【推荐1】In recent times, it has become common for people to “cancel”, “block”, “delete” or “unfollow” each other on social media. It’s especially common when people are discussing political or social issues.

For example, in the US, there has been a lot of debate (辩论) in recent weeks over police’s cruel behavior. I know many people who have “lost” friends and family members online because they disagree with each other’s opinions on these issues. While some people will still try to argue with others, some have found it easier to simply cut off connection with those they disagree with.

I can understand why some people feel this way. I myself have unfollowed many people on social media for different reasons. It’s usually because they have posted ignorant, offensive (冒犯的) or rude things online. When I delete that kind of content from my social media circle, I needn’t see them any more, which makes me feel relieved (安心的) and calm. Also it entirely makes my online experience far less stressful.

On the other hand, I think it’s important for us to hear different views sometimes. When I discuss complicated (复杂的) topics with my friends, I might ask them a question in which I disagree with them and see how they defend their opinion. This teaches me how to defend my own thinking—as well as remind myself that everyone can be wrong about things from time to time.

【推荐2】Over the last two decades, humankind has created a vast mobile network enabling people to share information at unprecedented(前所未有的)rates, discovered water on Mars, engineered cars that run on hydrogen(氢), etc. So many achievements have there been, in fact, that most go unnoticed by the general population. It is only when a family member needs a heart transplant that you come to learn about the possibility of someone building a heart for them.

In September, British mathematician Sir Michael Atiyah claimed to have solved the Riemann Hypothesis, a complex mathematical equation(数学方程式)that has puzzled some of the world’s brightest minds for 160 years. ”What is the Riemann Hypothesis and why should I care?“ you ask. Frankly speaking, I don’t understand it, and I don’t think I ever will. But I am sure that its applications for advancement in science and technology will be significant. The fact of the matter is that individuals or teams can spend years or even decades working on maths problems that they may never solve. They do so not only because of the rewards that might be available, but also because it is a worthy goal. Most of the world will not understand what these individuals do, but our lives would be very different if nobody ever sought to challenge themselves and take on crazy projects.

I admire a man named Jiro Ono, owner and chef of arguably the most famous sushi restaurant in Japan. Jiro became a qualified sushi chef in 1951, nearly 70 years ago. Today, at the age of 92, he is still looking for ways to improve upon his craft. Many would think that after doing something for that long, they have nothing else to learn, but Jiro puts that notion to shame. Every day, he stands behind the counter and experiments with food in his pursuit of perfection.

In life, just about every corner you turn, you can find areas to improve upon. Medical researchers look for ways to cure cancer; basketball players practice hard to become the next Michael Jordan; scientists experiment with alternative fuels to help the environment. Most of us have not been tasked with progressing in a certain way yet, but what all of us should be doing is seeking to improve ourselves for the good of ourselves or for the good of others.

【推荐1】As AI becomes popular, researchers have noticed its influence on the environment. Training an AI system requires huge computing power and electricity, and the resulting CO₂ emissions (排放) are one way AI affects the environment. But its environmental effect is more than its carbon (碳)footprint.

Jesse Dodge, a scientist at the Allen Institute, says, "The influence of Al systems is going to be from their applications, not the cost of training them." David Rolnick, a computer scientist at McGill University, compares AI to a hammer (锤子) “The main effect of a hammer is what is being hammered,” he says, "not what is in the hammer." Just like a hammer which can either destroy things or build a house, Al can hurt or help the environment.

In 2019, ExxonMobil, an oil company, said it would use Microsoft’s app Azure. With the Al technology, it would increase its production and create billions of dollars. This means Microsoft's AI is directly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. This is not the only AI application that could be environmentally harmful. AI behind the ads that jump out on Instagram or Facebook pages pushes customers to spend more on products like clothes. This in turn causes more emissions through more production and delivery.

But on the other side of the coin, there are AI applications that can help deal with environmental problems, such as the destruction caused by hurricanes. One such application is xView2, a program started by a U. S. organization. It can recognize buildings damaged and people trapped in natural disasters, reducing danger and saving time for rescuers.

AI could be a valuable tool in the fight against climate change—if the Al industry can reduce its harmful climate effects. "Both AI and climate rules have roles to play." Rolnick says. When creating Al rules, he suggests considering its applications, emissions, and other production costs. Further, Dodge adds that those AI professionals should help set up some value systems to limit the technology's use.