Apple's Co-Founder Steve Wozniak Emphasizes the Importance of "Actual Intelligence" to Graduates

Wozniak’s Speech Earns Applause at Graduation Ceremony In May 2026, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak took the stage at Grand Valley State University’s commencement ceremony, earning a rare standing ovation during a season where many other graduation speeches promoting artificial intelligence (AI) were met with boos. At the core of his address was a message of encouragement for graduates concerned about the growing presence of AI. Wozniak reassured them that they already possessed “AI” — which he called “Actual Intelligence” — and redefined the relationship between technology and humanity. Reported by Business Insider, the speech garnered attention for its timely focus on reaffirming human uniqueness in a world rapidly transformed by AI. Widely known for co-founding Apple and contributing to the rise of the personal computer, Wozniak has been deeply involved in technological advancements throughout his career. However, his speech to the graduating class took a philosophical approach rather than a technical one. During his address, Wozniak remarked, “It would take far too long to explain AI in depth, but ultimately, what we have been trying to do is create a brain.” He described AI as “an attempt to replicate brain-like routines on an exponentially larger scale.” This perspective framed AI as a tool attempting to mimic human intelligence, resonating with the audience. Unlike other commencement speakers who focused on the advantages of AI, sometimes alienating their audiences, Wozniak adopted a human-centered approach. He acknowledged the changes automation and AI have brought to the job market but underscored the irreplaceable value of human “actual intelligence.” His message provided reassurance and direction to young graduates anxious about the impact of technological advancements on their future. The warm reception to his speech can be attributed to Wozniak’s candid and empathetic tone, which struck a chord with the audience.

A Contrast Between AI and “Actual Intelligence” Wozniak’s concept of “Actual Intelligence” draws a clear distinction between human and artificial intelligence. He characterized AI as “an attempt to replicate brain-like routines,” subtly suggesting its limitations. In contrast, he implied that human intelligence encompasses elements such as creativity, intuition, and ethical judgment — qualities that cannot be duplicated. This comparison emphasized the ongoing importance of human contributions, even as technology continues to evolve. While machine learning and neural networks have advanced to automate many human tasks, Wozniak highlighted the inherent limitations of AI in fully replicating human intelligence. For example, while AI excels in pattern recognition based on data, its ability to understand emotions and cultural context remains limited. His speech encouraged graduates to recognize the importance of honing these uniquely human attributes. Wozniak also invoked the phrase “think different,” reminding the audience of Apple’s core philosophy. He urged graduates to break free from conventional thinking and develop their own unique perspectives. As AI becomes increasingly adept at standardizing tasks, Wozniak argued that human value lies in creative problem-solving and innovation. This perspective, informed by Wozniak’s extensive experience in the tech industry, offered graduates a clear direction for navigating the challenges of an AI-driven world.

Advice to Graduates: “Think Different” During his speech, Wozniak advised graduates to “always strive to think differently.” He encouraged them to avoid following the same path as millions of others and instead to consider how they could do things differently, emphasizing the importance of individuality and creativity. Reflecting on his own career, Wozniak shared how his unconventional thinking contributed to Apple’s success. When designing the Apple I and Apple II computers, he prioritized user-friendly designs and embraced innovative approaches, which set Apple apart from competitors. Drawing on his experiences, Wozniak urged graduates to embrace technology without losing sight of their humanity. In a labor market increasingly shaped by automation, he emphasized that technical skills must be complemented by unique perspectives and creativity. Additionally, Wozniak encouraged graduates to understand and engage with technology without fearing it. By framing AI as “an attempt to replicate brain-like routines,” he clarified its limitations and suggested that it could serve as a tool to extend human intelligence, rather than a replacement. His optimistic yet realistic advice resonated with the audience, inspiring confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to society.

The Role of Humans in the Age of AI Wozniak’s speech provided an opportunity to reconsider the role of humans in the midst of the AI revolution. While he acknowledged that graduates were entering the workforce during the peak of this revolution, he stressed that human “actual intelligence” would remain indispensable. This reflects current trends, where automation may eliminate some jobs but simultaneously create opportunities in areas requiring creativity and interpersonal skills. As industries increasingly adopt AI, mundane tasks are being automated, but new roles are emerging that demand human judgment, ethics, and innovation. Wozniak’s message encouraged graduates to prepare for these opportunities by developing not only technical expertise but also their uniquely human qualities. By describing AI as “a replication of brain-like routines,” Wozniak emphasized the technological boundaries of AI. While the human brain is a dynamic and complex system, current AI technologies can only mimic a fraction of its capabilities. This perspective encouraged graduates to approach technology with a balanced mindset — neither overestimating its potential nor fearing its advancement. His speech painted a vision of a future where technology and humanity coexist, inspiring graduates to confidently contribute to society.

Conclusion: Coexistence Between Technology and Humanity Wozniak’s commencement speech delivered an important message about the value of humanity in the AI era. By emphasizing “actual intelligence,” he encouraged graduates to trust in their innate abilities. Through the philosophy of “think different,” he highlighted the importance of creativity and individuality. The speech served as a poignant reminder of the need to preserve humanity in the face of rapid technological progress. As AI continues to evolve and influence every aspect of society, Wozniak’s words remind us that the core of human intelligence remains irreplaceable. Graduates left the ceremony with a renewed sense of purpose: to embrace technology without fear, tackle challenges with unique perspectives, and build a complementary relationship between technology and humanity. Ultimately, Wozniak’s speech encouraged graduates to navigate the waves of the AI revolution proactively and confidently. The applause he received was a testament to the resonance of his heartfelt and empathetic message, addressing both the anxieties and aspirations of his audience. In the age of advancing AI, human “actual intelligence” remains the most valuable resource of all.