本文来自微信公众号：张琨随笔，作者：张琨，原文标题：《抉择：做"有趣的人"vs"有用的工 具"？》，题图来自：视觉中国 我是一个典型的生于七、八十年代的中国人。我们这一代，大多在"有用为要"的教育理念下被塑造出 来。 从小，我们就被反复告诫："学好数理化，走遍天下都不怕"、"功夫不压身"，最好的职业是科学家、医 生这类有一技之长的人。至于文学、历史、艺术，往往被贴上"没用"的标签。"百无一用是书生"、"学 文科养不活自己"，这些观念在当时是绝对的主流。我上学时，文学、武侠、漫画属于浪费时间的读 物，需要偷着看，学科标化成绩是优秀的唯一评价标准。 在这种模式的训练下，我凭借着家族智商的天分和自己不懈的努力，在社会上找到了自己的位置。但在 职场打拼20多年后，我常常反思，我的生活缺少了某种质感——一种"有趣"的质感。于是，我开始重新 拾起年轻时错过的东西：重新捡起儿时被迫放弃的运动，去博物馆感受文化品味，去阅读那些曾被认为 是"闲书"的文学、历史和哲学。体味这些"无用之用"。 我发现，我个人的经历并非个例，它深刻地烙印着一个时代的共同记忆，这个批次的我们，就像星球大 战里的克隆人兵团。而今天，我想说，是时候反思我 ...

Group 1 - The core idea is that AI agents will take over mundane tasks, allowing humans to focus on more creative and enjoyable activities [2][5][6] - Perplexity's differentiated strategy focuses on providing accurate answers, directly challenging the traditional ad-revenue model of search engines [2][5] - The ultimate goal of AI is to integrate into the operating system level, rather than just functioning as a simple chatbot [2][20] Group 2 - AI will replace humans in repetitive tasks such as bill payments, hotel bookings, and information processing, enhancing efficiency [5][6][8] - The future internet experience will be more personalized, with AI proactively recommending content while preserving user autonomy [7][12] - Curiosity is emphasized as a crucial human trait in the AI era, driving exploration and the effective use of AI tools [7][9][13] Group 3 - Critical thinking is identified as one of the most important skills for the new generation of internet users, enabling them to navigate biased information [10][13] - AI can assist in filtering information and providing accurate content, helping users avoid misinformation [14][13] - Perplexity aims to maintain user engagement by allowing active participation in the information retrieval process [15][16] Group 4 - Perplexity's focus is on accuracy and knowledge density, distinguishing itself from general-purpose AI assistants [17][24] - The system routes queries to different models based on the type of information requested, ensuring efficient and accurate responses [18][19] - The design philosophy prioritizes user experience by integrating AI capabilities into familiar browser environments [20][21] Group 5 - The company envisions a future where the browser evolves into a more comprehensive application, potentially replacing traditional operating systems [26][28] - Building a browser that can perform various tasks requires collaboration with hardware manufacturers and software developers [28][29] - The long-term vision includes creating an AI-native operating system, with the browser serving as a foundational element [29][30]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of independent thinking in an AI-driven world, arguing that true independent thought goes beyond merely consuming information and requires deeper emotional and cognitive engagement [1][2]. Group 1: Understanding Independent Thinking - Independent thinking is not merely about information acquisition or following trends; it involves pausing to critically analyze and reflect on information [3][4]. - Genuine independent thought requires self-inquiry before expressing opinions, asking oneself if they truly understand the subject matter and what their personal feelings are [5]. Group 2: The Role of Emotions in Thinking - The foundation of independent thinking is emotional awareness, where initial emotional reactions to information serve as a starting point for deeper inquiry [6][7][8]. Group 3: Critical Thinking - Critical thinking involves recognizing the boundaries of arguments rather than simply criticizing them; it requires a thorough examination of viewpoints [9]. Group 4: AI as a Tool - AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance thinking rather than a replacement for it; individuals should engage in self-reflection before consulting AI [10][12]. Group 5: Developing Inner Awareness - There is a need to cultivate an "inner sense" to better understand one's emotions and thoughts, which can enhance independent thinking [13]. Group 6: Exercises to Enhance Thinking - The article suggests four exercises to foster active thinking: keeping an emotion diary, challenging accepted viewpoints, creating a question list before using AI, and practicing mindfulness meditation [14][17]. Group 7: Conclusion - Despite AI's capabilities, it cannot replicate personal experiences, emotions, and insights, which are essential for genuine thought processes [18][19].

