While I see where you are coming from but I think what has really gone for a toss is the utility of thinking hard.

Thinking hard has never been easier.

I think AI for an autodidact is a boon. Now I suddenly have a teacher who is always accessible and will teach me whatever I want for as long as I want exactly the way I want and I don;t have to worry about my social anxiety kicking in.

Learn advanced cryptography? AI, figure out formal verification - AI etc.