What My Dad Taught Me About AI—Without Knowing Anything About It


Last night, I was discussing artificial intelligence with my dad over dinner.

He’s not a tech expert. He doesn’t know what ChatGPT is. He doesn’t follow AI news. But what he said stopped me in my tracks:

“AI is like when computers came. Everyone thought we’d lose jobs, but more jobs came. You just need to learn new things. Same now.”

Simple. Clear. Wise.

And he’s absolutely right—because he lived through India’s computer revolution. And what we’re seeing with AI today? It’s history repeating itself.

A Flashback to the 90s: The Computer Panic

Back then, people were afraid.

Clerks, typists, accountants—entire professions feared they’d be replaced by machines. There were protests. Strikes. Resistance.

My dad remembers how even in banks and government offices, there was fear that computers would make humans useless.

But what happened?

  • Those who resisted got left behind.
  • Those who learned built new careers.
  • And those who adapted transformed India.

Entire cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad grew from that shift. Millions of Indians found jobs in IT, software, BPOs, and digital services.

Now AI Is Here. And the Fears Are Back.

Once again, people are worried:

“Will AI take my job?”
“Is my role even relevant anymore?”
“What’s the point of learning if machines can do everything?”

But here’s what my dad reminded me:

“Don't fear the new. Just un-skill yourself and re-learn. That’s what we did with computers. Do it again.”

Yes, he said “unskill yourself”—and I found that beautiful.

Let go of what you think you already know. Be open to starting fresh. Be a beginner again.

Lessons from Then, For Now

1. The Fear Is Normal—but So Is Growth

Every revolution starts with panic. But if we lean in, we discover new ways to grow.

2. Learning Is the Best Job Security

The ones who went from typewriters to spreadsheets didn’t vanish. They evolved. Just like we can—from writers to prompt engineers, analysts to AI strategists.

3. Listen to the Elders

My dad doesn’t know what AI is. But he knows how revolutions work. He’s seen fear turn into opportunity. And that wisdom matters more than any trending tech article.

Final Thought: “Unskill Yourself” to Reskill Yourself

Technology will keep changing. AI is not the last revolution—it’s just the latest.

But the mindset to face it? That never changes.

So if you're feeling overwhelmed by AI, take a deep breath. And maybe call your dad.

Mine gave me the best career advice of 2025—and he didn’t even mean to.

Have your parents ever surprised you with unexpected wisdom about technology or change? Share your story below—I’d love to hear it.

#AI #FutureOfWork #ComputerRevolution #Reskilling #IndiaTech #ElderWisdom #CareerGrowth #LinkedInStories #UnskillToReskill

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