Many brilliant developers were always proud of dealing only with the how and leaving the why to others. But some of the most appreciated developers I know were always concerned about the why.
Lately, I am re-reading "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand. This book reminds me very much of the people who are busy solving the how problems and not investing enough in the why.
I think this kind of mindset has always been counterproductive to individuals, but AI is going to speed up the process of the how people serving the why people.
As AI improves, the how is becoming more and more of a commodity. Very skilled people will always be needed, as the how is always an issue, but fewer will be required for these tasks, and much more learning and experience will be necessary.
I have a friend who used to be my manager, and he said the worst thing is a dumbass with motivation. This has always been true and is getting truer. Look around you and make sure you agree with the why.
In the picture copied from CNN, Wagner mercenaries not contemplating the "why".