rare.

罕見的。

It's a skill that, simultaneously, is becoming increasingly valuable.

這是一種技能，同時，也在成為 越來越有價值。

Its demand is rising while its supply is decreasing, to put it in economic terms.

它的需求在增加，而供應在減少。 用經濟術語來說。

In this essay, we'll establish a philosophy for focusing and learn how we can get better

在這篇論文中，我們將確立一個理念 用於集中精力，學習如何才能更好

at it.

在它。

But, before we discuss the tactical advice, let's construct a thought experiment that

但是，在我們討論戰術建議之前。 讓我們構建一個思想實驗，即

will let us get to the heart of what it actually means to focus.

將讓我們瞭解它的核心內容。 意思是集中精力。

Imagine that our company - Robo Inc. - has built an extremely complex AI that works in

想象一下，我們的公司--Robo公司--擁有 建立了一個極其複雜的人工智能，在

one of our company warehouses.

我們公司的一個倉庫。

Let's call it Robo3000.

就叫它Robo3000吧。

Robo3000 has been programmed to insert a key into a keyhole, turn it at a specific number

Robo3000已經被編程為插入一個鑰匙，它是由Robo3000自己設計的。 鑰匙孔，以特定的數量轉動它。

of rotations per minute (RPMs), and produce as many boxes as it can.

每分鐘轉數(RPMs)，並生產出 儘可能多的盒子，它可以。

Because our AI is extremely complex and expensive, it's been programmed to sense any threats

因為我們的人工智能是非常複雜和昂貴的。 它已經被編程為感知任何威脅

in its surroundings.

在其周圍環境中。

A fire in the building, for example.

比如說，大樓裡發生火災。

In the event of an emergency, the AI should leave the building safely so that we can avoid

在緊急情況下，人工智能應 安全離開大樓，以避免

the cost of replacing it.

替換它的費用。

However, the Robo3000 must also communicate with the people in the building.

然而，Robo3000也必須進行通信 與樓裡的人。

It has to help them with lifting heavy objects, or in an emergency.

它必須幫助他們搬運重物。 或在緊急情況下。

We hope that - in the case of a fire - it will be able to accurately gauge threat levels,

我們希望--在發生火災的情況下--它能讓我們的生活更美好。 將能夠準確衡量威脅程度。

save as many people as possible, and save itself.

儘可能多的救人，救 本身。

Our company has also invested in an even more expensive and complex AI: the Robo5000.

我們公司還投資了一個更 昂貴而複雜的人工智能：Robo5000。

It can update all of our Robo3000's and make them more efficient.

它可以更新我們所有的Robo3000的和。 使其更有效率。

Because Robo5000's are so expensive, we only have one.

因為Robo5000的價格太貴了，所以我們... 只有一個。

Furthermore, it can only update one robot at a time and that process takes several hours.

而且，它只能更新一個機器人 一次，這個過程需要幾個小時。

So, it travels around the building and our Robo3000's have to interact with the Robo5000

所以，它在建築周圍旅行，我們的。 Robo3000必須與Robo5000進行交互。

to help maximize their productivity.

以幫助他們最大限度地提高生產力。

When a Robo3000 goes to interact with the Robo5000, it leaves its station and doesn't

當一個Robo3000去和Robo3000進行交互時。 Robo5000，它離開了它的站臺，並沒有...

produce any boxes.

產生任何盒。

So, it must be careful not to leave its station without good reason.

所以，一定要注意不要離開自己的崗位。 毫無理由地。

The Robo3000's have to periodically communicate with the Robo5000 to see if an update is worth

Robo3000必須週期性地進行通信。 與Robo5000一起，看看是否值得進行更新

getting; they have to determine whether the benefits of an update outweigh the loss in

獲得；他們必須確定是否 更新的好處超過了損失。

production.

生產。

At this point in the thought experiment, I would like to lay out some definitions.

在這個思想實驗中，我 想列出一些定義。

Consider the action of the AI inserting its key into the keyhole, producing boxes, and

考慮到人工智能插入其 鑰匙插進鑰匙孔，產生盒子，並。

ignoring all of the environmental stimuli.

忽略了所有的環境刺激。

Let's call this a state of directed focus.

我們稱之為定向聚焦的狀態。

Directed Focus: Directing attention at a single thought or action.

