Sam Altman: GPT-8's AGI Journey Through Quantum Gravity

Published Date : 27/09/2025 

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman proposes a groundbreaking test for AGI: if GPT-8 can solve quantum gravity and explain its reasoning, it will be considered true artificial general intelligence. This bold claim raises questions about the future of AI and its capabilities. 

What is AGI (artificial general intelligence)? The definition of AGI is becoming more complex as top AI labs continue to make significant breakthroughs. Each time the term is discussed, a new definition seems to emerge. While tech leaders like Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman aim to deliver real-world impact and self-replication using the technology, rising AI startups are focused on achieving the coveted AGI benchmark.

Earlier this year, a report detailed the multibillion-dollar agreement between Microsoft and OpenAI, defining AGI as a powerful system capable of generating up to $100 billion in profit. However, AGI is generally understood as an AI-powered system that surpasses human cognitive capabilities across various tasks.

Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis believes AGI could be achieved within the next decade but is concerned that society is not prepared for its implications. The potential of AGI keeps him up at night.

More recently, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman proposed a future test to determine true AGI while speaking to David Deutsch. According to Altman, if a model like GPT-8 solves quantum gravity and can explain the reasoning behind its discovery, it would qualify as AGI.

Sam Altman stated, 'You mentioned Einstein and general relativity, and I agree. I think that's like one of the most beautiful things humanity has ever figured out. Maybe I would even say number one... If in a few years... GPT-8 figured out quantum gravity and could tell you its story of how it did it and the problems it was thinking about and why it decided to work on that, but it still just looked like a language model output, but it was the real- it really did solve it...'

British physicist David Deutsch agreed that this would be a definitive test for artificial general intelligence. However, Altman's theory raises questions. While GPT-8 could potentially solve quantum gravity, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will be a master across a wide range of topics. This makes it challenging to consider GPT-8 as true AGI.

Additionally, the OpenAI CEO recently indicated that today's systems were not designed for an AI-driven world, creating a need for new hardware and software. This is a shift from his previous claim that the AI revolution wouldn't require new technology.

The race to achieve AGI is on, and the proposed test by Sam Altman sets a high bar. If GPT-8 can meet this benchmark, it will mark a significant milestone in the development of artificial intelligence. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is AGI?

A: AGI, or Artificial General Intelligence, refers to an AI system that can understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks at a level equal to or beyond human capabilities.

Q: What is the proposed test for AGI by Sam Altman?

A: Sam Altman proposed that if GPT-8 can solve quantum gravity and explain its reasoning, it would qualify as true AGI.

Q: Why is quantum gravity a significant challenge for AGI?

A: Quantum gravity is a complex and unsolved problem in physics that combines quantum mechanics and general relativity. Solving it would demonstrate advanced reasoning and problem-solving capabilities, key aspects of AGI.

Q: What are the concerns about achieving AGI?

A: There are concerns about the societal impact of AGI, including ethical issues, job displacement, and the potential for misuse. Experts like Demis Hassabis are worried that society may not be ready for the implications of AGI.

Q: What does OpenAI plan to do to achieve AGI?

A: OpenAI is focusing on developing advanced AI models like GPT-8 and exploring new hardware and software solutions to meet the demands of an AI-driven world. 

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