The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.

Hello, I am Alvin Toffler. As a futurist, my work has always revolved around the challenges and opportunities that change brings. Let me share with you one of my most enduring observations: "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." When I first expressed this idea, the world was on the cusp of an unprecedented technological revolution. I foresaw a time when the rapid pace of change would outstrip our ability to adapt unless we embraced new ways of thinking. It wasn’t enough to simply acquire knowledge—what mattered was the ability to let go of outdated assumptions and relearn in response to a constantly evolving world. Back then, this applied to the shift from an industrial society to an information-driven one. Traditional jobs were disappearing, new technologies were disrupting industries, and lifelong education was becoming a necessity. But today, this principle is even more critical, as the challenges we face are more complex and the stakes higher. Let me explain how this idea applies to the world you’re living in now. We are in an age of information overload. Data is everywhere, and it’s both a blessing and a curse. The ability to read and write is no longer enough—what matters is how you filter, interpret, and adapt to the vast sea of information coming your way.