定向聚焦。將注意力集中在一個地方 思想或行動。

A narrowed attention.

狹隘的關注。

Providing an undivided attention while ignoring environmental stimuli.

提供全神貫注，同時忽略 環境刺激。

The opposite state will be called generalized focus.

相反的狀態將被稱為廣義的 焦點。

Generalized Focus: Broadly distributed attention.

一般化關注：廣泛分佈的關注。

Reacting to environmental stimulus.

對環境刺激的反應。

In a state of generalized focus, our AI will do things such as analyzing if any one needs

在普遍聚焦的狀態下，我們的人工智能會 做的事情，如分析是否有任何人需要

serious help, if there are any imminent threats, and communicate with the Robo5000 to see if

如果有任何迫在眉睫的威脅，就會得到嚴重的幫助。 並與Robo5000進行通信，以確定是否有

an update is worth getting.

更新是值得得到的。

Clearly, maximizing the amount of time spent directing focus towards the production of

顯然，最大限度地利用時間。 著重於生產

boxes would produce the maximum amount.

箱會產生最大的量。

However, if the Robo3000 stays in a state of directed focus too long, it might not catch

然而，如果Robo3000停留在以下狀態 的時間太長，可能會抓不住。

what's going on in the environment.

環境中發生了什麼。

This could lead to a disaster such as getting trapped in a burning building.

這可能會導致一場災難，如得到 被困於燃燒的建築物中。

Clearly, there's a dilemma here; let's explore this problem further.

顯然，這裡面有一個兩難的問題，讓我們 進一步探討這個問題。

How can our AI maximize its production of boxes while also reacting appropriately to

我們的人工智能如何才能最大限度地產生 盒子，同時也要適當地對

its environment?

其環境？

How does it decide how much time to spend in a state of directed focus producing boxes

它如何決定花多少時間 聚精會神地生產盒子

and how much time to spend in a state of generalized focus analyzing its environment?

以及有多少時間是在泛濫的狀態下度過的。 重點分析其環境?

How can the AI separate a fire from someone cooking in the kitchen?

AI如何將火與人分開 在廚房做飯？

How can the AI separate a trivial request from an important request?

AI如何將一個瑣碎的請求分開 從一個重要的請求？

How can it run optimally?

如何才能達到最佳運行效果？

As the coders, we have to decide what actions the Robo3000 prioritizes; there has to be

作為編碼者，我們必須決定哪些行為是 Robo3000的優先級；必須要有

a system for operating and a hierarchy of priorities.

運作的系統和層次。 優先事項；

Here's an example of an operating system: for every 30 seconds the Robo3000 spends in

這是一個作業系統的例子。 每30秒，機器人3000就會有30秒鐘的時間

a state of directed focus, it must spend 5 seconds in a state of generalized focus.

在定向聚焦的狀態下，它必須花5 秒，處於泛焦狀態。

During this period of generalized focus, the Robo3000 has to prioritize the stimuli it

在這一普遍關注的時期， Robo3000必須優先考慮它的刺激。

detects in its environment and act accordingly.

探測到環境中的情況並採取相應的行動。

Now, how will it do this?

現在，它將如何做到這一點？

What if we assigned it a point system based on actions & priorities.

如果我們給它一個積分系統，基於 在行動和優先事項方面：

For example:

例如：

1.

1.

Helping others with menial tasks - low to no priority - 20 points

幫助他人做一些瑣碎的工作----低級到高級； 無優先權----20分

2.

2.

Maximizing box production - medium priority - 40 points

最大限度地提高包裝盒的產量----中度優先 - 40分

3.

3.

Helping others with heavy lifting - high priority - 60 points

幫助他人搬運重物----高度優先 - 60分

4.

4.

Saving its own life - higher priority - 80 points

拯救自己的生命----更高的優先級----80 分數

5.

5.

Saving the lives of others - highest priority - 100 points

拯救他人的生命----最高優先事項 - 100分

Now, if we code the Robo3000 to maximize the amount of points it achieves each day, it

現在，如果我們對Robo3000進行編碼，以最大限度地增加 每天達到的點數，它的

should direct its focus appropriately.

應適當引導其重點。

It will maximize the production of boxes while also accomplishing more important tasks.

它將最大限度地提高箱子的產量，同時 也完成了更重要的任務。

If the robot does not maximize its points, that means it has been inaccurate in its ability

如果機器人沒有將其積分最大化。 那就意味著它的能力不準確。

to prioritize actions; there is a fault in its code.

