When a tech billionaire who’s betting billions on AI makes a prediction about the future of coding, we should probably listen. But there’s more to this story than headlines suggest.
I’ve been practicing martial arts 28 years for years current style now is Silat , so when Mark Zuckerberg dropped this bombshell on Joe Rogan’s podcast — a show I regularly tune into for its raw authenticity — it hit differently.
Here was Zuck, BJJ practitioner, calmly explaining how AI might eliminate most coding jobs while rolling out his vision for the future.
The thing about martial arts is it teaches you to look past the initial shock and find the real substance. That’s exactly what we need to do with this prediction.
Watch: Full Joe Rogan Experience Episode with Mark Zuckerberg
Joe Rogan Experience Episode with Mark Zuckerberg
The truth behind the headlines
Let’s be clear about what Zuckerberg actually said. He didn’t predict the death of programming — he predicted its evolution.
There’s a crucial difference.
“In the future, most code will be written by AI,” he told Rogan, “but the most valuable developers will be those who can direct and refine what AI produces.”
Think of it like having a black belt as your training partner. They make you better, but they don’t replace the need for your judgment and creativity.
Why this matters more than you think
Here’s what makes this conversation particularly fascinating:
Meta is investing billions in AI development
They’re one of the largest employers of developers worldwide
Zuckerberg himself started as a programmer
When someone with this perspective makes a prediction, it’s worth understanding why.
The part nobody talking about
Here’s the plot twist: This isn’t just about coding. It’s about the entire creative process. Zuckerberg’s prediction extends to how we’ll all work with AI tools.
Just as BJJ practitioners use drilling partners to perfect their technique, future developers will use AI to refine their code. It’s not about replacement — it’s about enhancement.
What this really means for developers
Let’s break this down into practical terms:
Entry-level coding jobs might decrease
The focus will shift to architecture and system design
Problem-solving skills will become more valuable than syntax knowledge
Understanding AI capabilities will become as crucial as knowing programming languages
The Joe rogan factor
What made this conversation particularly compelling was Rogan’s way of pulling out the human element. Between discussions of AI and technology, they touched on martial arts mindset and how it applies to technological evolution.
As someone who trains, I get it. The principles are similar: adapt or become obsolete, but never lose the human element that makes you unique.
The $100 billion question
That’s roughly what major tech companies are investing in AI development. But here’s what’s interesting: they’re not stopping their developer hiring. They’re changing what they’re hiring for.
What you should do about it
Whether you’re a developer or considering becoming one, here’s your game plan:
Focus on understanding systems rather than memorizing syntax
Learn to work with AI tools, not against them
Develop skills that AI can’t easily replicate: creativity, problem-solving, and human interaction
The bottom Line
Just as BJJ evolved from traditional martial arts while keeping the core principles intact, programming is evolving with AI. The key isn’t to resist this change but to adapt and grow with it.
“To change with change is the changeless state.” Bruce lee
The future Zuckerberg describes isn’t one where developers disappear — it’s one where they evolve. And like any good martial artist knows, evolution is the key to survival.
Thank you!