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“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” With this powerful statement by futurologist Alvin Toffler in mind, it becomes clear how essential it is not only to keep learning, but also to be able to unlearn and relearn. As early as the 1970s, Toffler predicted that success in a rapidly changing future would depend on how much we can let go of old ideas and embrace new knowledge.
In the current era, where artificial intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly important role, we are seeing this prediction come true. AI agents are taking over work that was previously done by humans, especially in the area of knowledge work. This means that knowledge workers must drastically revise their way of working and continuously adjust them to remain relevant. The world of AI offers enormous opportunities, but the transition also requires an agile attitude: an open mind, a willingness to experiment and the courage to regularly reflect on your own assumptions.
This is exactly the core of what Toffler means by learning, unlearning and relearning: those who learn how AI works and how it can be applied will discover that certain skills or processes that were previously useful are no longer necessary or are becoming obsolete. Letting go of them — unlearning — creates space for innovation and new ways of thinking. This way, by learning again, you can take your expertise to the next level. However, this new reality is not only technological; it's also about mindset and collaborating with colleagues who are on the same path. By exchanging experiences and sharing successes and setbacks, we learn more quickly at a collective level what works and what doesn't. Trial and error is thus becoming an indispensable part of the process, because in an area that evolves as rapidly as AI, there is no guarantee that something that is advanced today will have the same effect tomorrow.
Ultimately, Toffler states that the ability to continually reinvent yourself is the key to success. Those who can adapt to change and don't cling to old ways of working will thrive in a world full of AI opportunities. By being flexible with new realities, you can not only stay up to date in your field, but can even lead the way and be influential in how the future takes shape. In short, the message is clear: if you are willing to learn, unlearn and relearn, then you are ready for the challenges and opportunities of the emerging AI world.
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