AI’s impact on new graduates’ careers is nothing to fear, says Temple University alum

In a world where AI capabilities are rapidly expanding, human connection remains an irreplaceable asset—particularly for those with liberal arts training. Temple University alumnus Steven Levy recently delivered a commencement address to the College of Liberal Arts that cuts through AI anxiety with a simple yet profound message: being human is a competitive advantage that no algorithm can replicate. His perspective offers a refreshing counterpoint to tech determinism, positioning liberal arts graduates as uniquely equipped to thrive in an AI-augmented world through their mastery of distinctly human qualities.

The big picture: As artificial intelligence reshapes career landscapes, Levy argues that human connection and liberal arts skills will remain valuable precisely because AI cannot replicate authentic humanity.

• Speaking to Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts graduates, Levy acknowledged the multiple challenges they’ve faced—from navigating Covid during high school to the current political climate.
• The speech positions the “curse of living in interesting times” as both a challenge and an opportunity for graduates entering a workforce increasingly influenced by AI technologies.

Key perspective: Levy takes an optimistic view of AI’s rise, grounding his perspective in what he calls a “core truth” about technology’s limitations.

• Despite AI’s growing capabilities, Levy emphasizes that these systems “cannot be human,” making the connections that humans forge with each other uniquely valuable.
• This human-centric viewpoint provides liberal arts graduates with what Levy characterizes as an “edge” in an increasingly AI-influenced workplace.

Why human skills matter: The speech positions liberal arts education as providing graduates with capabilities that AI fundamentally cannot duplicate.

• Empathy, understanding, curiosity, compassion, and humor are highlighted as distinctly human traits that give graduates a “superpower” in professional settings.
• Levy encourages graduates to deliberately lean into these human qualities rather than attempting to compete with AI on its own terms.

The central message: The address culminates in the declarative statement “I. Am. Human.” as a powerful assertion of identity and value.

• This three-word statement serves as both a reminder of uniqueness and a call to embrace humanity as a professional asset.
• The message frames liberal arts education as preparing graduates not just for careers but for authentic human connection in an increasingly technological world.

Behind the sentiment: Levy’s optimism stands in contrast to more alarmist perspectives about AI’s impact on creative and knowledge work.

• While acknowledging that “no one knows what will happen with AI,” including those building it, Levy chooses to emphasize opportunity rather than threat.
• This balanced perspective offers graduates a pathway to navigate technological change without surrendering their distinctive human contributions.