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Knowledge itself is the least concern here. Human society is extremely good at transmitting information. More difficult to transmit are things like critical thinking and problem-solving ability. Developing meta-cognitive processes like the latter are the real utility of education.

Indeed. More people need to grow their own vegetables. AI may undermine our ability for high level abstract thought, but industrial agriculture already represents an existential threat, should it be interrupted for any reason.

Did the pioneers 200 years ago have the skills and knowledge to survive as a serf 400 years ago? Or as a mid-level financial analyst today?

Or is pioneering 200 years ago an in-demand skillset that we should be picking up?

My point is that the necessary skill set required by society is ever-changing. Skills like handwriting, spelling, and reading a map are fading from importance.

I could see a future where pioneering might be useful again.