Bill Gates predicted that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence will drastically diminish humanity’s role in traditional fields like medicine and education—potentially within the next decade.
In a recent interview with comedian Jimmy Fallon on NBC’s The Tonight Show, the Microsoft co-founder envisioned a future where AI handles tasks that currently require specialized human expertise, making humans unnecessary “for most things.”
Gates noted that expertise in fields such as medicine and education is still “rare” today, emphasizing that these industries currently rely on “a great doctor” or “a great teacher.”
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates believes that advancements in artificial intelligence will eventually eliminate the need for doctors and teachers.
However, over the next decade, “great medical advice [and] great tutoring” will become widely accessible and free, he said.
Gates expanded on this vision of what he calls a new era of “free intelligence” during a conversation last month with Harvard professor Arthur Brooks, known for his research on happiness.
He predicted that AI will increasingly integrate into daily life, transforming industries such as healthcare and education—making AI tutors and automated medical diagnostics commonplace.
“It’s a profound shift and even a bit unsettling—because it’s happening so fast, with no clear limits,” Gates told Brooks.
The future of human roles in an AI-driven world remains a topic of intense debate.
Some experts argue that AI will boost productivity, unlock new economic opportunities, and generate jobs. However, others worry about the long-term impact on job stability as automation replaces traditional roles.
Gates recently shared with Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon that AI will make humans unnecessary “for most things.” (Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images)
Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman believes the impact of AI on work will be “hugely destabilizing.”
In his 2023 book, The Coming Wave, Suleyman writes: “These tools will only temporarily augment human intelligence. They will make us smarter and more efficient for a time, unlocking significant economic growth, but they are ultimately labor-replacing.”
Despite recognizing the potential disruptions, Gates remains optimistic about AI’s positive impact, including advancements in medical treatments, climate solutions, and accessible education.
Gates noted that expertise in fields like medicine and education is still “rare,” with these areas relying on “a great doctor” or “a great teacher.” (Adobe Stock Illustration)
However, he acknowledges that certain tasks will always be uniquely human.
“There will be some things we reserve for ourselves,” Gates told Fallon, pointing to entertainment as an example.
“But in terms of manufacturing, transportation, and food production, those will eventually be solved problems.”
Despite his optimism, Gates recognizes the valid concerns surrounding AI’s rapid growth, particularly its tendency for errors and misinformation online, which he addressed in a 2023 blog post.
Still, the billionaire said that if he were to start a company today, he would focus on an “AI-centric” venture.
“Today, someone could raise billions of dollars for a new AI company with just a few sketch ideas,” Gates told CNBC’s Make It last September.
AI will continue to integrate into everyday life, transforming industries like healthcare, diagnostics, and education—making AI tutors widely accessible, Gates predicted. (Adobe Stock Illustration)
He emphasized the importance of inspiring the next generation, saying, “I’m encouraging young people at Microsoft, OpenAI, and beyond: ‘Hey, here’s the frontier.’ You have a fresher perspective than I do, and that’s your incredible opportunity.”
Gates has been forecasting AI’s transformative impact for nearly a decade.
In 2017, Gates recognized Google’s DeepMind as a “profound milestone,” praising its ability to surpass human performance in the intricate board game Go.
He has since acknowledged that recent AI advancements have exceeded even his own expectations.