Elon Musk says AI will make most skills obsolete — but his kids can still go to college if they want

In a recent discussion with investor and podcaster Nikhil Kamath, Elon Musk expressed his belief that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics heralds the end of traditional labor. Musk described this impending shift as a 'supersonic tsunami' that will profoundly alter society, rendering many skills—regardless of their complexity—obsolete. He predicted a future, within the next two decades, where employment may no longer be necessary, stating, 'My prediction is, in less than 20 years, working will be optional.' Despite his strong views on the changing landscape of work, Musk is supportive of his children's pursuit of higher education. He acknowledged that his children, being technologically savvy, are aware that their skills might soon be outpaced by AI advancements. Nevertheless, they still express a desire to attend college. Musk, who has previously critiqued formal education as merely a means of demonstrating responsibility, adopted a more nuanced perspective during this conversation. He remarked, 'I don't think you have to go to college,' suggesting that the social aspects of college can be just as valuable as the academic ones. He encouraged those considering college to embrace a broad educational experience, learning across various fields. Experts in academia are grappling with the implications of AI on education. Steven Mintz, a history professor at the University of Texas at Austin, noted that AI has exposed the superficial nature of much of higher education, highlighting the urgent need for transformation. Similarly, Anastasia Berg, an assistant professor at the University of California, Irvine, cautioned that an overdependence on AI could diminish essential skills, particularly among younger workers. Researchers advocate for a proactive approach to skill development. James Ransom from University College London advised Gen Z to focus less on job titles and more on understanding the tasks involved, suggesting that they should demonstrate their ability to manage and enhance AI tools effectively. Mark Cuban added that students who learn to engage with AI critically will emerge as more capable thinkers and leaders. In light of AI's influence on job markets, finance expert Quentin Nason emphasized the importance of young people acquiring practical skills such as entrepreneurship and financial literacy to prepare for an evolving workforce.