Open AI is for sale. Are you?

AI was supposed to elevate humanity.

When OpenAI was founded in 2015, it promised just that—a bold mission to develop artificial intelligence for the benefit of all. Its flagship creation, ChatGPT, revolutionized how we interact with technology, making AI accessible and useful.

But as OpenAI’s focus shifts from its ethical roots to a profit-driven model, we must face a bigger question: What happens when the pursuit of external success overshadows inner purpose?

OpenAI’s evolution mirrors a dilemma we all face. Just as AI was meant to serve humanity, our ambitions and talents are meant to serve a higher purpose. Yet, when profit and external validation—money, status, recognition—become the driving forces, it’s easy to lose sight of the original mission.

Without inner clarity, we risk becoming machines ourselves, chasing goals without understanding why.

The Cost of Losing Sight of Purpose

Consider the implications. OpenAI’s shift from non-profit to for-profit is a clear departure from its founding promise to prioritize human well-being. In 2021, OpenAI was valued at $14 billion, and today that number could reach $150 billion. While this growth is impressive, it raises a critical question: At what cost? The transformation from ethical AI development to a profit-centered model highlights a bigger issue of ethics versus earnings.

For us humans, the same tension exists.

The more we chase external achievements—whether it’s wealth, recognition, or power—the more disconnected we become from our inner selves.

The result? We risk feeling unfulfilled, empty, and burned out, despite reaching our “goals.”

Imagine this: A company like OpenAI, designed to elevate humanity, now risks putting profits above people.

What’s stopping you from doing the same in your own life?

Sam Altman and the Leadership Struggle

Let’s take a step back to Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO.

Once known for claiming he had “enough money,” he is now poised to receive equity in OpenAI's for-profit structure. His leadership is a reflection of the inner conflict many of us experience: balancing responsibility with financial success.

Altman’s story is a mirror. Each of us, like him, faces moments when we have to decide between staying true to our values and succumbing to the appeal of rewards. It’s easy to get caught up in the chase, but what happens when we lose ourselves along the way?

What happens when we stop asking, Why am I doing this?

Cybernetics reminds us that feedback loops shape our behavior and outcomes. At OpenAI, the new feedback loop is tied to profit, which may drive growth but risks derailing the company’s original mission to serve humanity.

When we focus too much on external markers of success, we amplify those pursuits while losing touch with the inner voice that once guided us.

Reclaiming Your Path

We, the creative minds, need more than just money, success, or career. Our exacerbated sensitivity leads us to find meaning.

This means we must pause and ask ourselves: What feedback loops are we feeding?

At The Inner Journey, we believe that outer success can only be achieved when it's in harmony with inner purpose. This isn’t just theory—it’s the lived experience of many individuals who have realigned their lives from external validation to inner clarity.

Take Vincent, one of our community members, who succeeded in various exits of businesses he (co-)founded. He reached his goals, but they left him feeling empty. Through self-exploration, he connected to a deeper mission, and he crafted new goals. His entire approach to life and business changed. He no longer pursued success at the cost of his well-being; instead, he created a business aligned with his values. Now, he’s thriving, not just because of what he’s achieved but because of who he’s become in the process.

The Inner Journey Helps You Realign

You have the power to reflect and realign your path.

At The Inner Journey, we offer tools and insights that guide you to reconnect with your inner values while achieving external success. Our community thrives on the idea that personal responsibility determines the outcomes of our lives.

You don’t need to fit in—but you might want to expand.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re chasing the wrong goals, this is your invitation to pause and reflect. Your journey toward clarity and fulfillment begins within.

Here’s how you can start:

• If you are not a member, join the 0.1% to get access to members-only insights that help you stay grounded in your values while navigating success.
• Level up by reading our Getting Started to start your journey towards clarity and alignment.

Your Next Bold Move

The path forward is yours to choose.

OpenAI’s story reminds us that success isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about staying true to your values when the world tempts you to take shortcuts.

The choices you make today, whether in business or in life, shape your future. Will you chase fleeting rewards, or will you take the time to look inward, align with your deeper mission, and build something lasting?

The decision is in your hands. Are you ready to embark on your inner journey? Let’s build the life and legacy you’re meant to create—one that’s grounded in clarity, purpose, and integrity.

I might be mistaken, and Sam Altman might be well-intentioned. While we wait for history to tell us, let's be the change.

Start today. Take the first step and rediscover what truly matters.