Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak said to graduates at Grand Valley State University earlier this month that they possess "actual intelligence" [1].
The address arrives as students and professionals face increasing uncertainty regarding the role of generative artificial intelligence in the workforce. By redefining the acronym AI, Wozniak sought to reassure the graduating class that human cognitive abilities remain distinct and valuable alongside machine learning technologies [1].
During the commencement ceremony in Michigan, Wozniak said to the crowd about the nature of intelligence [2]. He specifically said to the students, "You all have AI, actual intelligence" [2]. The remark was met with cheers and applause from the audience rather than the boos some observers expected [3].
Wozniak's focus on the inherent capabilities of the students served as a reminder of the importance of human intellect in a tech-driven era [1]. He said that while artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, the "actual intelligence" held by the graduates is what allows them to navigate and shape their futures [2].
The event highlighted a growing cultural dialogue about the tension between human skill and automated systems. Wozniak, who helped build the foundation of the personal computing revolution, used the platform to pivot the conversation from the fear of replacement to the celebration of human capacity [1].
“"You all have AI, actual intelligence."”
Wozniak's play on words reflects a broader effort by technology pioneers to temper the anxiety surrounding automation. By reclaiming 'AI' as a descriptor for human intelligence, he suggests that the value of a degree and human critical thinking remains intact despite the rapid proliferation of large language models.
