Geoffrey Hinton Warns of AI Threat, Recommends Plumbing as Safe Career Path
Geoffrey Hinton, a leading figure in AI, warns of the potential dangers posed by AI and recommends plumbing as a resilient career choice amid rising automation. He specifically points out that jobs like legal assistants are at risk, while Elon Musk emphasizes the importance of following personal interests in a changing job market.
In a candid conversation about the tumultuous future of work, Geoffrey Hinton, a legend in artificial intelligence, recently shared his thoughts on the one profession that seems resilient against the ever-growing capabilities of AI. Known as the “Godfather of AI,” Hinton left his position at Google in 2023 to raise alarm about the potential threats posed by the technology he helped create.
During an episode of “The Diary of a CEO” podcast with Steven Bartlett, Hinton made a bold statement, saying, “We should recognize that this stuff is an existential threat and we have to face the possibility that unless we do something soon we’re near the end.” His urgent tone feels almost prophetic given how quickly AI is creeping into various job sectors.
So, in light of these ominous predictions, what should individuals pursue as a career? Hinton has a straightforward answer: plumbing. He stated, “In the meantime, I’d say it’s going to be a long time before it’s as good at physical manipulation as us and so a good bet would be to be a plumber.” This might sound unexpected, but it makes sense when you consider the need for hands-on work that machines still struggle to replicate.
The discussion shifted to high-risk professions, where Hinton pointed out that fields like law and accounting are particularly vulnerable. “Yeah so that’s why I mentioned plumbers, I think plumbers are less at risk. Someone like a legal assistant, a paralegal – they’re not going to be needed for very long,” he said. With that in mind, perhaps it’s time to reevaluate career choices—especially if they rely heavily on routine tasks.
Hinton isn’t alone in his concern. Tesla’s Elon Musk also reflected on AI’s progression and its impact on future job prospects. After a notable pause on CNBC, he expressed the difficulty in categorically advising his own children. He suggested they should, “follow their heart in terms of what they find interesting to do, or fulfilling to do.”
Musk continued to ponder the implications of AI, admitting, “I mean, if I think about it too hard, frankly it can be dispiriting and demotivating.” That’s a fair point—there’s a fine line between being realistic about AI’s capabilities and drowning in a sea of existential dread.
In the end, both Hinton and Musk indicate that retaining a human touch in careers will be critical moving forward. Whether it’s getting your hands dirty in plumbing or pursuing something that sparks joy and societal good, those choices could make all the difference in a world increasingly dominated by machines.
As AI inches closer to reshaping workplaces, Geoffrey Hinton warns us about the looming threat while offering some practical career advice—plumbing. He highlighted that professions rooted in physical tasks may remain secure from AI’s clutches, unlike more automated sectors like law and accounting. Elon Musk echoed similar sentiments, urging individuals to follow their passions, finding fulfillment in their work. The message is clear: adapting to changes while nurturing distinctly human skills may prove vital in this evolving landscape.
Original Source: www.unilad.com
