When I stepped into the Samcheong Park Library in Seoul, I saw the future. The simple building had a nice selection of books and a cafe where readers could enjoy coffee while gazing at the leaves outside. It was specifically designed without any latest technology.
“What’s so innovative about that?” a librarian in Toronto asked when I showed her pictures. Innovation to her meant digital technology, like 3D printers. “Why couldn’t they both be innovative?” I asked.
We are constantly told that innovation is the most important force in our economy, without which we would be left behind. But that fear of missing out has led us to fall into the false trappings of innovation over truly innovative ideas that may be simpler and more effective. This mindset implies that if you just buy the new thing, you have innovated! Each year, businesses and individuals run around like broken toy robots, trying to figure out their strategy for the latest buzzword equipment.
At best, this is a waste of resources. Devices are bought, used and abandoned, as the technology’s capabilities fall short of its promise. But at its worst, this approach can truly cause damage. Schools cut field trips to purchase tablets with few proven benefits. Companies that applied AI into hiring have actually strengthened gender and racial prejudices.
True innovation isn’t just some magic devices. It is a continuing process of reflection and reassessment, which often means adopting “old” ideas and tools in a new context, or even returning to methods that worked in the past. Adjusted properly, these rearview(后视的) innovations have proved as transformative as novel technologies.
Look no farther than the streets of New York, which have been redesigned recently to accommodate cyclists with car-free zones. The idea isn’t new. It was created half a century ago, with the aim of bringing cities back to their residents. And while e-reader sales have been exploding, Penguin just announced it would publish tiny printed books, an ideal solution for a market demanding both convenience and physicality.
12. Which of the following best describes Samcheong Park Library?
A.Dull but convenient. | B.Simple but refreshing. |
C.Old-fashioned but cozy. | D.Unexceptional but spacious. |
13. What can we learn about innovation from Paragraph 3?
A.Its true meaning is to buy new things. |
B.It is important for the growth of economy. |
C.It shouldn’t involve simple and effective ideas. |
D.Its true meaning has been misread by the public. |
14. Which statement will the author probably agree with?
A.Magic devices encourage innovation. |
B.Innovation should be human-centered. |
C.The power of technology is undervalued. |
D.Wasting resources are a must for innovation. |
15. What is the writing purpose of the text?
A.To introduce some best ideas about innovation. |
B.To show that future lies in returning to the past. |
C.To convince people of the true meaning of innovation. |
D.To stress the important role innovation plays in economy. |