AI set to outsmart your kids, warns Sam Altman: Are schools ready to teach what machines can’t?

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, recently issued a stark warning: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to surpass the cognitive abilities of human children. In a discussion with Adam Grant on the ReThinking podcast, Altman described this transition as a pivotal moment in history, where humans will no longer be the smartest beings on Earth. According to Altman, this shift could have profound implications for how we educate future generations.
The changing nature of intelligence
As reported by Forbes, Altman emphasized that AI systems are already capable of processing information faster and more accurately than any human. These machines can reason, learn, and solve problems in ways that outpace even the most intelligent humans. For educators and parents, this poses a major challenge: How do we prepare children for a world where AI holds the intellectual upper hand?
However, Altman is not suggesting that humans should compete with AI in terms of raw cognitive power. Instead, he advocates for a shift in how we define intelligence. “AI may dominate raw cognition, but it lacks our emotional depth, moral reasoning, and ability to connect,” Altman explained in the podcast, quoted by Forbes. These human qualities, he believes, will become increasingly valuable as AI takes over more of the intellectual tasks we once valued most.
Emotional intelligence: The new frontier
In light of AI’s rising dominance, Altman stresses the importance of emotional intelligence (EI) in education. As Forbes reported, schools will need to place a greater emphasis on teaching children skills that machines cannot replicate. These include empathy, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking—traits that will be essential for thriving in a world where AI is ubiquitous.
Altman suggests that educators should rethink curricula to focus less on memorization and factual recall, and more on fostering social and emotional development. "Figuring out what questions to ask will be more important than figuring out the answers," Altman quoted by Forbes, highlighting the need for children to develop the skills to engage with complex problems in ways that AI cannot.
Preparing for human-AI collaboration
In the future, AI will not only be a tool but a collaborative partner. According to Altman, schools should prepare students to work alongside AI, emphasizing adaptability and lifelong learning. As he pointed out in his Forbes interview, the future workforce will need to embrace change and develop the ability to learn continuously.
In conclusion, Altman’s vision for the future of education calls for a profound shift in how we prepare children for a world increasingly dominated by AI. By focusing on emotional intelligence and fostering human-machine collaboration, US schools can equip the next generation with the tools they need to thrive in this rapidly changing landscape.
Key actions US schools must take to prepare for AI's rise
• Shift focus from cognitive skills to emotional intelligence (EI): Prioritize teaching empathy, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, as these are skills AI cannot replicate.
• Redefine intelligence: Move away from traditional knowledge transfer and emphasize the development of emotional depth, moral reasoning, and human connection.
• Promote adaptability and lifelong learning: Equip students with the ability to adapt to rapid technological changes and foster a mindset of continuous learning.
• Encourage inquiry-based learning: Teach children how to ask the right questions, as figuring out what to ask will become more important than simply knowing the answers.
• Prepare for human-AI collaboration: Help students understand that AI will be a partner in the future workforce, requiring skills to work alongside machines effectively.