Wozniak's AI Wisdom: "Actual Intelligence" Stands Out at Graduation
Grand Valley State University — In a commencement season marked by controversy over artificial intelligence, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak offered a refreshingly human take. Speaking at Grand Valley State University's graduation ceremony earlier this month, Wozniak drew laughter and applause with a pointed quip about AI.
"You have AI — actual intelligence."
A Different Kind of AI Speech
Wozniak's remarks stood in stark contrast to the reception given to other tech-forward commencement speakers this year. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and real estate executive Gloria Caulfield were both booed at separate ceremonies for their comments on AI.
Wozniak took a more measured approach, acknowledging the complexity of the technology without overselling it:
"It would take too long to go deeply into what I think about AI, but we've been trying to create a brain. Is there a way we can duplicate a routine a trillion times and have it work like a brain? AI is one of those attempts."
The New Reality for Graduates
The speech arrives as AI reshapes the job market for new graduates. Companies are shifting skill requirements and hiring practices, with some firms conducting layoffs directly tied to AI automation.
Against this backdrop, Wozniak's advice leaned into the value of human originality:
"You should always try to think different. Don't follow the same steps as a million other people. Think, is there something I can do a little different?"
Key Takeaways
- Wozniak's "actual intelligence" quip contrasted sharply with the boos received by other speakers
- He framed AI as an imperfect attempt to replicate the human brain
- His advice emphasizes individuality over algorithmic conformity