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解读Street Smart和Book SmartStreet Smart vs. Book Smart![]()
In the age of AI, more and more people are facing unemployment and struggling to find suitable jobs. But there’s one skill I’m confident won’t be easily replaced by machines or AI—Street Smart. This ability is an essential survival skill for those who thrive in the real world. It encompasses many things, such as communication, adaptability, and even the most basic survival instincts.Let’s break down Street Smart and Book Smart in more relatable terms:•Street Smart can be translated as “socially savvy” or “street survival expert.” These individuals might not have the highest grades, but they excel in real-life situations. They’re quick to adapt, have high emotional intelligence, and can navigate various challenges with ease. They’re like those seasoned people who, no matter where they are, always find a way to survive and solve problems.•Book Smart,on the other hand, refers to someone who’s academically brilliant or “book-smart.” These individuals have solid theoretical knowledge and score well on exams, but they often lack flexibility and practical skills. When faced with complex, real-world problems outside the textbook, they can easily feel lost.In simple terms, Street Smart is the ability to navigate the complexities of life, while Book Smart is being a master of academic knowledge. Both are important, but in today’s rapidly changing world, Street Smart—the ability to handle the unknown and adapt to new environments—is especially valuable.Street Smart individuals aren’t afraid of the unknown. They understand that many of life’s problems don’t come with a clear-cut solution, so they’re willing to experiment, make mistakes, and learn as they go. Think of Columbus setting sail to discover the New World—he wasn’t following a detailed map but was guided by his spirit of exploration. That’s the essence of Street Smart.Book Smart individuals, however, are accustomed to following predetermined steps. Before taking any action, they study, practice, and ensure everything is perfectly planned. But when they encounter new, unfamiliar problems, they often don’t know where to start. Our education system, both in the past and present, leans heavily toward producing Book Smart individuals. From a young age, students are trained to ace exams, turning them into test-taking machines. Now, imagine if Columbus had been a Book Smart type—he’d still be at home, trying to perfect his map, and the New World might have remained undiscovered.
在AI时代，越来越多的人面临失业，找不到合适的工作。但有一个能力，我敢肯定，不会被机器或AI轻易取代，那就是Street Smart。这个能力，绝对是“街上混”的高手们必备的生存技能，它包含了很多方面的东西，比如语言沟通能力、灵活应变的能力，甚至最基础的生存本能。
这里咱们选择更接地气的方式来解读Street Smart和Book Smart：
•Street Smart 可以翻译成“社会通”，或者“社会生存达人”。这类人不一定成绩顶尖，但他们在实际生活和工作中，善于应变、情商高、能随机应对各种情况。就像那种“街头经验丰富”的人，在哪儿都能生存下来，总能找到办法解决问题。
•Book Smart 则可以理解为“书呆子聪明”或者“书本通”。这些人理论扎实，考试成绩很好，按书本上的来准没错。但如果脱离了教科书，他们往往缺乏灵活性和实际操作能力，面对现实中的复杂问题时，容易手足无措。
简单概括来讲，Street Smart更像是“在江湖上行走的本事”，而Book Smart则是“书本知识的高分高手”。两者都重要，但在如今快速变化的世界里，Street Smart这种应对复杂、未知环境的能力，尤其显得不可或缺。
Street Smart的人，天生不怕未知。他们知道，世界上的很多问题，没有标准答案，得自己去摸索、去试错。哥伦布出海发现新大陆，摸着石头过河，走一步看一步，凭的就是一种探索精神。这种精神就是Street Smart的精髓。
而Book Smart呢？他们习惯了跟着固定的步骤走，考试之前必须先刷过无数次题，得分越高越好，结果在面对新问题时往往手足无措。咱们国内的教育体系，无论是过去还是现在，确实太偏向Book Smart了。学生们从小就是被训练成“刷题家”，各种考高分，搞得个个都是考试机器。你说，要是哥伦布也像个Book Smart那样，非得等把航线规划得百分百妥当才出海，那新大陆还会有他发现吗？可能他还在家琢磨图纸呢。
“应试”也不能说没有用， 会考试也是很“硬核”的能力，毕竟我以前也是这么过五关斩六将考过来的。彼时，我从广西南宁考到中国人民大学的财政金融学院，那分数要求有多高？ 只有经历过的人才懂。我们这一代所谓的“金榜题名”确实曾提供过一个很好的平台和机会，但现在的环境不同了，名校毕业已经不再是保证工作机会的通行证。我当年刚毕业时，机会确实很多，但即便如此，语言和沟通能力仍然是不可或缺的， 不然面试就被刷下去了。无论在哪个年代，这都是立足职场的关键技能。
讨论Street Smart，它并不是说你要成为什么大佬，而是你能在各种复杂和不确定的环境中，找到自己的出路。比起单纯的书本知识，Street Smart讲究的是实际的应对和生存技巧。尤其是在当下，国内机会越来越紧张，很多人开始瞄准出海发展，但说真的，没点Street Smart，根本就不可能在国际市场上站稳脚跟。因为出海，不像我们在国内工作，有现成的路可以走，很多东西你是摸不清的，完全靠探索。
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If Africa is a jungle, we need to have the jungle smart”如果你把非洲比作丛林，那我们就必须拥有“丛林智慧（Jungle Smart）
