Gen Z urged to balance AI literacy with classical thinking, says Lubetzky; leaders echo the call
Billionaire investor and Shark Tank star Daniel Lubetzky argues that the next generation risk losing essential skills if they lean too heavily on social media and artificial intelligence. He urges young people to lean into critical thinking, curiosity, and a return to basics, including engaging with philosophy from ancient thinkers such as Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle. The message mirrors sentiments voiced by leaders across tech and business, including the heads of AWS and OpenAI.
Lubetzky contends that AI is real and influential, but it cannot replicate human creativity. He tells Gen Z that nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity will yield advantages in the workplace. A key part of his approach is to move away from social media algorithms and seek out diverse sources of information, with an emphasis on questioning established narratives and exploring history and philosophy. “Always ask why, and then go one level below—double click, triple click—to the sources. Why? Why? Why? Why? If you do that, you’re going to develop a mind that’s going to be able to beat anybody else and be more valuable in the workplace,” he said. He also stresses introspection: “Learn to question others, and learn to question yourself, to be introspective, to think for yourself and say, ‘What did I do wrong today? How can I get stronger?’”
Lubetzky acknowledges the importance of AI literacy but warns against letting technology become a brain drain. While AI literacy is among the fastest-growing skills in the U.S., there are signs that cognitive offloading could erode fundamental abilities. Other tech leaders share this emphasis on independent thinking as a cornerstone of future success. AWS CEO Matt Garman told CNBC that critical thinking will be the No. 1 skill people need in an era dominated by AI, adding that creativity, adaptability, and flexibility will be equally crucial. “You’re going to want to be creative,” he said. “You’re going to want to be [good at] critical thinking. And you’re going to want to be flexible.” He also stressed the value of being able to learn new things and adjust to change.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has echoed similar thoughts, suggesting that critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to understand what others want—and to generate new ideas—may be the most valuable skills of the future. “Critical thinking, creativity, the ability to figure out what other people want, the ability to have new ideas, that in some sense that’ll be the most valuable skill of the future,” Altman told students at Howard University last year.
Industry mood boards for the near future are as ambitious as they are challenging. Demis Hassabis, the DeepMind chief, has forecast AI could rival human capabilities in roughly five years and even help humanity “colonize the galaxy.” Altman has similarly suggested that graduates may increasingly aim toward space-related pursuits. In the meantime, Lubetzky encourages a strategic counter-move: when the crowd zigzags toward the latest tech trend, you zag and seize opportunities others overlook.
Lubetzky is set to return to Shark Tank for its 17th season this fall. His broader message is clear: in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, those who combine disciplined thinking with curiosity and adaptability will likely outperform peers who rely solely on the latest tools.
Summary in brief:
– The call is for a revival of critical thinking, curiosity, and philosophical study as a hedge against overreliance on social media and AI.
– Tech leaders agree that creativity, flexibility, and the ability to learn and adapt will be crucial skills.
– The broader takeaway is a hopeful one: students and workers who cultivate independent thinking stand to thrive even as technology accelerates.
Takeaways for readers:
– Balance AI literacy with activities that sharpen critical thinking and creativity.
– Seek diverse information sources and routinely question assumptions.
– Read foundational philosophical works or summaries to strengthen analytical thinking.
– Develop a habit of self-reflection and continuous improvement.
Editor’s note:
– If you’re a student or educator, consider integrating discussions of philosophy and ethical AI into curricula to foster the kind of reasoning Lubetzky advocates.
– For workers, practice “why-why” questioning in daily tasks to surface root causes and innovative solutions.
Possible positive spin:
– This approach frames technology as a tool that enhances human capabilities rather than replacing them, encouraging a resilient mindset that adapts to a future where curiosity and deep thinking remain valuable assets.