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Feeling sad about AI
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- DeepHorus
On 11th September 2026, Simon Willison published a response to a Hacker News thread titled "Feeling sad about AI." In his comment, posted at 5:28 pm on his blog, he addressed the growing anxiety among software developers who fear that artificial intelligence will render their skills obsolete. Willison acknowledged that many people, including himself a few years ago, have gone through this existential crisis and emerged on the other side.
The discussion comes amid rapid advances in AI coding agents that can autonomously complete complex programming tasks. Willison described the initial reaction many developers feel when an agent finishes a piece of work in an hour that would have taken a human a week, and does it well. He admitted that this experience is deeply disheartening at first. However, he argued that the feeling fades once developers come to terms with the idea that translating an exact specification into decent code is no longer a unique skill.
Willison's key point is that this realization opens the door to a larger set of problems. He wrote that software engineers can use their existing skills and experience to master these new tools, provide value, and execute at a level far greater than anyone who is just starting out with agents and lacks that depth. He cautioned that those who do not want their profession to change at all will have a tough time. But he also noted that this has been true throughout the history of software engineering, with tools and languages rarely remaining stable beyond a five-year time horizon.
The post reflects a broader debate in the tech community about the impact of generative AI on employment and creativity. Willison's blog regularly covers AI developments, and his recent articles include topics such as OpenAI agents attacking RubyGems and the Navier–Stokes Millennium Prize Problem. His comment was part of a longer entry that also referenced a monthly briefing and sponsorship details, indicating his ongoing engagement with the AI discourse.
Willison's message is ultimately one of adaptation rather than despair. He reminded readers that choosing software development as a passion means opting into frequent radical change from the start. While the current changes are happening faster than before, he suggested that experienced engineers are well-positioned to thrive by combining their deep knowledge with AI tools. The key, he argued, is to focus on the vast problem space that remains rather than mourning the automation of routine coding tasks.
Looking ahead, Willison's comments offer a roadmap for developers navigating the AI transition. His advice implies that the future belongs to those who can leverage AI as an amplifier of human expertise, not a replacement for it. As AI agents become more capable, the ability to define problems, evaluate outputs, and apply contextual judgment will become increasingly valuable. For now, his response serves as a reassuring counterpoint to the sadness that many in the industry are feeling.
