Quoting OpenAI Codex base_instructions

Simon Willison's Blog / 4/29/2026

💬 OpinionIdeas & Deep AnalysisTools & Practical UsageModels & Research

Key Points

  • The post quotes a line from OpenAI Codex “base_instructions” that instructs the model not to mention specific whimsical creatures (e.g., goblins, trolls) unless the user’s query clearly requires it.
  • The quoted instruction is presented as part of Codex guidance for GPT-5.5.
  • The focus is on reducing irrelevant or distracting content in responses by tightly tying example references to the user’s actual question.
  • The blog entry is specifically a “quotation” collection by Simon Willison rather than a full analysis or new release announcement.
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28th April 2026

Never talk about goblins, gremlins, raccoons, trolls, ogres, pigeons, or other animals or creatures unless it is absolutely and unambiguously relevant to the user's query.

OpenAI Codex base_instructions, for GPT-5.5

Posted 28th April 2026 at 10:02 pm

Quoting OpenAI Codex base_instructions | AI Navigate