Begin rant
Most people assume that AI will eventually do everything. That’s wrong. AI is a tool, a powerful one, but still just a tool. Thinking AI will replace human skill is like thinking a calculator will replace mathematicians. Sure, it can do arithmetic faster, but it can’t formulate new theorems.
Never before have I heard so many people speak about so many things they know so little about.
– A guy from the office
The real value isn’t in using AI, but in building it, and that requires deep understanding, skills that AI can’t replicate. The people who’ll thrive aren’t those who passively consume AI’s output, but those who can create, adapt, and improve it. They’ll be the ones who understand the underlying mechanisms, who can debug the unexpected, who can build the next generation of AI.
This isn’t some abstract argument. We’re already seeing it. The most sought-after programmers aren’t the ones who just know how to use existing libraries; they’re the ones who can design new algorithms, build new systems from the ground up. They’re the ones who understand the limitations of current AI, and can figure out ways to overcome them.
The best way to prepare for the future isn’t to become dependent on AI, but to become indispensable. That means mastering skills that are hard to automate. Skills requiring creativity, critical thinking, and deep understanding. It’s not about competing with AI, but about collaborating with it, and that requires a level of expertise AI can’t provide.
Some might worry that focusing on skills is a waste of time in a world increasingly dominated by AI. That’s a short-sighted view. The truly valuable skills will be the ones that leverage AI, not the ones it replaces. The ability to think critically, to solve complex problems, to create something new. These are skills that will always be in demand, regardless of how advanced AI becomes.
Think about it this way: AI is like electricity. A century ago, people worried about electricity replacing human labor. Instead, it amplified human capabilities, creating entirely new industries and opportunities. AI will do the same. The winners will be the ones who understand how to harness its power, and that requires real skills. Don’t just use AI; master the skills to build it, improve it, and ultimately, shape its future.