來確定行動的優先次序；有錯在先 其代碼。

How does this relate to us?

這和我們有什麼關係？

To change our ability to focus, we must - like the AI - change our code; we have to optimize

要改變我們的專注能力，我們必須--就像。 AI--改變我們的代碼；我們必須優化。

our action-priority point system.

我們的行動優先積分制。

However, I would like to borrow some terminology from the philosophy of hedonism - which we

但是，我想借用一些術語。 從享樂主義哲學-----------------------------------------------------------------------我們

talked about in the virtual reality video - for our condition.

在虛擬現實視頻中談到 - 對於我們的情況。

Instead of maximizing points, you can think of humans as maximizing net pleasure.

與其說是積分最大化，不如說是思考 的人類作為最大化的淨快樂。

In this case, pleasure refers to any state that we would enjoy being in.

在這種情況下，快樂是指任何狀態 我們將享受在。

The Robo3000 uses focus as a tool to maximize the amount of points it achieves over its

Robo3000使用焦點作為工具，以最大限度地提高工作效率。 的分數，它在其

life.

生命。

Likewise, focus is a tool we use to maximize our pleasure over an entire life.

同樣，專注力也是我們用來最大化的工具。 我們一生的快樂。

Like the robot, we do this through an action-priority system.

像機器人一樣，我們通過行動優先級 體系。

You would be correct in thinking that there is, however, an asymmetry between humans and

你會正確地認為，有 然而，人類和的不對稱性。

AI.

AI.

For the AI, the actions that would produce the most pleasure were very clear.

對於人工智能來說，會產生 最高興的是非常清楚。

The AI knew exactly what it had to do to maximize its pleasure.

人工智能很清楚地知道，它必須做什麼才能最大限度地提高 其樂。

For us, this is not so simple.

對我們來說，這並不是那麼簡單。

Determining the net pleasure of an activity is not always intuitive, and it's highly

確定一項活動的淨快樂 並不總是直觀的，而且它是高度的

subjective.

主觀的。

Furthermore, as coders we could easily change how the robot operates and what it prioritizes

此外，作為編碼者，我們可以很容易地改變 機器人的運作方式以及它的優先級是什麼？

by altering its code.

通過改變其代碼。

As humans, some of our code is decided by nature or genetics, and what's left typically

作為人類，我們的一些代碼是由下列因素決定的 自然界或遺傳學，剩下的一般都是

has to be changed by ourselves.

必須由我們自己來改變。

We will explore how we might do this in a bit.

我們將探討我們如何在一個 位。

But first, a summary.

但首先要總結一下。

At it's core, this is what the AI Thought Experiment is about: a robot is trying to

最核心的是，這就是人工智能的思想 實驗的內容是：一個機器人正在試圖

maximize its pleasure in a very complex environment by appropriately directing its focus.

在複雜的環境中獲得最大的快樂 通過適當引導其重點。

How can it accomplish that?

它怎麼能做到這一點呢？

I claim that it can accomplish this through an accurate prioritization and understanding

我聲稱，它可以通過以下方式實現這一點 準確地確定優先次序和理解

of its actions.

的行動。

Likewise, I argue that the same rule applies for us.

同樣，我認為，同樣的規則也適用於 為我們。

Before we discuss how to improve our focus, let's take a look at some reasons why we

在我們討論如何提高我們的專注力之前。 讓我們看看為什麼我們

can't focus.

無法集中精力。

There is another definition to discuss here: what does it actually mean to not focus?

這裡還有一個定義要討論。 不集中精力到底是什麼意思？

Not Focusing: There is a difference between where an individual wants to direct their

不集中精力。有一個區別 個人想要在哪裡引導他們的

attention and where it's actually being directed.

注意力，以及它實際上被 導演：

People direct their focus all of the time but it's not always towards what they want.

人們無時無刻不在引導自己的注意力 但並不總是朝著他們想要的方向發展。

Let's discuss some reasons why.

我們來討論一下原因。

Some people will find it difficult to direct their focus because they lead a high stress

有些人會覺得很難引導 他們的焦點，因為他們過著高壓力的生活

lifestyle.

生活方式。

This is equivalent to the robot being in a burning building.

