Accepting Reality and Embracing the Future Opened by AI: Ilya Sutskever's Honorary Doctorate Lecture at the University of Toronto
On June 6, 2025, Ilya Sutskever was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Toronto, returning 20 years later to the very hall where he received his bachelor's degree. In his address, he spoke of the trajectory of learning he experienced and shared profound insights with the students in attendance. This article explains the mindset he proposed and his outlook on the AI era, based on the content of his speech, incorporating specific examples and quotes.
1. Bond with the University of Toronto
1-1. Reflection and Gratitude
Sutskever reflected, "It was 20 years ago in this very hall that I received my bachelor's degree," and noted with deep emotion that this would be his "fourth degree" from the university. He stated that his foundation was built during the ten years he spent studying as an undergraduate and graduate student, experiencing an environment "overflowing with the most innovative ideas and stimulating work."
1-2. Meeting Geoff Hinton
He particularly emphasized his meeting with his advisor, Geoff Hinton. Sutskever remarked, "Having Hinton there was one of the greatest pieces of good fortune in my life," and spoke of how significant his mentor's influence was on his growth as a researcher.
2. A Proposal for Mindset
2-1. "Accepting Reality as It Is"
As a core piece of advice in his address, he suggested "accepting reality as it is." Sutskever explains the importance of focusing on what needs to be done now rather than dwelling indefinitely on past judgment errors or misfortunes.
2-2. Letting Go of Regrets for the Past and Thinking About the Next Move
"It is unproductive to keep looking back at the past. What matters is 'what to do next,'" Sutskever said, revealing that he himself practices this mindset daily as he faces his research.
3. Understanding the Current AI Era
3-1. Impact on the Educational Field
Sutskever points out that "today's AI has significantly changed how students learn." By citing the current situation where students interact with AI online to generate reports and code, he urged a reconsideration of educational methods and evaluation criteria.
3-2. Changes in Work and Careers
He also stated that with the evolution of AI, "it is difficult to predict which skills will be useful and which will become obsolete," appealing to students that they need broad learning and flexible adaptability.
4. Vision for the Future
4-1. "The Brain is a Biological Computer"
To succinctly demonstrate the potential of AI, Sutskever presented a one-sentence summary: "Because the brain is a biological computer, it is natural for a digital brain to behave in the same way," and logically developed a future where AI handles all of humanity's intellectual tasks.
4-2. The Speed of Evolution Beyond Imagination
While noting that predictions for "three, five, or ten years" are difficult, he explained that AI will "continue to evolve steadily and, in some cases, rapidly," and that its progress will accelerate as its use in economic growth and research and development advances.
5. Specific Action Guidelines for Students
5-1. Do Not Ignore AI
Citing the adage, "Even if you are indifferent to politics, politics is interested in you," he emphasized that one must similarly not ignore AI. He recommended first engaging with current state-of-the-art AI to deepen one's intuitive understanding.
5-2. Generate Energy for Problem Solving
Sutskever stated that to confront the safety and ethical challenges of AI, "seeing and feeling the AI in front of you will be the driving force that inspires action," and he demonstrated an attitude of exploring problems by relying on one's own intuition.
Sutskever's speech entrusted the insights gained from his experience as a researcher and from the front lines of AI research to the students who will carry the future.Accept reality, face the transformative power of AI directly, and take action—by engraving this mindset in your heart, you will be able to leap forward as researchers and engineers who lead the next generation, even in uncertain times.