Why Everyone Should Learn to Code – Naval Ravikant

ccording to Naval Ravikant, one of the most insightful thinkers of our time, coding is the new literacy.

Just like reading and writing became essential skills in the 1600s and 1700s, coding has become a fundamental skill for the future.

But here's the key: you don't need to learn to code to become a professional programmer.

You should learn it to understand its capabilities and to be able to navigate a world that's increasingly shaped by technology.

Coding as a New Form of Literacy

In the past, not knowing how to read and write left people at a huge disadvantage. Similarly, in today's world, being computer literate is no longer optional—it's a necessity.

Coding is a core part of that. You don’t have to be an expert, but having a basic understanding of how computers and programs work will keep you on the right side of technology.

Naval says that in the future, there will be two kinds of people: those who tell computers what to do and those who are told by computers what to do.

It’s like choosing whether you want to be the Uber driver following instructions or the programmer who writes the code that powers Uber.

Learning to code will give you control and understanding, rather than leaving you in a position where you’re just following a machine’s commands.

Why Learn If Coding Might Become Outdated?

You might think that coding will eventually become outdated, but that misses the bigger picture.

The computer is the most powerful tool ever invented, and it’s right there in your pocket. Even if coding evolves, understanding the basics gives you leverage in a tech-driven world.

It gives you the ability to shape your own future, to understand how software impacts every aspect of life, and to harness the power of technology to your advantage.

Computer Literacy Is Like Math

Coding is going to be as important as math is today.

You don’t need to be a mathematician to benefit from understanding basic math.

In the same way, you don’t have to become a professional coder, but having computer literacy will help you think logically, solve problems creatively, and unlock opportunities you might not have seen otherwise.

Don’t Be Scared of Technology

Learning to code doesn’t mean you have to dive deep into complex algorithms.

It means not being afraid of computers and understanding what’s going on behind the screens you use every day.

Whether it’s automating tasks, understanding how apps and websites work, or building something new from scratch, coding empowers you to shape your digital world instead of being shaped by it.

In the end, the choice is simple: will you control the computer, or will the computer control you?