Demis Hassabis, the CEO of Google’s DeepMind and a 2024 Nobel laureate, said that “learning how to learn” will be the most critical skill for the next generation as artificial intelligence transforms education and work.
He made the comments during a discussion in Athens, Greece, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis about the implications of AI and its use in government.
Navigating the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence
Hassabis, a neuroscientist and former chess prodigy, explained that the rapid pace of AI development, which advances weekly, makes it difficult to anticipate future changes.
“It’s very hard to predict the future, like 10 years from now, in normal cases. It’s even harder today, given how fast AI is changing, even week by week.”
He projected that artificial general intelligence (AGI)—machines with broad, human-like intelligence—could emerge within the next decade. This could lead to a future of “radical abundance,” he said, while also acknowledging the risks associated with such powerful systems.
How to prepare for an AI-driven workplace
To adapt to these changes, Hassabis recommended focusing on meta-skills, such as understanding the process of learning and how to approach new subjects. He emphasized that these abilities should supplement foundational knowledge in areas like math, science, and the humanities.
One thing we’ll know for sure is you’re going to have to continually learn … throughout your career.
Government concerns over AI’s societal impact
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who joined Hassabis for the discussion, raised concerns about the economic and social consequences of unchecked AI growth. He warned that if AI concentrates wealth within a few large technology companies, it could lead to significant social friction.
And if they see … obscene wealth being created within very few companies, this is a recipe for significant social unrest.
He also stressed that for the public to accept AI, they must see tangible, personal benefits from its implementation. The discussion also covered strategies for using AI to improve public administration and government services in Greece.
