The only person who is misguided is the writer of this article.
The idea that higher education remains a valuable investment despite the rise of AI, fails to recognize the evolving landscape of intelligence and the growing importance of somatic intelligence in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence.
College education emphasizes cognitive skills. Which represents only one dimension of human intelligence. The rise of AI has made many cognitive tasks—those that can be codified and algorithmically executed—more efficiently performed by machines. As AI continues to advance, the unique value proposition of human intelligence is shifting.
Somatic intelligence, which encompasses body awareness, sensory perception, and the integration of mind and body, is becoming increasingly relevant. This form of intelligence is not easily replicated by AI, making it a critical differentiator for humans. Professions and activities that rely on somatic intelligence—such as those in the arts, sports, holistic health, and even certain types of leadership—are gaining prominence. These fields require a deep connection between mental and physical capabilities, something that college education ignores completely.
While college graduates earn significantly more over their lifetimes compared to high school graduates right now they will not in the very near future. The rapid pace of technological change is altering job markets. Many high-paying jobs now require skills that can be acquired through alternative educational paths, such as coding boot camps, vocational training, and self-directed learning. Why does a degree matter when everyone can download that information with a button click.
This article dismisses the "teach yourself" approach as impractical, it underestimates the potential of self-directed learning in the digital age. The development of self-discipline, creativity, and adaptability—skills that are essential in a rapidly changing world. Portfolios will soon be all that matters. It is what you can do with all that information that counts.
How can the high cost of college education be a worthwhile investment in a job market so volatile you can never pay it off. The long-term financial burden of student debt limits personal and professional choices. Alternative education models often have lower costs and shorter completion times, enabling individuals to enter the workforce and start gaining experience more quickly.
Ultimately, the future belongs to those who can integrate both cognitive and somatic intelligence. College education, with its current structure, primarily fosters cognitive development while neglecting the somatic aspects. The rise of AI and the increasing importance of somatic intelligence challenge this notion. The future demands a more balanced approach to education—one that recognizes and nurtures the full spectrum of human capabilities. By expanding beyond the cognitive focus of traditional college education, we can prepare individuals for a world where AI handles routine tasks, and human uniqueness lies in our holistic intelligence.