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“If Africa is a jungle, we need to have Jungle Smart.” If you compare Africa to a jungle, then we must possess "Jungle Smart." This analogy is spot on and really gets to the heart of the matter. In my previous article, “非洲刚果金(预热篇)：一个机会与挑战并存的商业丛林 Congo DRC: A Jungle of Biz Opportunity” I touched on this concept. Many people who have been to Congo DRC say it feels like entering a tough, survival-driven jungle. You’re not dealing with regular market rules here; it’s a complex environment full of unpredictability, challenges, and opportunities.Simply put, Africa’s business environment is not a place where you can just copy and paste your successful domestic model and expect it to work. If you think your experience from home will help you conquer everything, you’re being naive. The reality in Africa is that there are often no established rules to follow—markets are unstable, technology is lagging, policies are unpredictable, and even basic infrastructure is lacking. In such a setting, what you need is not a detailed business plan but the ability to adapt on the fly, make decisions on the spot, and constantly adjust your strategy—that’s what I call "Jungle Smart."
“If Africa is a jungle, we need to have the Jungle Smart”。如果你把非洲比作丛林，那我们就必须拥有“丛林智慧（Jungle Smart）”。这个比喻相当形象，也直接戳中要害。之前我在文章“非洲刚果金(预热篇)：一个机会与挑战并存的商业丛林 Congo DRC: A Jungle of Biz Opportunity”里也提到，很多人去过刚果金后，感受就像进入了一片生存环境很“tough”的丛林。你在这里面对的不是常规的市场规则，而是充满了变数、挑战和机会的复杂环境。
说白了，非洲的商业环境，绝对不是你带着国内那一套成功模式就能顺利复制过去的。你以为拿着国内的经验就能横扫一切？太天真了。非洲的环境，有时根本就没有现成的规则可以遵循，市场不确定，技术落后，政策变化莫测，甚至连基础设施都不完善。这时候，你需要的不是一份详尽的计划书，而是那种见招拆招、随时调整策略的能力——这就是我说的“Jungle Smart”。
Just like Street Smart, Jungle Smart isn’t something you can learn from a book—it’s survival intelligence, the ability to find a way out in chaos and uncertainty. You have to learn how to navigate without clear directions and spot opportunities in seemingly impossible environments. Thriving in a market like Africa requires this hardcore adaptability and survival wisdom. You need to not only engage with the locals, using strong language and communication skills, but also deeply understand the local culture. Even at the negotiation table, you need to be flexible with your tactics. For instance, there are times when you should adopt a strong “I’m here to save you” approach, and other times when you need to humbly adapt to the local culture and pace. This balance is crucial—showing confidence without coming across as arrogant. Mastering this delicate balance between culture and business is the key to success in these markets. If you misstep, you could easily find yourself on the losing side.This reminds me of the French-speaking West African regions, where pride and self-respect run deep. If you want to enter their market, you need to understand and adapt to their culture. Don’t be fooled by the economic challenges—these people take their pride seriously. They expect you to play by their rules and respect their cultural background if you want to do business with them.At the same time, they need to understand the importance of our projects and the need to move quickly. If they can’t match the “China speed” and execution power, things will never happen. Once they grasp this, the response changes. Where once no one would answer after work or on weekends, now they’re responding quickly, even late at night or on weekends. These skills aren’t learned by studying; they’re honed through real-world experience.So, if you want to succeed in Africa, it’s not about copying what worked in China. You need to figure out how to survive, thrive, and even shape the rules in this business jungle. It all comes down to whether you have the Jungle Smart to adapt to the unknown, tackle challenges, and ultimately carve out your own path to success.
