Why Does Technology Rush While Thought Lingers?#
“Technology is the wings, thought is the wind direction.” — Anonymous
Smart devices can instantly recognize color codes, yet we still prefer to input them manually. This contrast points to a truth: the evolution of technology far exceeds the update of thought.
Tools are Fast, Cognition is Slow#
Historically, the steam engine and electricity did not change the world solely through technology itself, but rather the leap in division of labor and scientific thinking gave it a soul. Today, 5G carries massive amounts of data, and AI simulates neurons, yet most people still process information using the logic of the print media era. This cognitive lag causes the potential of technology to be wasted in application.
Why the Lag?#
- Path Dependence: The brain favors intuition and experience, and breaking old frameworks is costly[^1].
- Educational Inertia: Didactic teaching struggles to cultivate future-oriented thinking.
How to Break the Deadlock?#
- Bilateral Interaction: Technology and cognition need to evolve in sync.
- Learning Mindset: Instill adaptive and critical genes.
- Educational Innovation: Shift from knowledge accumulation to cultivating meta-abilities.
“True progress is not about making machines more like humans, but about teaching humans to harness intelligence.” — Wiener
As AI knocks on the door of strong intelligence, if thought does not keep up, technology will only become a new shackle. Liberating thought is the engine of civilization.