YC
Sam Altman on Choosing Projects, Creating Value, and Finding Purpose
@ Y Combinator
11/09/18
Takeaways
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
Minimize your cognitive load from distracting things that don't really matter; it's hard to overstate how important this is, and how bad most people are at it.
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
It's easy to spend a decade being busy and stressed without making real progress, often getting caught up in urgent but unimportant tasks.
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
I have a fixed budget of cognitive output per day; if I spend it on unimportant stuff, I never have time for the really important things.
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
It's crucial to step back and evaluate whether I'm working on the right things and if my efforts are aligned with my goals.
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
Taking a year off between jobs can be incredibly beneficial; it allows for exploration, learning, and reconnecting with life.
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
During my year off, I learned about various fields, including nuclear engineering and AI, which later contributed to my work.
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
When exploring new projects, it's important to accept that most will fail, but the ones that succeed can lead to significant breakthroughs.
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
It's essential to be brutally honest with yourself about which projects are actually working and which ones you're just convincing yourself are successful.
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
Risk in life is often perceived incorrectly; the real risk is looking back at the end of your career and feeling like you wasted it.
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
Most people are too risk-averse, leading to advice that favors conservative paths rather than taking calculated risks that could lead to greater rewards.
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
Perspective shifts become harder as you age, but they are incredibly valuable for personal and professional growth. It's crucial to maintain mental flexibility to view things from fresh perspectives and new angles, as this is often lost over time.
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
Surrounding yourself with ambitious people can significantly shift your perspective and drive you to be more inquisitive.
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
Most people tend to pull you back towards average because it fits their comfort zone, but it's essential to resist that and aim higher.
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
Reading biographies of successful individuals and studying significant engineering projects can provide valuable insights into risk and innovation.
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
My productivity system is built on three key pillars: ensure important tasks are completed, avoid wasting time on trivial matters, and make extensive lists.
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
The deferred life plan, where people postpone their dreams for a future time, often leads to failure because it lacks commitment to either path.
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
People can sense authenticity and motivation; if you're pursuing something for the wrong reasons, it will be evident to others.
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
Finding purpose and meaning in life can come from various sources, whether it's family, work, or personal projects, and it's essential to seek it out.
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
As we move towards an era of artificial general intelligence, the value of human intelligence may diminish, making it crucial to find meaning beyond just intellectual capability.
SA
Sam Altman
11/09/18
@ Y Combinator
I recommend reading 'The Way to Love' by Anthony de Mello, which offers insightful meditations on life and is a quick read.