跟Street Smart一样，Jungle Smart不是光靠书本上学来的东西，它是一种生存智慧，一种在混乱和未知中依然能找到出路的本事。你得学会如何在没有明确方向的情况下摸索前进，如何在看似不可能的环境中挖掘机会。能在非洲这样的市场中打出一片天地，靠的就是这种最硬核的适应力和生存智慧。你不仅得和当地人打交道，具备强大的语言和沟通能力，还必须深入理解当地文化。甚至在谈判桌上，你也要灵活运用不同的技巧。比如，什么时候该用“我来拯救你”的强势姿态，什么时候则要切换到我们主动适应当地文化和节奏的谦逊风格。这种分寸的拿捏至关重要，态度得拿捏得当，既要体现出强大的自信，又不能让对方觉得被冒犯。这种文化与商业的微妙平衡，是在这些市场里成功的关键，否则一不小心，你可能就会在市场上败下阵来。
说到这一点，我就不得不提一下，比如在曾经法国是宗主国的西非法语区，人们非常讲自尊。如果你想进入他们的市场，不仅要懂得他们的文化，还得适应他们的方式。别看这些地方经济不发达，但人家的自尊心可强着呢。他们会认为，如果你想做生意，就得按他们的规矩来，尊重他们的文化背景。
另外也得让他们知道，必须重视我们这个项目，要快速推进， 否则我们就找别人合作。 如果没有中国人这种“China speed”或者执行力，永远不可能成事。他们听着也觉得有道理，所以本来下了班、周末都没人回信息的，结果现在晚上活或周末接到我的信息，都能快速响应。这些经验不是刷题刷出来的，是靠真刀真枪的经历磨练出来的。
所以，如果你要在非洲混，不是想着怎么复制国内的套路，而是要想清楚怎么在这片商业丛林里，活下来、走出来、甚至成为规则的制定者。这就得靠你是不是有那个“丛林智慧”，能不能在未知的环境里灵活应对，不畏艰险，最终找到你的生存和发展路径。
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在tough的非洲刚果金（Congo DRC),印度人反而比黎巴嫩人混得更成功？Why Are Indians Outperforming Lebanese in the Tough Congo DRC Market?
I previously wrote an article about the success of Lebanese people in Africa: “What Makes Lebanese Thrive in African Countries?” But what really surprised me was hearing that in Congo DRC, the Indians are actually doing better than the Lebanese. When I first heard this, I was just as shocked, so I discussed it with some local friends to try to understand the reasons behind it.
Congo DRC’s business environment can be described as “tough of the tough.” The compliance regulations are frustratingly complex, the infrastructure is underdeveloped, and the operating costs are through the roof. Yet, Indians seem to possess an innate “Jungle Smart” that allows them to thrive in such a challenging environment. This wisdom likely comes from their experiences back in India, where the social landscape is incredibly complex, and navigating through layers of caste and conflicting interests requires high emotional intelligence and adaptability.
Compared to that, the business environment in Congo DRC doesn’t seem as daunting for Indians. They are used to managing intricate power dynamics and always find ways to overcome various challenges. This soft skill set, their Jungle Smart, is what makes Indians more successful in Congo DRC, even surpassing the Lebanese.
