Summary of Key Points
This article discusses the value of humanities and social sciences skills in the AI era, using the example of financial advisors to illustrate that while AI can replace tasks involving computation and rule-based processes (which are considered “scientific” in nature), abilities related to emotions, communication, and values become increasingly important. It dispels the misconception that “humanities students will easily make a fortune” in this new landscape—high incomes are still predominantly held by those in science and engineering fields. However, fields such as AI ethics and model design require deep involvement from professionals with humanities and social sciences backgrounds. Universities are beginning to integrate ethics into their technical courses, indicating that new opportunities will emerge, and uncertainty often harbors potential.
1. The “Human Touch” That AI Cannot Replace: Why Financial Advisors Still Earn High Salaries
A childhood friend from Wall Street helps people manage their investment portfolios. While AI can calculate the optimal allocation of stocks and bonds and predict market fluctuations, when clients experience panic during a market crash, the friend can offer comfort by saying, “We discussed this situation before; don’t worry.” AI cannot address these emotional and relational aspects of the job. Clients may claim they can handle a 30% drop, but when it actually happens, they may collapse; AI does not know how to provide support in such situations. These tasks that involve emotions, relationships, and trust are beyond the capabilities of AI, which is merely a “rational calculator” compared to humans, who act as “emotional mediators and sources of confidence.” Therefore, even though AI can create investment portfolios, financial advisors still earn high salaries.
2. The “Spring for Humanities Students” Is Not About Easy Success: Don’t Be Misled by Hype
Some claim that humanities students will be more valuable in the AI era, but this is a misinterpretation of Steve Jobs’ words. Jobs meant that as technology becomes more accessible to everyone, the ability to ask questions and understand people will become more valuable, not that humanities students can outperform those in science and engineering. Currently, high-paying jobs are in fields like chip development, computing power, and foundational modeling (for example, graduates in electrical engineering earn twice as much as those in fine arts). Traditional humanities majors (education, social work) still have lower incomes, with only those related to business decision-making (such as economics) earning more. The so-called “spring for humanities students” does not mean they can become wealthy without effort; it depends on whether their skills are in demand.
3. AI Also Needs to Learn Human Values: The Importance of Humanities Professionals in AI Development
As AI becomes smarter, it needs to understand human values and make ethical decisions. For instance, companies like Anthropic use philosophers to design AI personalities (such as honesty and non-conformity to user preferences), while Google and OpenAI hire professionals in ethics and law to guide AI behavior. These humanities professionals are not just involved in “public relations” but set the rules that govern AI’s actions.
4. Universities Are Changing Their Curricula: Integrating Technology and Ethics
Universities like Harvard and Stanford no longer teach technology and ethics separately. Philosophy professors now participate in computer science classes, discussing questions like, “Could this AI algorithm discriminate against the poor?” and “Is it fair to use AI to screen resumes?” For example, when learning about AI, students are taught to analyze its social impact using philosophical concepts like justice and respect, just as they learn not to use technology for malicious purposes while programming. This approach ensures that engineers can both create and manage AI.
5. New Opportunities Require Learning: Nothing Comes for Free
AI will replace standardized tasks such as writing copywriting and providing customer service, but to become an AI ethics researcher, one needs to study philosophy and machine learning basics. Those whose jobs are being automated cannot simply switch roles by relying on their existing skills; they must acquire new skills. It is clear that high-paying jobs in technology (such as chip development and model building) are more lucrative, while traditional humanities jobs are becoming less valuable. New careers are still emerging, and the uncertainty surrounding them represents opportunities. Those who learn interdisciplinary skills combining AI and humanities will be best positioned for the future.
In essence, this article emphasizes that in the AI era, tasks that involve logical reasoning are becoming less valuable, while those that require understanding people and setting rules are becoming more important. However, having a degree in humanities does not guarantee success; one must actively embrace change and acquire new skills to adapt to these developments.