As the pace of technological innovation accelerates, future-shaping commentary from Silicon Valley figures carries increasing resonance. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and one of the foremost architects of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, recently shared thoughts during an interview on "This Past Weekend with Theo Von" that shed light on the intersection of science, ethics, and what it means to remain human in a time of sweeping change.

In their conversation, comedian Theo Von raised the provocative idea that “this will be one of the last 40 years that we conceive children in the body,” speculating about a future where childbirth could move out of the human body and into artificial environments. 

Altman’s response captured a complex blend of reasoned openness and instinctive hesitation toward such progress. He acknowledged, “I can totally, intellectually understand that that may be the better way to do it,” but continued, “Then emotionally, it feels like something off.” Altman went on to suggest that, “in this world that we’re heading to of crazy sci-fi technology becoming reality, the sort of deeply human things will become the most precious, sacred, valued things.”

The CEO’s view reflects his longstanding position at the cutting edge of technological advancement, where developments in biotechnology and AI pose transformative potential for nearly every aspect of life — childbirth included. In recent years, scientific advances such as artificial wombs and gene editing have triggered debate about the future of reproduction. For Altman, who is accustomed to challenging conventional assumptions in search of progress, the notion that humanity’s most personal experiences may soon be technologically mediated is not unthinkable. Yet, as his remarks reveal, even the most forward-thinking leaders remain attuned to a sense of loss or unease that can accompany rapid change.

This tension between innovation and tradition is not new. Throughout Altman’s career, he has been recognized for his commitment to maximizing potential benefits from revolutionary technologies while foregrounding the human stakes. Whether directing OpenAI’s mission to ensure artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity or investing in biotechnology with transformative promise, Altman is regarded as a pragmatic optimist who nevertheless wrestles with the social, ethical, and psychological impacts of disruption.

His observation that “the deeply human things will become the most precious, sacred, valued things” speaks to a broader sentiment within technology circles and beyond: as machines take on more human functions, there may be a renewed appreciation for experiences and practices that cannot be replicated or improved upon by innovation alone. In markets and policymaking arenas alike, this dialogue shapes decisions about how, when, and why new technologies are integrated into daily life.

Altman’s authority on the subject is rooted not only in his technical expertise but also his philosophical perspective. As someone who has helped redefine what is possible in technology, he recognizes that some aspects of progress — especially those touching on family and identity — demand greater reflection, caution, and respect for intangible values.

Against the backdrop of dramatic change, Altman’s reflections underscore a persistent truth: even as technology redefines possibilities, the quest to preserve and prioritize authentically human experiences endures as a defining challenge. The markets may innovate, societies may adapt, but the value we place on our core human experiences may grow stronger as the world evolves.