In the 16th century, Martin Luther’s Reformation challenged the authority of the Catholic Church, which had long controlled access to knowledge and spiritual guidance. Priests acted as intermediaries, interpreting the Bible—written in Latin, a language inaccessible to most people. Luther’s insistence on translating scripture into common languages and advocating for direct access to religious texts democratized knowledge, removing institutional barriers and empowering individuals to seek understanding on their own. The printing press amplified these ideas, making information more accessible than ever before.
AI will have a similar effect—not just on higher education—but on the way we think about learning and work.
A Fundamental Shift
For centuries, universities have controlled access to advanced knowledge, credentials, and expertise, shaping traditional pathways to economic mobility. However, AI is dismantling these barriers by decentralizing learning, allowing individuals to acquire and apply knowledge without the need for formal academic degrees. Just as Martin Luther argued for direct access to scripture, AI enables self-directed, adaptive learning—free from rigid academic structures, institutional gatekeepers, and skyrocketing costs.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the notion of learning as a one-time event is outdated. AI facilitates continuous, real-time learning, eliminating the need to wait for institutional approval or guidance. Institutions that resist this shift will struggle to stay relevant, while those that embrace it are more likely to adapt and evolve.
As Jared Diamond observed in his book, Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed, “the values to which people cling most stubbornly under inappropriate conditions are those values that were previously the source of their greatest triumphs.” Clearly, the hierarchical, top-down approaches of the past are no longer suited for the dynamic, interconnected world in which we now live. Those who cling to outdated managerial paradigms—be they learners, workers, or leaders—will face increasing challenges, while those who embrace experimentation, uncertainty, and learning will thrive.
New Opportunities to Adapt
After all, AI isn’t just replacing jobs—it’s increasing opportunities for self-directed, entrepreneurial work. It allows individuals to monetize skills, launch ventures, and build careers on their own terms rather than waiting for employers to define their path. In short, AI is unlocking unprecedented possibilities for those who think and act like entrepreneurs.
Just as the Reformation did not eliminate the Church, AI will not likely destroy higher education, but it will force it to adapt. Academic leaders who understand and embrace entrepreneurial thinking are much more likely to thrive.