Shortcuts vs. Understanding

While AI offers useful shortcuts for grunt work, depth of understanding still requires engaging with original texts and taking the "long way."

AI excels at tasks like transcription, summarization, language practice, and mental unblocking—removing friction from routine work. But summaries are lossy; you can't achieve depth of understanding without poring through detail and nuance of original texts. The paradox: as technology advances, it becomes easier to satisfy short-term wants (quick answers, instant solutions) at the expense of long-term growth (deep learning, critical thinking).

"AI is a shortcut, and sometimes you should take it (a lot of grunt work sucks). But when you want novel or creative insight, take the long way instead." — Jasmine Sun