Why ‘Just Living in the World’ Could Be Smarter Than Lengthy Academic Paths Today
Have you ever wondered if spending years on degrees like law or medicine is still a safe bet? With the rise of AI shaking up the landscape, especially generative AI, many people are starting to question if these traditional long routes are as reliable as they once were. The idea of “long degrees risk” is becoming real—and it’s worth chatting about.
I came across thoughts from someone who’s been deep in the AI world—a pioneer who founded Google’s first generative AI team. He points out something pretty interesting: by the time you finish a lengthy degree like a Ph.D. or even long paths like medicine or law, the knowledge you gained might already feel outdated or even obsolete because AI will have changed the game completely.
The Reality Behind Long Degrees Risk
Think about it. A Ph.D. can take you five or more years. According to this AI expert, AI technology itself will likely be on a totally different level by then—so the stuff you studied might be irrelevant. And if you’re not deeply obsessed with your subject, that sacrifice might not be worth it. He openly admits it’s like giving up five years of your life and a lot of pain.
The same applies to law and medical school. In medicine especially, the current system is often built on memorization and concepts that may already be outdated by the time graduating students enter the professional world. That’s a huge chunk of your time and effort that could feel wasted when AI tools are quickly learning and improving medical knowledge and practice.
Why “Just Living in the World” Can Be a Smarter Strategy
Instead of locking yourself away for years studying, this expert suggests engaging more directly with the world. That means learning by doing, adapting in real-time, and moving faster than the slow grind of academia. The benefit? You not only pick up skills that matter now, but you’ll also be more flexible and ready to face changes that come with AI advancement.
It’s not about dismissing education—but rather about choosing your path carefully. If you’re unsure about jumping into a long degree, consider taking a step back and focusing on gaining real-world experience and skills that AI can’t easily replace.
What This Means for Students Today
The takeaway here isn’t that long degrees have lost all value. For some, especially those truly passionate or obsessed with their field, a Ph.D. or professional degree might still be worth it. But in a world where AI evolves fast, it’s smart to question if years of study will pay off the same way they used to.
If you’re thinking about law, medicine, or a Ph.D., ask yourself: What am I really getting out of this? Will it help me thrive in an AI-driven future? Or could I better spend my time learning in ways that adapt to rapid change?
Final Thoughts: Staying Adaptive in an AI World
Long degrees risk becoming outdated unless you have a deep passion driving you through. For many, focusing on hands-on experience, adaptability, and continuous learning might be the better route today. It’s all about “just living in the world,” staying curious, and moving with the times instead of getting stuck in lengthy academic programs.
If you want to explore more about AI’s impact on careers and education, sites like MIT Technology Review and Harvard Business Review offer insightful reads.
It’s a big shift, but maybe it’s time we rethink how we prepare for the future. What do you think? Would you choose real-world experience over a long degree in today’s AI landscape?