Image Source: Business Insider

AI has been a buzz word for the past few years. But have you heard of artificial humans being built? We are talking about AGI–Artificial General Intelligence– a software with human capabilities. With over $200 billion already invested in AI R&D globally, it’s clear that the race towards smarter, more adaptive technology is on. AI, today, can perform not only 10 times better but does what 10 different AI models do separately. Imagine a world where machines don’t just follow commands, but actually understand, reason, and adapt like humans.

But the real question is – Are we actually ready?

In this post we will try to find the answer along with understanding the vision of Sam Altman(CEO of OpenAI) about the AGI and how it will impact you and everyone around you.

What Is AGI?

Let us begin with understanding what AGI is. Sam Altman said in one of his interviews  – ‘’AGI is a type of artificial intelligence that can perform any intellectual task that a human being can do, unlike today’s specialized AI.’’ Think of it as a computer that can think and solve problems just like a human.

In other words, AI can do specific tasks like translating, generating images or writing code. But AGI can do all of it together, along with intellectual tasks like any other human such as learning, adapting, problem-solving and even being creative.

Sam Altman’s Visions For AGI

Sam Altman is considered one of the most influential people in the world of artificial intelligence. He is rethinking a whole new relationship between humans and machines. Altman generally considers AGI to be a system that can tackle increasingly complex problems at a human level across many fields. He also envisions the emergence of the first AI agents that could join the workforce and materially change company output in 2025. This includes the development of AI agents capable of handling complex tasks, such as software engineering tasks that a skilled human could do over a couple of days and acting as virtual co-workers.

Altman and OpenAI are already looking beyond AGI towards superintelligence, a level of AI that would surpass human intelligence in every way and believes super intelligent tools could massively accelerate scientific discovery and innovation. However, he has emphasized the need for caution, as building AGI isn’t like creating just another tool—it’s the creation of a new form of intelligence.

While acknowledging potential economic disruption in the short and medium term, Altman is optimistic about the long-term benefits, viewing AGI as a powerful force to amplify human potential and empower individuals.

AGI has started growing rapidly, but we need to be thoughtful and fast.

Impact of AGI – On Economy, On Industry and On You

AGI has already started its work in numerous fields. Let’s break down its potential impact with relatable examples and insights.

On the Economy:

According to a Goldman Sachs report, 300 million full-time jobs could be automated globally by AI. In contrast, it will also create new jobs that never existed such as AI ethicists, prompt engineers, and machine learning therapists. Another concern is that the wealth gap may widen as control will be solely in the hands of tech giants like Google and Meta.

On Industries:

• Healthcare – Detecting cancer and complex diseases with global patient data in seconds and even providing a treatment plan. Ex. Google’s DeepMind.
• Media – writing, animating and even editing a whole film with smart inputs working as your co-creator. Ex. Sora by OpenAI
• Legal service – analysing contracts, generating legal arguments, leaving human lawyers to focus on strategy and interacting with clients.  Ex. Harvey AI
• Customer service – Emotionally intelligent, multilingual and never sleeping AI agents. Also, an entirely new industry could emerge – like the internet did.

On You? 

You can have a Personal assistant! Not in the office but in real life, 24/7. Yup, it can handle your schedule, write an email for you, analyse your finances and help you learn. For instance, teaching you  a new language based on your mood, attention span, pace and learning style and emotional state.

And to the writers, musicians, designers, and all the creatives reading this—you’re not being replaced. You’re gaining a co-worker. An AGI that understands your style, suggests improvements, and helps you brainstorm.

Shall We Be Afraid?

That little fear you may have right now, it is healthy. It is telling you to be ready. Because AGI is more than a power tool. It can reshape the whole world. Not just professionally but personal lives as well. With fear such as machines that may misalign with human values, mass surveillance and manipulation, or misuse of data, AGI also brings hope of smart governance, safer healthcare and new opportunities. Like any powerful tool, it all depends on how we use it.

Rulebook for AGI – Being Future-ready

If AGI can be a civilization defining, massive control tool, do we need a “UN for AGI”? Sam Altman suggests global regulation such as Safety testing before deployment, International oversight bodies and Open, transparent research. He even proposed a new licensing system for a powerful AI model. The objective is to make sure we don’t let innovation outpace responsibility.

So, Are we ready for what is coming?

Yes, and No.

We have brilliant minds focused on ethics and safety. Moreover, there’s global awareness and investment. However, AGI will spread faster than fire, in fact it has already started! With many people still digesting the AI models and its effective use, AGI can be a shocker. There is a need to adapt and act fast. And another concern among many is that we don’t yet fully understand the intelligence we’re creating. It’s like we’ve built the rocket… but haven’t finished the user manual yet.

How can you be Future ready ?

Here’s how you can prepare for the AGI era:

1. Stay Curious: Learn how AI works. Understanding is power.
2. Creativity, empathy, ethics—machines can’t match these (yet).
3. Be Informed, Not Afraid: Follow the conversation. Ask hard questions.
4. Adapt & Upskill: The future belongs to lifelong learners

AGI won’t wait. It’s evolving daily, driven by people like Sam Altman and teams around the world. But here’s the thing–the future of AGI isn’t just in the hands of the engineers, it’s in yours too. By staying informed, staying human, and staying involved you can be part of shaping the future.