Wozniak Urges Graduates to Value Human Intelligence at GVSU

Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak received a warm reception from graduating students at Grand Valley State University in Michigan earlier this month by emphasizing the enduring value of human intelligence amid widespread discussion of artificial intelligence. His remarks, delivered during commencement ceremonies at Van Andel Arena, contrasted with the backlash faced by other speakers at similar events this season.

Addressing more than 3,200 graduates, Wozniak drew laughter and applause with a pointed distinction. “You all have AI… actual intelligence,” he told the audience. He framed current artificial intelligence technology as one attempt in a long-standing effort to replicate human cognitive functions. “It would take too long to go deeply into what I think about AI, but we’ve been trying to create a brain,” Wozniak said. “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 positive response to Wozniak’s address marked a departure from recent graduation events where other prominent figures faced audible disapproval from students when discussing AI. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and real estate executive...