AI and Education - The tech industry emphasizes the continued importance of learning mathematics, reasoning, logic, and computer programming, even with advancements in AI [1] - The industry suggests developing a deep-thinking mindset to interact with AI, define problems, and critically assess AI's solutions [1] Critical Thinking - The tech sector highlights the significance of critical thinking and reasoning from first principles, despite AI's problem-solving capabilities [1] - The industry stresses the need for discernment in evaluating the accuracy of AI's responses [1]

Core Insights - The rapid development of AI is significantly impacting life sciences research, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and foundational research skills among students [1][3]. Group 1: AI in Research - AI tools like AlphaFold enable precise predictions of protein structures, allowing researchers to explore vast numbers of homologous structures and their genetic sequences [3][4]. - The breakthrough in protein structure prediction by AlphaFold allows a shift in biological research methodologies, enabling a reverse approach from biophysics to biological functions, thus uncovering new phenomena and mechanisms [4]. Group 2: Educational Recommendations - Students, regardless of their research focus, should prioritize foundational training in scientific logic and critical thinking to effectively utilize AI advancements [3][4]. - Collaboration among students, principal investigators (PIs), and interdisciplinary exchanges is encouraged to enhance research outcomes and leverage AI as a supportive tool [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of foundational skills such as logical ability, common sense, curiosity, and critical thinking in the AI era, suggesting that these skills will enable individuals to effectively utilize AI tools and technologies [3][4][6]. Group 1: Skills for the AI Era - The article argues that those with strong foundational skills will benefit the most in the AI era, highlighting four key dimensions: logical ability, common sense and curiosity, and critical thinking [3]. - Logical thinking is essential as it allows individuals to effectively question AI outputs and assess their validity [4]. - Common sense and curiosity are necessary to explore the limitations of AI outputs and uncover deeper opportunities through continuous inquiry [5]. - Critical thinking is crucial for identifying errors in AI responses, which can determine an individual's potential for success [6]. Group 2: Internship Opportunities - The company is offering paid summer and long-term internships for students to engage in AI and business practices, providing practical experience in the field [7]. - Interns will work with AI tools to conduct research projects, generate content, and analyze global social media strategies, enhancing their understanding of industry dynamics [8]. - The internship aims to equip participants with frontline AI application experience, global perspectives, and improved commercial analysis skills [8]. Group 3: Candidate Requirements - The company seeks young candidates with strong learning abilities, preferably with advanced English skills, and a curious mindset [9]. - While a background in business, finance, or commercial analysis is preferred, it is not a strict requirement [9]. Group 4: Application Process - Interested candidates can apply by adding the assistant's WeChat and sending their resumes for review [10]. Group 5: Final Thoughts - The article concludes by stressing the importance of making informed choices that will yield long-term benefits, encouraging the sharing of opportunities with talented young individuals [11].

Group 1 - The core message emphasizes the importance of having a clear set of values in a rapidly changing technological landscape, as individuals can easily be swayed by external influences if they lack self-awareness [5][6][8] - Eric Schmidt highlights the necessity of self-reflection, suggesting that individuals should regularly assess their goals and values to maintain direction in their lives [9][14] - He discusses the concept of life stages, where individuals accumulate resources in their youth, build influence in mid-life, and focus on giving back to society later on, indicating that values evolve over time [10][11][13] Group 2 - Schmidt points out the generational shift in work habits, noting that the rise of services like Uber has changed perceptions of efficiency and productivity [18][19][20] - He expresses concern over the loss of attention control in the digital age, where social media competes for user attention, often leading to negative emotional responses [24][26][28] - The discussion includes the impact of "disposable algorithms" that prioritize immediate engagement over sustained focus, resulting in a fragmented attention span [30][32][36] Group 3 - Schmidt stresses the need for critical thinking in education, arguing that future workplaces will require individuals who can think independently and solve problems rather than just follow instructions [39][42] - He warns that traditional programming jobs may be automated, but emphasizes the importance of understanding and innovating with AI tools [43][44] - The need for interdisciplinary education is highlighted, where future professionals must bridge gaps between fields, such as medicine and AI [45][46][47] Group 4 - Leadership must adapt to rapid changes, with Schmidt advocating for term limits in leadership positions to ensure organizational vitality [49][52][53] - He introduces the concept of "cross-stage leadership," where leaders must transition roles as they progress through different life stages [55][56] - The ethical responsibilities of leaders in the age of AI are underscored, emphasizing the need for clear value frameworks and accountability [59][60] Group 5 - Schmidt raises concerns about the future of decision-making in a world increasingly influenced by AI, suggesting that individuals may unknowingly relinquish their autonomy [62][66][68] - He warns of the risks associated with AI development, particularly the potential for future generations to inhabit a world they did not help design [69][70] - The importance of involving younger generations in shaping the future is emphasized, as it is crucial for sustainable societal development [71][72][73]

