As AI becomes universally accessible, will it redefine valuable human cognitive skills?

As AI systems become more powerful and accessible, I’ve been contemplating a hypothesis: Will the ability to effectively use AI (asking good questions, implementing insights) eventually become more valuable than raw intelligence in many fields?

If everyone can access sophisticated reasoning through AI, the differentiating factor might shift from “who can think best” to “who can best direct and apply AI-augmented thinking.”

This raises interesting questions:

• How does this change what cognitive skills we should develop?
• What uniquely human mental capabilities will remain most valuable?
• How might educational systems need to adapt?
• What are the implications for cognitive equity when intelligence becomes partly externalized?

I’m interested in hearing perspectives from those developing or studying these systems. Is this a likely trajectory, or am I missing important considerations?