Whether it’s food imports and exports, real estate, or retail and supermarkets, Indians have excelled in these fields. They’ve used their unique survival skills to establish themselves in a market as tough as Congo DRC, achieving remarkable success. It’s really impressive. In my next article, I might explore “Why Are Indians Outperforming Lebanese in the Tough Congo DRC Market?”
我之前写过一篇关于黎巴嫩人的文章: 黎巴嫩人到底凭什么在非洲混得风生水起？ Success of Lebanese in African Countries, 但是让我感到大跌眼镜的是，在非洲的刚果金（Congo DRC），印度人反而比黎巴嫩人混得更成功。听到这个消息时，我也感到很吃惊，于是和当地的朋友探讨了一下，试图搞明白其中的原因。
刚果金的营商环境可以说是“硬核中的硬核”，是Tough of the Tough。这里的合规制度繁琐得令人抓狂，基础设施落后，运营成本也高得惊人。但印度人却似乎有一种天生的“丛林智慧”（Jungle Smart），让他们在这样的环境下如鱼得水。这种智慧源于他们在印度本国的经历，印度社会复杂多变，阶层之间的利益纠葛需要极高的情商和适应能力来navigate。
所以相比之下，刚果金的营商环境对于印度人来说，反而显得没那么难。他们习惯了处理复杂的利益关系，总能找到办法应对各种挑战。这种综合软实力，也就是他们的Jungle Smart，让印度人在刚果金更加成功，甚至超过了黎巴嫩人。
不论是食品进出口、房地产，还是零售业和超市，印度人在这些领域都表现得特别强劲。他们凭借这种独特的生存智慧，在刚果金这样的市场中站稳了脚跟，取得了显著的成功。这真的是让人刮目相看。我下一篇文章会可能会探讨“为什么印度人比黎巴嫩人还厉害，在tough的非洲刚果金混得风生水起？”
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街头智慧Street Smart，可能是当前亟需的生存基本盘
Street Smart: The Essential Survival Skill We Desperately Need Today
I recently heard about a tragic story of a young woman who died of starvation in her rented apartment. After graduating, she spent eight or nine years trying to pass the civil service exam. Her written test scores were always excellent, sometimes even the highest, but she kept failing the interview, likely due to poor communication and social skills. To keep going, she repeatedly borrowed money from her family to pay rent, but eventually, she could no longer get help. Unable to pay her rent and likely suffering from depression, she tragically passed away in her apartment.When I heard this story, I was truly shocked. Children from poorer backgrounds cannot afford to depend entirely on exams, nor should they cling to illusions of a “dignified” life based solely on academic achievement. True dignity doesn’t come from passing exams or earning degrees—it comes from working hard and building your life step by step. Whether it’s passing the civil service exam or pursuing any other career, you can’t get too fixated on any one path. The most important thing in life is to survive first—earn enough to sustain yourself and address the basic needs of living. To me, the idea of starving to death is simply unthinkable. As long as you have Street Smart—the ability to adapt and find ways to survive—you’ll never end up in such a situation.For example, if I couldn’t find a job, I’d go work at a restaurant. Even if the employer didn’t want to pay me, I’d say, “I don’t need money, just feed me, or I’ll even eat what’s left over from the customers.”In the process, not only would you feed yourself, but you’d also improve your social and communication skills. Working at a restaurant, interacting with customers, chatting a bit here and there, you gradually develop your sales and interpersonal skills. With that, opportunities start to open up, and eventually, a breakthrough will come. Starvation, in essence, is the result of a lack of flexibility and the ability to adapt to survival challenges. Street Smart is the wisdom and survival skill you need in these tough situations. The ability to find a way out depends on whether you can adjust and adapt. If you can, survival will never be a problem.听说前两个月有个女孩饿死在出租屋里， 这个女孩毕业后花了八九年的时间考公务员，笔试成绩都很不错，有时候甚至能拿第一，但每次面试都挂掉，沟通和社交能力可能不太好。为了继续坚持，她不断向家里借钱来付房租，但最后借不到钱，付不起房租，可能是因为抑郁，最后饿死在出租屋里。