這相當於機器人在 燃燒的建築。

It will enter into a state of generalized focus, determine an imminent threat, and begin

它將進入一種普遍化的狀態。 焦點，確定迫在眉睫的威脅，並開始。

saving people or evacuating.

救人或疏散。

It could not focus on creating more boxes amidst the chaos.

它不能專注於創造更多的盒子 在混亂中。

It would be more pleasurable for it to save the people and itself.

它將更愉快地保存。 的人和自己。

That's where it must direct its focus; that's the higher priority.

這就是它必須關注的地方；這就是 較高的優先級。

I will argue that many of us are programmed in the same way.

我想說的是，我們中的許多人都是被編程的 以同樣的方式。

We lose the ability to direct our focus to what we want - homework, for example - when

我們失去了引導我們的注意力的能力 我們想要的東西--比如說作業--當。

our stress levels are very high.

我們的壓力水準非常高。

In other words, high stress situations command our attention - like a black hole.

換句話說，高壓力的情況下，命令 我們的注意力--就像一個黑洞。

They are high priority events and rightfully so.

它們是高度優先的事件，理所當然 所以，

I think this is important to realize because some people need to deal with their high levels

我認為這一點很重要，因為 有些人需要處理他們的高層次

of stress before they can focus on other tasks.

的壓力，才能專注於其他任務。

Furthermore, I hope that it will encourage some compassion for those who are suffering.

此外，我希望這將鼓勵 對那些受苦受難的人產生一些同情心。

Sometimes, the students who perform the best are the ones that are the most stress-free

有時，表現最好的學生 是最沒有壓力的

and not the ones that are the most intelligent.

而不是那些最聰明的人。

I believe it is also in our interest to help alleviate the suffering of the less fortunate

我相信這也符合我們的利益。 扶危濟困

so that they may focus on non-emergencies, improve their situation, and contribute positively

以便他們可以集中精力處理非緊急情況。 狀況，並作出積極貢獻

to society.

對社會。

Directing our focus for extended periods of time is much easier when we enjoy the task

長時間地引導我們的注意力。 時不我待

at hand.

吃手。

Think about things you may enjoy doing such as: watching a movie at the theatre, playing

想想你可能喜歡做的事情，比如 如：在影院看電影、玩耍。

video games, having a good conversation, making music, doing arts and crafts, or reading.

視頻遊戲，有一個良好的對話，使 音樂，做藝術和手工，或閱讀。

Do you ever think about how easy it is to maintain a state of directed focus when doing

你可曾想過這是多麼的簡單 凝神靜氣

these activities?

這些活動？

This is likely due to the fact that we find these activities intrinsically pleasurable.

這很可能是由於我們發現 這些活動本質上是快樂的。

It's not difficult to determine that a good conversation with a friend will be enjoyable

不難確定，一個好的? 談笑風生

or that playing a good game will be pleasurable.

或者說玩好遊戲會很開心。

We focus because we know that we will enter a pleasurable state; there is little to no

我們專注是因為我們知道我們將進入 愉悅的狀態；幾乎沒有

uncertainty.

不確定性；

I would now like to make a distinction between 2 kinds of pleasure: extrinsic and intrinsic.

我現在要對以下兩種情況進行區分。 2種快樂：外在的和內在的。

Intrinsic: pleasure derived from an activity itself.

內在的：從活動中獲得的快樂 本身。

Eg - a good conversation.

Eg--一個很好的對話。

Extrinsic: doing an activity that leads to pleasure.

外在：做一項活動，導致 樂趣。

Eg - working a job you hate for good money.

Activities that are extrinsically pleasurable are harder to focus on because the activity

外在愉悅的活動 更加難以關注，因為活動

itself is not pleasurable.

本身並不令人愉悅。

Not only do they not produce pleasurable states, it's often hard to determine whether they

不僅不會產生愉悅的狀態。 往往很難確定他們是否

will lead to future states of pleasure.

將導致未來的快樂狀態。

For example, let's say I work a job I hate and find it unpleasurable.

例如，假設我從事一份我討厭的工作。 並覺得不快。

I also don't know if I'm going to get a raise, if that raise will bring me anymore

我也不知道我是否會得到。 加薪，如果加薪能給我帶來更多的好處的話

pleasure, if I'll get a promotion, or if that promotion will bring me anymore pleasure.

