One of life’s greatest privileges and duties is becoming a parent. Although having children is frequently thought of as just a biological instinct, parenthood has considerably more significance than just carrying on the family line. It is closely related to emotional fulfillment, personal development, and the preservation of society, culture, and values.
However, in today’s world, the number of people who think that it is not necessary to embrace parenthood is increasing. On a similar topic, Zerodha founder Nikhil Kamath recently questioned OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in his podcast. Nevertheless, Sam Altman has the best answer to Kamath’s question.
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Nikhil Kamath questioned Sam Altman about his views on parenthood
Co-founder of Zerodha Nikhil Kamath recently hosted OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on his WTF podcast. During the podcast, they discussed a variety of subjects from AI to societal changes. However, what piqued everyone’s attention was Nikhil Kamath’s questions related to parenthood. Taking the conversation in a more intimate direction, Kamath inquired about Altman’s family, particularly his children. Questioning about children, Nikhil said,
When we met in Washington a couple of years ago at the White House. I remember when we were speaking and you went somewhere. I was speaking to your partner, and you guys had a kid…. How is that?
Replying to this, Sam Altman says,
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It is my favorite thing ever. But, I mean, I know that I have nothing that is not a cliche to say here… But it is the coolest, most amazing, and most emotionally overwhelming experience, in the best ways and hard ways. Everything everyone said about how great it is, how intense it is, and how it’s like a kind of love you didn’t know you could feel. It’s all true. I have nothing to add other than I strongly recommend it. And I think it’s been really wonderful. It’s amazing.
Sam Altman answers why he chose to have kids
After this, Nikhil Kamath went on to ask Sam about why he chose to have kids. His question went like this:
So, I wonder about this a lot, Sam. Why do people have kids, and also, questions like what happens to religion and marriage tomorrow? Can I ask you? Why did you have a kid?
On this, Sam Altman emphasized the importance of having a family. He added that his experience has exceeded all his expectations. He says,
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Family has always been an incredibly important thing to me. It felt like the most… I didn’t even know how much I underestimated what it was actually going to be like. But it felt like the most important, meaningful, and fulfilling thing. I could imagine doing. And it has so far exceeded all expectations.
welcome to the world, little guy!
he came early and is going to be in the nicu for awhile. he is doing well and it’s really nice to be in a little bubble taking care of him.
i have never felt such love. pic.twitter.com/wFF2FkKiMU
— Sam Altman (@sama) February 22, 2025
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Sam Altman answers what it is like to embrace parenthood
Then, Nikhil Kamath went on to ask,
Do you think it’s a biological need to procreate?
Answering this, Sam Altman said that procreating made him feel very confident, and he is fortunate to embrace parenthood. He says,
I don’t know. There’s like… This seems like a thing that is so deep. I think it’s difficult to put into words, but I feel confident. Everyone I know, looking back on their life, who has had a great career and had a family, has either said, “I am so glad I took the time to have kids. That was one of the most important things I have ever done, one of the best things I have ever done.” Or they have said, “That was, by far, the best thing I have ever done. That was way more important than any of the work I ever did.” And I was willing to take the leap of faith that would be true for me, too. And it certainly seems like it will be. And if it is just a biological hack, I don’t care. I am so happy. There’s a sense of responsibility, and kind of, like, ‘family’ is the word that keeps coming to mind, that it’s just really great.
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Nikhil Kamath comment on having kids
Nikhil Kamath mentioned on his podcast that he doesn’t believe in having kids just to continue a “legacy.” He questioned why people spend two decades of their lives “babysitting” a child, only in the hope that the child will take care of them in old age. He said,
“This is also partly why I don’t have kids. I’m going to ruin 18-20 years of my life babysitting this child and then if luck serves me right, the reverse will happen at some point. What if he says ‘scr** you’ at 18 and leave anyway.”
Sam Altman shares his opinion on the increasing trend of not having kids
Furthermore, Nikhil Kamath asked about Sam’s opinion on the increasing trend of not having kids. He questioned:
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The world seems to be having fewer kids, and do you have an insight into the future of marriage, religion, and kids?
On this, Sam Altman emphasized the need to create families and hoped that this trend would soon be reversed. He says,
Yeah, I hope that creating family, creating community, or whatever you want to call it, will become far more important in a sort of post-AGI world. I think it’s a real problem for society that those things have been in retreat. I think that just feels strictly bad to me. I am obviously not sure why that’s been happening. But I hope we will really reverse course on that. And in a world where people have more abundance, more time, more sorts of resources and potential, and more ability. I think it’s pretty clear that family and community are two of the things that make us the happiest. And I hope we will turn back to that.
Meanwhile, it is interesting to note that Nikhil Kamath, earlier in 2024, stated in his podcast that he does not think having children is a good way to carry on a ‘legacy.’ He disagreed with the notion that individuals should spend 20 years of their lives babysitting children in the hopes of providing them with adequate care as they mature.
What do you think about their conversation? Do share your thoughts with us in the comment section of this article.
