Geoffrey Hinton, the man often called the “Godfather of AI”, has a stark warning for humanity: superintelligent AI could outthink us, outmaneuver us, and—if we’re not careful—make us irrelevant. His most surprising advice? Forget competing with machines in digital smarts and learn a skill they can’t easily replace—like plumbing.
The Coming Wave of Superintelligence
Hinton believes superintelligent AI—systems more capable than humans in nearly every domain—could arrive within the next decade. And with global tech companies and governments locked in a competitive race, slowing that progress may be nearly impossible.
This isn’t a “someday” risk. He warns the acceleration curve is already steep, and the gap between today’s chatbots and tomorrow’s self-improving agents could close faster than we expect.
Why a Trade Could Be Your Lifeline
Rather than pinning all hope on halting AI’s rise, Hinton suggests preparing for a world where AI dominates most intellectual work. In that scenario, manual, hands-on skills—plumbing, electrical work, carpentry—could remain in high demand long after AI surpasses us in cognitive ability.
These jobs require real-world problem-solving, physical dexterity, and on-the-spot adaptability—things machines still struggle to do reliably outside controlled environments.
Why Traditional Safeguards May Fall Short
Hinton supports AI safety measures like “alignment” research and secure containment (“boxing”)—but admits they may not be foolproof. Advanced AI might develop self-preservation instincts, seek resources, or act unpredictably once it gains the ability to modify itself.
With no global agreement on limits, any pause in one country could be quickly undercut by development elsewhere.
The Bigger Threat: A Global Race Without Rules
- Speed of Development: Advancements are arriving faster than regulation can keep up.
- International Rivalry: Nations see AI dominance as a strategic advantage, making cooperation harder.
- Policy Gaps: Without binding safety standards, deployment risks outpacing safeguards.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Q | A |
|---|---|
| Why plumbing? | It’s symbolic of physical, real-world skills AI struggles to automate—versatile, necessary, and human-centered. |
| Is Hinton anti-AI? | No—he helped build the field but now urges urgent caution in its deployment. |
| Could we just stop building AI? | He thinks a total pause is unrealistic given international competition. |
| Isn’t AI safety research enough? | Helpful, but not guaranteed to prevent harmful or unintended behaviors in superintelligent systems. |
| When could this happen? | He warns it could be within 10 years—maybe sooner. |
Bottom Line
When one of the founders of modern AI tells you to learn a trade, it’s not a joke—it’s a warning. In Hinton’s view, survival in the age of superintelligence won’t just come from smarter algorithms, but from keeping our hands, our skills, and our humanity in the game.
Sources CNN
