Guy Diedrich, Cisco’s global innovation officer and senior vice president, emphasizes that in the era of artificial intelligence, the most critical skill is not technical expertise, but the ability to ask the right questions—especially ethical and philosophical ones. With AI now deeply integrated into nearly every aspect of work and life, the capacity to evaluate whether something should be done, rather than just whether it can be done, has become paramount. This insight stems from his own journey: starting as a self-taught programmer, founding a software company, and later teaching in academia, where he observed a steep 24% decline in interest in the humanities between 2012 and 2022. This trend, he warns, is deeply concerning, as the foundational skills of critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and cross-perspective analysis—core to humanities education—are essential for responsible AI development and deployment. Diedrich points to Cisco’s AI consortium report, which found that 92% of jobs will be significantly affected by AI, with nearly all others eventually impacted. As AI automates routine tasks, the human edge lies in judgment, creativity, and ethical decision-making—skills cultivated through exposure to philosophy, literature, psychology, and ethics. He stresses that one doesn’t need to major in English or philosophy to benefit; rather, integrating these disciplines into technical training is key. The ability to think critically, write clearly, and consider multiple viewpoints is not a niche skill but a necessity for future leaders and technologists. He also challenges the outdated notion of education as a one-time event. In today’s fast-moving tech landscape, continuous learning is non-negotiable. As AI evolves toward the quantum age—expected within the next three to five years—those who can adapt, reflect, and lead with integrity will thrive. Companies, he argues, should value well-rounded individuals who combine technical proficiency with human-centered thinking. The future of innovation, he concludes, won’t be driven by code alone, but by the wisdom to use it wisely. Industry experts echo this view, noting that AI’s rise demands a redefinition of talent. Firms like Google, Microsoft, and IBM are already investing in interdisciplinary training and ethics boards. Cisco’s Digital Impact Office now prioritizes skilling programs that blend technical and humanistic competencies. As technology outpaces human understanding, the humanities aren’t a luxury—they’re a survival tool. The most valuable employees won’t just build AI; they’ll ask if they should.