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In a time when artificial intelligence continues to reshape job markets worldwide, Joshua Bengio, often regarded as one of the “Godfathers of AI,” recently shared his thoughts on career advice for his 4-year-old grandson. Speaking during a podcast interview, Bengio emphasized the importance of focusing on personal qualities, stating, “It’s essential to devote energy toward becoming a good human being. Even if machines can perform most tasks in the future, the part of us that is human will still endure.”
As AI technology is increasingly integrated into daily work routines, Bengio acknowledged that replacing jobs reliant on keyboard input is inevitable and will happen sooner rather than later. Additionally, he mentioned that physical labor, such as plumbing repairs, might also be carried out by robots in the future, but this transition will take more time. Despite the rapid technological advancements, Bengio insists that uniquely human values remain irreplaceable—such as love, responsibility, and the satisfaction derived from helping others.
He shared a personal perspective, saying, “When I am in the hospital feeling anxious or in pain, I wish to have someone hold my hand. As many skills become automated, human touch will become increasingly precious.”
Bengio’s insights come amidst ongoing discussions among leading AI researchers about maintaining human relevance in an automated world. He is a pioneer in deep learning, often mentioned alongside Jeffrey Hinton and Yuval Noah Harari, earning him the nickname of an AI “godfather.” Currently a professor at the University of Montreal, Bengio also founded the AI Safety Research Institute LawZero this June, which aims to mitigate potential risks associated with advanced AI, such as deception or misuse.
Recent statements from other influential AI figures echo similar sentiments. Geoffrey Hinton, for example, suggested in June 2025 that pursuing a manual trade like plumbing might be a wise choice, as physical jobs are unlikely to be displaced soon. Meanwhile, Yang Likun, another prominent researcher, advised students interested in AI to prioritize mastering foundational subjects like mathematics and physics rather than chasing current technological trends.
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