I miss thinking hard (jernesto.com)

Article summary

The author expresses a sense of loss and longing for the days when they had to think deeply and struggle with difficult problems, which they feel is no longer necessary with the use of AI tools. They describe their personality as having two traits: the Builder, who craves creation and pragmatism, and the Thinker, who needs deep, prolonged mental struggle. The author feels that AI has diminished the need for the Thinker, leading to a sense of stagnation and dissatisfaction. They are unsure how to reconcile this conflict and find a way to satisfy both aspects of their personality.

Main themes

• Impact of AI on problem-solving
• Balance between creativity and pragmatism
• Personal growth and satisfaction
• Role of struggle in learning and development
• Evolution of work and productivity

What commenters say

• The use of AI tools can lead to a lack of deep thinking and problem-solving skills, resulting in hidden technical debt and decreased personal growth.
• Some individuals find that AI tools enable them to think harder and focus on more complex problems, rather than being hindered by mundane tasks.
• The integration of AI in workflow can lead to a different type of thinking, more focused on management and context switching, which can be tiring but also productive.
• The reliance on AI tools can stifle creativity and innovation, as individuals may become too reliant on the technology and lose the ability to think critically and come up with original solutions.
• Others argue that AI tools can be used effectively to augment human thinking, allowing for more efficient and effective problem-solving, and that the key is to find a balance between using the tools and exercising one's own critical thinking skills.
• The use of AI tools can also lead to a sense of mental exhaustion, as individuals must constantly switch between tasks and contexts, and may feel pressured to keep up with the technology.
• Some commenters disagree with the idea that AI tools are the primary cause of the problem, and instead suggest that the issue lies with the individual's approach to work and their own motivations and discipline.
• The discussion highlights the importance of self-awareness and intentional practice in maintaining and developing critical thinking skills, regardless of the tools or technologies used.