Group 1 - Reading is often perceived as a sacred virtue, equating readers with being cultured and deep thinkers, where the thickness of one's bookshelf symbolizes the depth of thought [1][2] - In a commodified society, reading individuals are positioned at a moral and intellectual high ground, often used by the wealthy and celebrities to enhance their cultural image [2] - The act of reading is fundamentally a passive cognitive activity, where individuals may lose their critical thinking abilities over time, as it involves repeating the author's thought process rather than creating original thoughts [3][4] Group 2 - Reading is primarily an input behavior that is simple and does not require significant cognitive resources compared to writing or research, leading to an overestimation of its value [6] - The cultural context often associates reading with moral superiority, ignoring the fact that the barriers to reading are low, thus it cannot be a reliable measure of moral character [7] - Reading is a neutral activity that does not inherently elevate or degrade one's character, and its consumption can be likened to other forms of entertainment, such as watching short videos [8] Group 3 - The true value of reading lies not in the quantity of books read but in the ability to internalize knowledge and thoughts through critical thinking and reconstruction [8][9] - A rational perspective on reading involves being aware of the illusion that "input equals justice" and maintaining a critical stance towards the material consumed [9] - Output is emphasized as being more important than input, advocating for conscious engagement in active output to enhance the learning process [10][12] Group 4 - The capabilities of artificial intelligence in processing large volumes of text highlight the need for human skills in knowledge reconstruction and deep thinking, which cannot be easily replaced by technology [11][12] - The ability to think critically, create, and apply knowledge is what distinguishes human cognition from mere data processing [12]

Group 1 - The Ministry of Education has released two guidelines aimed at promoting artificial intelligence education in primary and secondary schools, emphasizing the importance of cultivating innovative talents with AI literacy [1] - The guidelines are part of a broader initiative to integrate AI education into the overall development strategy of the country, ensuring students can effectively use AI while developing core competencies necessary for an intelligent society [2] - The educational framework is designed to be progressive and interdisciplinary, focusing on interest cultivation in elementary school, technical principles in middle school, and systematic thinking in high school, thereby laying a solid foundation for higher education [2] Group 2 - The guidelines address the potential over-reliance on AI tools by students, which could hinder their independent thinking skills; measures are proposed to prevent direct copying of AI-generated content in assignments [3] - Critical thinking is highlighted as essential in the AI era, with the guidelines advocating for the teaching of reliable AI tools and fostering students' ability to question AI outputs, thereby enhancing their critical thinking and data safety awareness [4] - Practical activities are encouraged in AI education to engage students and ensure a balance between technological empowerment and the essence of education, ultimately contributing to the cultivation of a skilled workforce for national technological independence [4]

Group 1 - The article discusses the differences in educational approaches between China, the United States, and India, highlighting the effectiveness of Chinese educational methods in producing high academic performance [3][4][7] - It mentions the PISA assessment results, where Shanghai students ranked first globally in reading, mathematics, and science, contrasting with the lower rankings of American students [3][4] - The article emphasizes the importance of curiosity, imagination, and critical thinking as essential elements for innovation and creativity in education, which are often lacking in traditional educational systems [8][9][10] Group 2 - The narrative includes the success of Indian business schools and the increasing presence of Indian-origin leaders in top global business schools, indicating a shift in educational influence [5][6] - It draws parallels between Jewish and Chinese cultures regarding the emphasis on family and education, while also noting the differences in educational methods that impact creativity and innovation [6][7] - The conclusion asserts that economic competition ultimately hinges on innovation, which is driven by talent cultivated through effective education [11]