Terence Tao: AI efficiency may reduce serendipitous discoveries
eigenhector · x · 2026-08-26
Top mathematician Terence Tao suggests that AI might be making us too efficient. He recalls how the randomness of finding a paper next to the one he was looking for in a library often led to unexpected discoveries. Now, search and AI deliver instant answers, removing the friction that often constitutes the learning process itself. The discussion highlights that the time between question and answer is not wasted but essential for exploration and knowledge building.
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