当我听到这个故事的时候，真的挺震惊的。穷人家的孩子，不能过分依赖考试，不能沉溺在“体面”的幻想中。真正的体面不是依靠考试和学历，而是靠自己一步步打拼出来的。不管是考公务员，还是其他职业，都不能抱有执念。人生最重要的是先活下去，赚到养活自己的钱，解决最基本的生存问题。对我来说，饿死是绝对不存在的事情。只要有Street Smart——能随机应变，找到生存的办法，就不至于走到那一步。比如说，如果实在没办法找到工作，我可能会去餐馆打工，哪怕别人不愿意付工资，我也会说：“我不要钱，只要管饭就行，甚至吃客人剩下的都可以。”在这样的过程中，你不仅能填饱肚子，还能锻炼自己的社交和沟通能力。像在餐馆里打工，跟客人多打交道、聊几句，慢慢就能提升自己的Sales技巧和人际沟通能力。这样一来，你的机会也会越来越多，转机自然就会来。饿死这种事情本质上是对生存缺乏灵活应变能力的结果。Street Smart，就是在这种困境中活下去的智慧和生存技巧。能不能找到一条出路，关键在于你能不能适应、能不能调整自己，活下来绝对不是问题。How many college graduates today are truly willing to set aside their pride and take a job that isn’t so “glamorous”? So many kids from underprivileged backgrounds get a taste of higher education and suddenly set their sights sky-high—if it’s not a government job, they don’t want it; if it’s not a prestigious company, they won’t even consider it. But the more they pick and choose, the poorer they become, and the longer they wait, the more desperate they get. Let’s be real: kids from poor families don’t have the luxury of being choosy. The most important thing is to survive first, earn a living, and then think about what’s next.
Too many people, including parents and individuals themselves, have an overly simplistic view of what’s “useful” or not. They make judgments about skills or knowledge based purely on their own limited perspective. How do you know something won’t be useful? This narrow-mindedness and cognitive bias in deciding what’s worthwhile often leads to poor decisions.
Take the service industry in places like the U.S., for example. I believe being a server can be a valuable learning experience. Many waiters and waitresses are college students working part-time to pay their way. They don’t have a base salary, and their income depends entirely on the quality of their service. If they communicate well with customers and make good recommendations, the bill naturally increases—and so does the tip. In fact, providing an exceptional experience could even earn them a 25% tip (the standard being 15%).
Every day, they have to deal with different people and meet all sorts of demands. Now, isn’t that far more challenging than cramming for exams? But in this kind of environment, your “sales,” “social,” and “adaptability” skills improve rapidly. This is what we call Street Smart. In fact, some college students who intern at restaurants end up finding job opportunities or even meeting important connections through their interactions with customers.
现在的大学生，有几个真的敢放下身段找一份“没那么光鲜”的工作？好多穷苦家庭出来的孩子，读了几年书后眼光高得离谱，不是公务员不要，不是名企不干，结果越挑越穷，越等越绝望。现实一点吧，穷人家的孩子没有资本去挑挑拣拣，先活下来，挣到钱，才是头等大事。很多家长和个人对学习的东西、技能是否有用，判断得太肤浅，完全是基于自己的认知。你怎么知道某些东西没用呢？这种对“有用”与“没用”的判断往往狭隘，而且有认知偏差。
在国外，比如美国，我认为服务员的工作其实很锻炼人。很多服务生都是大学生，靠打零工、拿小费生活。他们没有底薪，全靠服务水平赚小费。跟客人沟通得好，推荐菜品得当，客单价自然就高，高质量的对话甚至给客人提供了一定情绪价值，没准还能拿到25%的小费（基础小费是15%)。另外，每天都得跟不同的人打交道，应对客人的各种要求，这可比刷题难多了吧？但也正是在这样的环境里，你的”销售”、“社交“和“应变”技能迅速提升，这种能力就是我们说的Street Smart. 有些到餐厅实习的大学生还有可能在跟客人互动过程中找到工作机会和遇到人生的”贵人“。I still remember one time when a friend of mine, who lives in New York, came to Shanghai for a business trip. Thanks to her, I got to stay with her at the most expensive hotel in Shanghai, the J Hotel. The night before, we were chatting, and she mentioned that one of her wealthy friends on the Upper East Side in New York deliberately had her child intern at a Michelin-starred restaurant to hone their high-level “soft skills.” The next morning, I happened to meet a truly impressive French dining manager during breakfast at the hotel. The other Chinese servers were all busy, and he noticed that, so he approached me and asked in English, “Would you like me to serve you?” I replied, “Why not? Can I have a latte to start?” He smiled and said, “I already read your mind, your latte is on the way.” At that moment, I thought to myself, wow, this guy really knows how to impress.
