College Degrees Becoming Irrelevant, ‘Father of AI’ Predicts

In a recent talk, Geoffrey Hinton, known as the “father of AI,” warned that artificial intelligence is on track to replace humans in many intellectual professions, putting millions of college-educated workers at risk. His advice? Skip the degree and consider pursuing practical trades instead.

Hinton, who worked at Google and contributed to the development of neural networks, explained that AI is already capable of performing many tasks that were once thought to require human intelligence. He emphasized that for more technical and mundane tasks, AI is poised to take over, making certain degrees and career paths less relevant. Hinton specifically suggested that plumbing is a safer career choice in the AI-driven future, given that AI is still far from mastering physical work.

This perspective echoes something that the Rebbe, leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, said years ago. The Rebbe argued that a college degree is not essential for making a living. His view was rooted in the belief that parnassa (sustenance) comes directly from Hashem, and not necessarily from following conventional career paths. In fact, the Rebbe pointed out that many college graduates end up working in fields unrelated to their degrees.

The Rebbe’s perspective also included a caution against becoming too fixated on career planning at an early age, which can lead people to believe that their livelihood depends solely on formal education. The Rebbe urged that true contentment comes from aligning oneself with faith and understanding that sustenance comes from God, not from academic credentials.

As AI technology continues to advance, Hinton’s warning seems more relevant than ever. The AI revolution may soon make many professions and college degrees obsolete, challenging traditional views on education and career paths. Hinton’s advice to consider careers outside the realm of academia, like plumbing, may soon be a practical strategy for those looking to secure stable, long-term employment.

This shift is a reminder that skills, adaptability, and faith in Hashem are crucial for success, rather than an over-reliance on degrees or societal expectations. The future job market may look very different from today’s, but those who stay flexible, work hard, and trust in a higher purpose will be better prepared for what lies ahead.