parent”—a system designed to care for, guide, and support humanity. His comments echo AI pioneers Geoffrey Hinton and Yann LeCun, who have argued that instilling “maternal instincts” into AI systems could help them prioritize human well-being.
The Unknowns: Alignment and Consequences
Even with optimism, Altman acknowledged the uncertainties:
- Unintended consequences: AGI may have ripple effects that no one can fully predict.
- Alignment challenge: Ensuring that AI systems operate in harmony with human values and ethics remains the most urgent research priority.
What This Means for the Future
Altman’s remarks highlight a double-edged reality:
- Economic transformation: Up to 40% of tasks could shift to AI, boosting productivity but also forcing reskilling at scale.
- Human-AI partnership: If properly aligned, AGI could act less like a rival and more like a collaborator—or even caretaker.
- Urgent responsibility: Governments, companies, and researchers must prioritize alignment, governance, and open discussions about the ethical deployment of such systems.
Sam Altman’s vision is neither dystopian nor blindly utopian. He paints a future where AGI is a powerful ally, capable of handling a large share of the world’s work, while humans remain central to guiding its purpose. The next few years, leading up to 2030, may determine whether this partnership truly becomes one of progress and care—or one of disruption and imbalance.