Why a godfather of AI still thinks his 4-year-old grandson should go to college (www.businessinsider.com)

Yoshua Bengio, one of the "godfathers of AI," has expressed his belief that education remains valuable, even in an era where AI technologies are rapidly evolving and reshaping job landscapes. In a recent podcast interview, he emphasized that education transcends mere job skills, serving as a foundation for personal development and societal understanding. This perspective contrasts with growing concerns in the AI community about the diminishing role of traditional college degrees, especially after comments from peers like Geoffrey Hinton and Fei-Fei Li, who suggest that practical skills and technology proficiency may be surpassing formal qualifications in importance. Bengio's stance underscores a vital discussion about the role of education in fostering not just employability, but also cultivating well-rounded individuals capable of navigating complex societal dynamics. In a time when AI is increasingly capable of performing cognitive tasks, Bengio encourages his grandson to focus on becoming a "beautiful human being," highlighting that the human experience and emotional intelligence will persist as essential attributes in a future dominated by machines. As debates continue about the future of work in an AI-driven world, Bengio's call for a holistic educational approach draws attention to the necessity of integrating personal growth with technological advancement.