Remember The Graduate? In 1967, success was simple: "There's a great future in plastics." Today's graduates face headlines screaming that GenAI will devour every white-collar job within years.
So what's the real secret to thriving in this new world?
Goethe had it right: "Give children roots and wings."
In today's AI-driven era:
• Critical thinking = your roots → Keeps you grounded when everything shifts
• Creativity = your wings → Lifts you beyond the obvious into uncharted territory
To build your roots (critical thinking): → Cultivate relentless curiosity → Master active listening and deep reflection → Actively seek perspectives that challenge you.
To grow your wings (creativity): → Learn to bend, break, and blend ideas (shoutout to my good friend David Eagleman's brilliant insights on this)
This raises fascinating questions: 🤔 Will philosophy and anthropology majors outperform computer science grads in developing critical thinking? 🎨 Are we about to see music, art, and theater become mainstream majors as creativity becomes currency?
The irony? While everyone panics about AI replacing jobs, the most human skills—thinking critically and creating boldly—become our greatest competitive advantages.
To this year's graduates: Your degree matters less than your ability to think deeply and create fearlessly.
What's your advice for new grads navigating this brave new world?
This post was originally shared by on Linkedin.