OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Champions Handwritten Notes for Clear Thinking
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence company valued at $300 billion, continues to rely on a surprisingly traditional method for tackling complex problems: pen and paper.
Despite spearheading the development of ChatGPT, a productivity-enhancing AI chatbot, Altman emphasizes the power of handwritten notes to clarify thinking and solve tough business challenges.
This practice, which he shares with other business moguls like Bill Gates and Richard Branson, underscores a timeless approach to problem-solving in an increasingly digital world.
Altman revealed on the How I Write podcast that writing by hand helps him externalize his thoughts, making it easier to organize and refine ideas.
He described his meticulous note-taking process, which involves using a pocket-sized spiral notebook with a hard cover and specific pens, such as the Uniball Micro 0.5 mm or Muji 0.38 mm in dark blue ink.
This structured approach allows him to lay out multiple pages, review them, and even crumple them up when done, fostering a hands-on way to process information.
Altman believes that writing forces clarity, stating, “It’s harder to hide really messy thinking when you have to actually write it down and stare at it.”
This habit isn’t unique to Altman. Bill Gates, Microsoft’s cofounder, has long advocated for handwritten notes to process information during meetings, while Richard Branson, Virgin Group’s cofounder, credits note-taking for capturing ideas that fuel his businesses.
Both emphasize that recording thoughts—whether on paper or digitally—is critical to creativity and success.
The significance of Altman’s approach lies in its counterintuitive nature: the leader of a cutting-edge AI firm relies on analog methods to navigate the complexities of running a tech giant.
This practice highlights the enduring value of clear thinking, which Altman considers more critical than clear communication.
For businesses and individuals, this serves as a reminder that simple, low-tech strategies can complement high-tech tools, enhancing productivity and problem-solving.
The impact on users and businesses could be a renewed appreciation for analog techniques in a digital age. As AI tools like ChatGPT streamline workflows, combining them with practices like note-taking may help professionals process information more effectively, fostering innovation and clarity.
FAQ
Why does Sam Altman prefer handwritten notes over digital tools?
Altman finds that writing by hand helps clarify complex thoughts and solve problems more effectively than digital methods, as it forces him to articulate ideas clearly and confront unclear thinking.
Do other successful leaders use note-taking?
Yes, leaders like Bill Gates and Richard Branson also rely on note-taking—handwritten or digital—to process information, capture ideas, and drive their business success.
