Google’s top AI scientist says ‘learning how to learn’ will be next generation’s most needed skill


Four diverse young individuals (three female, one male) are seated around a futuristic round table in a high-rise room overlooking a city. In the center of the table, glowing holographic icons emanate from a central lightbulb, representing concepts like 'METACOGNITION,' 'CRITICAL THINKING,' 'PROBLEM SOLVING,' and 'ADAPTABILITY.' The scene symbolises the importance of fundamental learning skills for the next generation. Generated by Nano Banana.
In an era of rapid technological change and readily available information, the ability to ‘learn how to learn’ is emerging as the paramount skill for the next generation. This image illustrates a collaborative, future-focused environment where metacognition, critical thinking, and continuous adaptation are the core competencies being cultivated to thrive in an unpredictable world. Image generated by Nano Banana.

Source

AP News

Summary

At a public talk in Athens, Demis Hassabis, CEO of DeepMind and 2024 Nobel laureate, stressed that rapid advances in AI demand the human meta-skill of “learning how to learn.” He argued that traditional education (math, science, humanities) will remain important, but people must develop adaptability and the capacity to continuously upskill. Hassabis warned that artificial general intelligence (AGI) might arrive within a decade, making continuous learning essential. He also warned of inequality risks if AI’s benefits remain in the hands of a few, urging both societal awareness and human agency.

Key Points

  • Hassabis proposes that meta-learning (knowing how to learn) will become a critical human skill as AI rises.
  • He predicts AGI could emerge in ~10 years, accelerating the need to adapt.
  • Traditional knowledge (math, humanities) will remain relevant, but must be complemented by agility.
  • He cautions against inequality: if gains flow only to a few, social mistrust may grow.
  • The pace of AI change is so fast that fixed curricula risk becoming obsolete.

Keywords

URL

https://www.apnews.com/article/greece-google-artificial-intelligence-hassabis-85bff114c30cbea4b951ab93dcc1e6d1

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5