OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has opened up about fatherhood, describing it as “the most important and meaningful thing” he has ever done, while warning that declining birth rates pose a significant threat to the future of society.

Speaking on People by WTF with Nikhil Kamath, Altman said he believes artificial general intelligence (AGI) — the still-theoretical form of AI capable of reasoning as well as humans — could play a pivotal role in reversing population decline by creating a world of abundance and social support that makes raising families easier.

Altman, who became a father earlier this year, said he strongly recommends having children. “It felt like the most important and meaningful and fulfilling thing I could imagine doing,” he said, describing himself as “extremely kid-pilled.”

He added that he hopes that in a “post-AGI world,” family and community would become more central to human happiness. “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,” Altman said.

He also suggested that the rise of AGI could address the economic anxieties driving younger generations to delay parenthood. In countries like the United States, millennials and Gen Z are having fewer children due to financial instability, housing pressures, and career priorities. Altman envisions a future where AI-driven abundance creates “more time, more resources, and potential, and ability” to support family life.

His remarks touch on a broader debate that has been intensifying among economists, demographers, and technologists: can AI solve the looming demographic crisis?

Birth rates are falling in much of the developed world. In the U.S., the fertility rate is well below the replacement level of 2.1 births per woman. Similar or even more acute declines are seen in Europe, South Korea, and Japan. These shifts raise fears of shrinking workforces, underfunded pension systems, and weaker economic growth in the decades ahead. Traditionally, governments have responded with pro-family incentives such as tax breaks, parental leave policies, and subsidized childcare — but the results have been modest.

Some futurists argue that AI, particularly when advanced into AGI, could help offset these demographic challenges by transforming the workforce. As populations age, AI-powered automation could take over jobs in manufacturing, logistics, and even care work, allowing smaller populations to maintain high productivity. For example, in Japan, where population decline is most severe, robots and AI systems are already being deployed in eldercare facilities to compensate for labor shortages.

Altman’s framing adds another layer: not just AI as a replacement for missing workers, but as a force that could give people the material security and free time to build families again. This intersects with his long-held belief that AI will unlock unprecedented prosperity — an idea closely tied to discussions around universal basic income (UBI), which Altman has also publicly supported as a way to redistribute wealth created by automation.

However, critics caution that AI cannot directly solve the problem of human underpopulation. Even if automation reduces the need for large workforces, an aging society still struggles with social vitality and cultural sustainability.

Elon Musk, who shares Altman’s concern and has fathered more than 10 children, put it bluntly in a 2022 post on X: “A collapsing birth rate is the biggest danger civilization faces by far.” Musk has argued that no amount of automation can substitute for the decline in human creativity, dynamism, and innovation that comes with shrinking populations.

Still, Altman’s optimism reflects a growing belief among tech leaders that AI could be part of the solution. Some believe that by increasing productivity, reducing costs, and offering new social support structures, AGI could ease the financial and social burdens that currently discourage younger generations from having children.

In recent years, Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) have gained significant popularity among Australians looking to take greater control over their retirement savings. This shift is largely due to the desire for personalized investment strategies, increased transparency, and the potential for greater returns. With the Australian superannuation landscape evolving, individuals are increasingly recognizing the advantages offered by SMSFs. This article explores the reasons behind this trend, offering insights into how SMSFs work and what makes them an attractive option for many.

Understanding the Basics

Self-managed superannuation Funds are distinct from traditional super funds due to their self-management aspect. Unlike industry or retail funds, where a superannuation provider manages the investments, SMSFs are controlled by their members. Each member acts as a trustee, allowing them to choose and manage their investments, which can include real estate, shares, and other assets. This direct control empowers individuals, enabling them to tailor their superannuation strategy to align with their financial goals and risk profiles.

SMSFs are known for their tax advantages. Earnings within the fund are taxed at a concessional rate, and there are opportunities for tax-free withdrawals during retirement. As more Australians learn about the potential benefits, many are considering getting started with SMSFs in Sydney to leverage these advantages. Managing an SMSF comes with strict compliance obligations, making it important for members to stay informed and seek professional guidance when needed.

SMSFs are legally required to be audited each year. A registered SMSF auditor reviews the fund’s financial statements and provides an opinion on whether the fund complies with superannuation law. While formal audits are completed after year-end, obtaining guidance from a specialist SMSF auditor during the year can help trustees maintain proper documentation, avoid compliance issues and ensure annual SMSF audits run efficiently.

The Appeal of Personalization

One of the primary reasons individuals choose SMSFs is the level of personalization they offer. Traditional super funds often impose a one-size-fits-all approach where the investment strategy may not align with an individual’s risk tolerance or financial aspirations. SMSFs allow members to create a tailored investment portfolio that reflects their interests and expertise. Whether one prefers investing in property, equities, or bonds, SMSFs provide the flexibility to make these choices.

This personalization helps individuals feel more invested in their financial future and encourages active engagement with their retirement planning. The ability to modify investment strategies in response to market changes is another attractive aspect for many Australians.

Cost-Effectiveness of SMSFs

The cost of managing superannuation has risen over the years, prompting many to explore more economical options. While starting an SMSF may involve initial setup and compliance costs, studies suggest that they become more cost-effective as fund balances increase. For larger super balances, SMSFs can provide significant savings compared to traditional funds, which often charge fixed fees regardless of fund size.

SMSFs minimize management fees associated with retail funds. This reduction in costs, combined with the potential for higher returns, makes SMSFs an appealing choice for many investors keen on optimizing their retirement savings.

Greater Investment Control

Investment control is another key factor driving the SMSF trend. As trustees, individuals have the authority to decide where their money is invested, making it easier to pivot towards assets they believe will yield the best returns. With access to a wide range of investment options, SMSF members can diversify their portfolios more effectively. This diversification can be crucial in mitigating risk and enhancing long-term gains.

Individuals can invest in direct property, business real property, Australian shares, international assets, and even collectibles. This variety allows members to pursue investment strategies that suit their market outlook and financial goals, which may not be possible through other superannuation funds.

The Importance of Education and Resources

A crucial component of successfully managing an SMSF is having access to the necessary education and resources. Understanding the legal obligations, compliance requirements, and tax implications can be daunting for those new to the concept. Many accounting firms and financial advisors offer specialized services tailored to SMSFs.

These resources assist individuals in making informed investment decisions and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. Continuous education improves fund management and boosts confidence among trustees as they navigate their investment landscape. Knowing when and where to seek help can be a game-changer for many aspiring SMSF members.

The Role of Technology in SMSFs

Technology has played a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and ease of managing an SMSF. Various digital platforms offer tools that simplify record-keeping, reporting, and compliance functions. These advancements allow trustees to monitor their investments in real-time and generate financial statements with ease.

Online resources facilitate better tracking of market trends, providing valuable insights that inform investment decisions. With the increasing reliance on technology, managing an SMSF has become more accessible, making it attractive for many Australians looking to take control of their financial futures.

As more Australians look to secure their financial futures, SMSFs continue to gain momentum in the superannuation landscape. With their unique blend of control, customization, and potential for cost savings, they represent a compelling option for those wanting to take charge of their retirement planning.