Telegram CEO Recommends Best Subject for Aspiring Entrepreneurs—Elon Musk Thinks Differently

In an insightful discussion about preparing students for the future, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov and Tesla/SpaceX CEO Elon Musk offered differing views on which subject is most crucial. Durov suggests that students should focus on mathematics, describing it as a foundational discipline that teaches logical thinking, problem breakdown, and step-by-step solution strategies—skills essential for building companies and managing projects. His post on X (formerly Twitter) gained significant attention, drawing over a million views and thousands of engagements.

However, Elon Musk offered a different perspective. Responding to Durov’s post, Musk emphasized “Physics (with math)” as the ideal focus. He has consistently maintained that physics provides the conceptual framework necessary to understand the universe and tackle complex problems. Musk’s advocacy stems from his own academic background in physics and economics and his belief that physics-based thinking has underpinned some of his most ambitious ventures, from space travel to electric vehicles.

Durov later acknowledged Musk’s viewpoint, adding that if a student is already strong in math, they should also explore physics and computer science. These disciplines, he noted, are powerful applications of math in the real world and help sharpen logical and critical thinking skills while tackling real-world problems. This exchange between two prominent tech leaders reflects a broader conversation on what educational focus is most relevant in an AI-driven future.

The discussion gains further relevance in light of recent comments by Ilya Sutskever, co-founder of OpenAI. Speaking at a university convocation earlier this year, Sutskever predicted that AI will be able to perform everything humans can do within the next three to ten years. He likened the human brain to a biological computer and argued that digital versions would soon reach similar levels of capability. His comments have fueled debates about whether traditional forms of learning and skill development will remain valuable in an age where artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing.

Despite the growing capabilities of AI, Durov maintains that mathematics remains vital. He believes that math instills a mindset necessary for effective problem-solving, leadership, and entrepreneurship. His position highlights the importance of human reasoning and analytical ability in a world where machines may take over many routine tasks.

Adding another layer to the debate, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates also recently weighed in on the conversation. Gates asserted that certain human skills—especially in programming—will remain irreplaceable, even with the rise of AI. According to him, “Writing code isn’t just typing – it’s thinking deeply.” Gates’s comments emphasize the irreplaceable nature of deep reasoning and creativity, even as machines improve at performing increasingly complex tasks.

In conclusion, while Durov champions mathematics as the foundation for future readiness, Musk elevates physics, and Gates highlights the enduring value of human-centric skills like programming. All three leaders converge on a key idea: in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the ability to think critically, solve problems, and reason logically will remain the most valuable asset students can develop.