In a world racing towards an AI-driven future, a single social media exchange has reignited a timeless debate: what should students study to prepare for the future and build the companies of tomorrow? According to Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, the answer is clear: mathematics. But for Elon Musk, the path to understanding the world and solving complex problems begins with physics. Their brief but impactful conversation online has triggered discussions among educators, entrepreneurs, and students about the core skills required to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Earlier this week, Pavel Durov posted on X (formerly Twitter), advising students to focus on maths. “If you’re a student choosing what to focus on, pick MATH. It will teach you to relentlessly rely on your own brain, think logically, break down problems, and solve them step by step in the right order. That’s the core skill you’ll need to build companies and manage projects,” Pavel Durov wrote. His post quickly went viral, gathering over a million views and thousands of likes and shares within hours.
Elon Musk’s Endorsement of Physics
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and a known advocate for deep technical thinking, responded to Pavel Durov’s post with a concise reply: “Physics (with math).” Elon Musk has long emphasised the importance of physics, crediting the discipline with shaping his approach to problem-solving and forming the foundation for his ventures in space exploration, electric vehicles, and AI research. For Elon Musk, physics teaches first principles thinking, enabling a deeper understanding of the universe and the ability to tackle complex challenges that transcend industry boundaries.
Pavel Durov later acknowledged Elon Musk’s viewpoint, adding, “+1. If you’re already strong in math, it’s worth exploring physics and computer science – both are excellent ways to apply math in the real world, sharpen your logical and critical thinking + solve important problems.” This exchange highlighted a unified yet nuanced perspective: while their recommendations differ slightly, both leaders emphasise the importance of building strong thinking skills to lead, innovate, and solve the world’s most pressing problems.
The Debate Amid AI’s Rapid Growth
Their conversation comes at a time when discussions about the relevance of traditional learning in the age of artificial intelligence are intensifying. Earlier this year, OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever, during a convocation address at the University of Toronto, predicted that AI would soon match human abilities across a wide range of skills within three to ten years. He described the human brain as a biological computer and suggested that digital systems could eventually replicate its functions, raising questions about the long-term relevance of studying disciplines like maths, physics, or coding if AI can master these areas.
Despite these forecasts, leaders like Pavel Durov and Elon Musk believe that the core mental frameworks provided by studying mathematics and physics will remain vital. Pavel Durov argues that mathematics equips individuals with the structured thinking necessary for effective problem-solving, a crucial asset for building companies and managing teams in uncertain and evolving markets. Elon Musk, on the other hand, sees physics as a discipline that encourages looking at problems from first principles, dismantling assumptions, and reassembling solutions with a clear understanding of underlying realities.
Adding weight to this debate, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates recently shared that while AI will change how we work, it will not replace programmers entirely, even over the next century. “Writing code isn’t just typing – it’s thinking deeply,” Gates stated, reinforcing the idea that human cognitive skills and the ability to think critically and creatively will continue to hold irreplaceable value, no matter how advanced machines become.
While the tools and technologies of the future may evolve, the foundational skills of critical thinking, logical analysis, and problem-solving, nurtured through disciplines like maths and physics, continue to be championed by some of the world’s most successful tech leaders. For students and young entrepreneurs aiming to build meaningful projects or lead in the next generation of industries, the conversation between Pavel Durov and Elon Musk serves as a reminder: mastering how to think may matter more than what to think in a world where machines are learning to do it all.