樂趣，如果我將得到提升，或者如果。 晉升會給我帶來更多的樂趣。

I originally took this job because it gave me the extrinsic pleasure of money.

我最初接受這份工作是因為它給了我 我金錢的外在快樂。

Now, I'm more uncertain about the pleasure it will continue to produce for me.

現在，我更不確定的樂趣 它將繼續為我生產。

This job will become very hard for me to focus on and, instead, I will begin to direct my

這個工作會讓我很難集中精力的 而我將開始引導我的......"。

focus on activities that I know will produce pleasure such as texting or going on social

專注於我知道會產生 樂趣，如發短信或上社交

media.

襪子。

On the other hand, intrinsically pleasurable activities are much easier to focus on because,

另一方面，內在的愉悅性。 活動更容易集中，因為。

again, there is no uncertainty about the pleasure they will bring.

樂趣無邊 他們將帶來。

This example does not map nicely onto our robot analogy because it describes an action

這個例子不能很好地映射到我們的 機器人類比，因為它描述的是一個動作

our robot would never take.

我們的機器人永遠不會採取。

Our robot would never do activities that are extrinsically pleasurable.

我們的機器人永遠不會做的活動，是 外在的愉悅。

It can only function by doing activities that are intrinsically pleasurable.

它只有通過從事以下活動才能發揮作用 是內在的愉悅。

The last reason, I'd argue, is that many individuals have coded themselves to constantly

最後一個原因，我想說的是，很多人的 個人已經給自己打上了密碼，以不斷

seek small short-term pleasures.

追求短期的小享受。

This is equivalent to coding the robot such that it does not save itself, does not help

這相當於對機器人進行編碼，如 它不拯救自己，不幫助自己。

anyone else, and never goes to get upgrades.

任何人，也從不去升級。

It produces a consistent, predictable, and repeatable amount of pleasure over its life

它產生了一個一致的、可預測的和 愉悅感

but it does not maximize its pleasure.

但它並沒有最大限度地提高它的快樂。

It may be in a state of directed focus its whole life but to what end?

它可能處於定向聚焦狀態其 一生，但目的是什麼？

Directed focus is a means to an end and not an end in itself.

定向聚焦是達到目的的手段，而不是。 本身就是一個目的。

In our example, maximizing pleasure is the end goal and directed focus is the tool, or

在我們的例子中，快樂最大化是 最終目標和定向重點是工具，或

means, to achieve it.

手段，來實現它。

Now, how can we address all of the problems?

現在，我們如何解決所有的問題？

Two out of the four problems were solved above which were: dealing with stress and doing

以上四個問題中，有兩個問題得到了解決 其中：處理壓力和做

intrinsically valuable activities.

內在價值的活動。

Let's discuss the other two.

我們來討論一下另外兩個問題。

Habit #1: Abstaining from Short-Term Pleasure Seeking

習慣1：戒除短期的快樂 尋找

The best way to change our code, arguably, is through our habits.

可以說，這是改變我們代碼的最好方法。 是通過我們的習慣。

By cultivating the ability to abstain from short-term pleasure seeking, we can focus

通過培養戒色的能力。 短期的快樂追求，我們可以專注於

on activities that produce more long-term pleasure.

的活動，產生更多的長期效益 樂趣。

So, here are some practices that can help us build the habit of abstaining.

所以，以下一些做法可以幫助你 我們要建立戒色的習慣。

Meditation allows one to embrace boredom and to not be bothered by it.

冥想可以讓人擁抱無聊和。 以免被其困擾。

It trains the brain to not seek out immediate pleasure in boredom.

它可以訓練大腦不尋求即時的。 以無聊為樂。

It allows the mind to stay calm when working on activities that require more patience to

它可以讓工作時的頭腦保持冷靜 在需要更多耐心的活動上

produce pleasure.

產生快樂。

I've talked about this one too many times already.

這個我說了太多次了。 已經。

I have a video on it and discussed it in my podcast with Dr. Jubbal from Med School Insiders.

我有一個關於它的視頻，並討論了它在我的 播客與Jubbal博士從醫學院內部人士。

You can check those out if you want to learn more and I'd also recommend reading Deep

如果你想學習的話，可以去看看那些東西 更多，我還推薦閱讀《深

Work by Cal Newport.

卡爾-紐波特的作品。

I've linked to all of these in the description.