Zerodha’s Nithin Kamath Reveals the One Skill That Even AI Can’t Replace

Everywhere you turn today, there’s talk of artificial intelligence changing the world. From chatbots answering customer queries to algorithms writing code, AI seems unstoppable. It’s quick, it’s precise, and it doesn’t need a coffee break. Understandably, many of us worry: what if AI takes over our jobs entirely?

But Nithin Kamath, CEO of Zerodha, India’s largest stock brokerage, doesn’t see humans fading away. In fact, he insists there’s one simple trait that AI will never be able to copy and that’s curiosity.

When asked recently about the one skill that will keep people relevant as AI grows stronger, Kamath’s response was sharp and reassuring:

“Curiosity. I think everyone needs the ability to remain curious. In the world of AI, people who are curious will have an advantage.”

(Source: LiveMint)

Artificial intelligence is brilliant at tasks. It can process mountains of data in seconds. It can repeat functions endlessly without losing focus. But here’s what it cannot do: it can’t wonder.

AI doesn’t wake up and ask, “What if we tried this another way?” or “Could this be done better?” It doesn’t feel a spark of excitement when learning something new. It doesn’t get curious.

Humans do. That’s why Kamath believes curiosity is our shield. It’s the instinct that drives us to explore, to question, and to invent. AI may automate processes, but it can’t replace the human ability to imagine possibilities that don’t exist yet.

Kamath has seen this first hand at Zerodha. One of his colleagues, Bhuvan, originally joined as a communications professional. Out of sheer curiosity, he started tinkering with programming. Bit by bit, he learned enough to contribute meaningfully as a coder.

That transition didn’t come from a formal requirement or a manager’s directive. It came from personal curiosity the drive to learn something new, without being told. No machine could have made that leap on its own.

Kamath’s larger point is that skills alone aren’t enough anymore. Technology shifts too fast. Degrees and certificates may give you a head start, but they can quickly go out of date. What lasts is the mindset that fuels growth.

Curiosity leads to adaptability. It helps people step into new roles, learn new tools, and discover fresh ways of solving problems. In Kamath’s words, it gives humans an edge in a world where AI is everywhere.

If curiosity is the superpower Kamath believes in, how can we practice it every day? It doesn’t require huge effort. It’s about small, consistent choices:

• Ask more questions. Even a simple “why do we do it this way?” can spark insights.
• Experiment often. Try new tools or methods, even if you’re unsure at first.
• Learn from others. Curiosity about people’s perspectives often leads to creative solutions.
• Explore outside your field. Read about unrelated topics you’ll be surprised how connections appear.
• Stay open. Admitting you don’t know something is the doorway to discovery.

These little habits keep curiosity alive and they keep you irreplaceable.

Reports from global organizations predict that while AI will displace some jobs, it will also create many new ones. The people who thrive will be those who adapt quickly, learn continuously, and stay open to change.

And curiosity is the fuel for all of that. AI can copy patterns, but it cannot originate wonder. AI can predict trends, but it cannot feel the urge to ask “what if?” That’s the human advantage.

What makes Nithin Kamath’s perspective stand out is that he doesn’t frame AI as a threat. He runs a tech-driven company, yet his advice to workers everywhere is grounded in humanity.

He isn’t asking us to compete with AI at its own game of speed or accuracy. He’s reminding us to lean into what only humans can do: stay curious, stay adaptive, stay alive to possibility.

So, if you ever feel uneasy about AI replacing you, remember this: machines may execute flawlessly, but they can’t replace your spark of curiosity. And as Kamath makes clear, that spark is what keeps you truly irreplaceable.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What makes humans irreplaceable to Kamath?
   
   The ability to wonder, explore, and imagine.
2. Can AI ever learn to be curious?
   
   No, because curiosity isn’t data, it’s human instinct.