In ancient Greek mythology, Prometheus is remembered as the figure who gave fire to humans by stealing it from the gods. That fire changed everything for mankind. It gave people warmth, allowed them to cook, make tools, and develop civilization. But for this great gift, Prometheus paid a very high price. The gods punished him by chaining him to a rock, where every day an eagle would come to eat his liver. His punishment was never-ending. This myth is not just a story. It carries a strong message about the danger of giving powerful gifts or tools to humans before they are truly ready to use them wisely. It is a warning about the cost of progress without caution or responsibility.
This same warning is now being used to describe the story of Sam Altman, the CEO and co-founder of OpenAI, the company behind the popular artificial intelligence tool called ChatGPT. In 2022, ChatGPT was released and it shocked the world. It was the first time so many people had direct access to a tool that could write, speak, answer questions, solve problems, and hold conversations like a human being. People everywhere began to use it for work, school, entertainment, and business. Many called it a miracle. But just like fire, this new AI tool brought both hope and fear. Some saw it as the beginning of a better future. Others warned that it could be dangerous if used without clear rules or strong leadership.
Just one year after the release of ChatGPT, the board of OpenAI tried to remove Sam Altman from his position as CEO. This was a surprising move. The board said they no longer trusted his leadership. They were likely concerned about the speed at which the company was moving, the risks of AI growing too powerful, and perhaps the way Altman was making decisions without enough oversight. This moment felt like the modern version of Prometheus being punished. It looked like the people who created something powerful were now facing consequences. But this time, the story did not follow the same path. Altman was not punished for long. In fact, he returned to his role just days later, stronger than ever.
Most of the staff at OpenAI threatened to quit if Altman was not brought back. Big investors and partners, including Microsoft, also supported his return. As a result, the board members who removed him were pushed out, and Altman came back with even more control over the company. This event made many people worried. If a leader who is supposed to be checked by others can come back so easily, it means there may be no real limits to his power. It raised a bigger question: who is really watching over the future of AI? And what happens if the people in charge cannot be held responsible for their actions?
Two books about OpenAI and Sam Altman have added to this concern. They both describe a company that is growing very fast but not always paying enough attention to safety or ethics. People who worked inside OpenAI have said that concerns about safety were often ignored. Some said that teams working on making AI more responsible were left out of major decisions. This creates a picture of a company focused more on building power than managing it wisely. It also raises doubt about whether Altman can be trusted to lead something as powerful as artificial intelligence without enough checks and balances.
Artificial intelligence is like fire in the modern world. It can be used for great good, but it can also be harmful if it gets out of control. AI has the power to change schools, jobs, medicine, business, and even politics. It can make life better for millions, but it also brings risks like spreading false information, replacing human workers, or being used in ways that are unfair or dangerous. That is why people are calling for more rules, more transparency, and more people involved in decision-making. The fear is not just about Sam Altman himself. It is about any system where one person or one group has too much power over something that affects the entire world.
Sam Altman says he wants to use AI to solve big problems like disease, poverty, and climate change. His vision is bold and inspiring. But vision alone is not enough. Without a strong structure to hold leaders accountable, even good intentions can lead to bad results. If people who raise concerns are ignored or removed, and if there are no strong voices challenging power, then we are not building a safe future—we are simply hoping for the best. And when it comes to something as powerful as AI, hope is not a plan.
The myth of Prometheus is not just about bravery. It is also about responsibility. He gave humans fire, but the gods punished him to remind everyone that powerful gifts must be handled with care. Today, as we build and use artificial intelligence, we must remember that message. We need strong leaders, yes, but we also need systems that can question those leaders, stop them when needed, and make sure that no one is above the rules. Because if AI is the new fire, then the price of using it without limits may be much higher than we think.