He didn’t stop there. He went on to introduce the menu in detail, saying, “Today we have grass-fed Australian steak with organic asparagus, and another dish—French poached eggs with truffles, using the freshest ingredients…” The way he described the ingredients and their origins made it impossible not to want to try. I initially only planned to order one dish, but he suggested, “Why don’t you try both? You can always order more later.” His level of service was impeccable, making me feel genuinely respected and cared for.
This kind of communication and service attitude—aren’t these exactly the skills we need in the workplace? If you can perform like this in any job, who wouldn’t want to work with you? As I was leaving, I mentioned that I’d like a coffee to-go, and he responded with a smile, “I also read your mind, your Coffee Latte to-go will be ready in a minute.” He always seemed to know exactly what the customer wanted. A person with these skills, even in a role like a server, leaves a lasting impression. With abilities like this, no matter the industry, how can you not succeed?
So why do we tend to look down on certain jobs? A server can excel and think like an owner. For example, in Michelin-starred restaurants in France, chefs often come out to interact with customers, because if they don’t, customers might feel the dish isn’t worth the price. That interaction adds emotional and experiential value beyond just the food.
But nowadays, many Chinese kids not only lack these communication skills, but they also seem completely unaware of basic survival abilities. Both parents and children are still obsessing over exams, hoping to secure a government job or some “prestigious” position, all while basic survival skills are being neglected. It’s high time we change this mindset.
我还记得有一次，一位定居纽约的好友到上海出差，托她的福， 我陪她住在上海最贵的J酒店。 前一晚我们聊天她还提到， 她纽约上东区的一位富豪朋友就特意让她的孩子到一家米其林餐厅实习，刻意锻炼高级“soft skills”。 特别巧的是， 第二天我在早餐时就遇到一位特别impressive的法国来的餐饮部主管。当时整个餐厅里，其他中国服务员都忙得不可开交，他看见了，直接用英文问我：“Would you like me to serve you?” 我说：“why not? 可以先来杯拿铁吗?” 他接着说：“I already read your mind, your latte is on the way.” 我当时心想，哇，这也太会了吧！接下来他还特别认真地介绍了菜品，比如“我们今天有澳洲的草饲牛排配有机芦笋，还有另一道法式松露水波蛋料理，食材非常新鲜...”他把食材的特色和产地讲得让人忍不住想试试。我本来只想点一样，他又说：“Why don’t you try both? You can always order more later.” 真的是服务太到位，让人感受到极大的尊重和关怀。这样的沟通能力、服务态度，不就是我们在职场上也需要的吗？任何一份工作，如果你能做到这样，谁不喜欢和你合作呢？离开时我说想外带一杯咖啡，他又笑着说：“I also read your mind, your to-go latte will be ready in a minute”....总是能想客户所想，你说，这样的人哪怕做服务员，也能给人留下深刻的印象，哪怕在任何一个行业，具备这样的能力，怎么可能不成事儿。所以啊，为什么我们非得把某些工作看得那么低下？服务员完全可以做得很好，拥有老板的思维。比如，法国的米其林餐厅，厨师都需要出来跟客人互动，不然客人会觉得这道菜不值这么多钱。这样的互动，不只是食物的价值，还有情感和体验的附加值。而现在，很多中国的孩子不但缺乏这样的沟通能力，甚至对这些基本的生存能力也毫无概念。家长和孩子还在死磕考试，想着要考上公务员或者拿个“高级”工作，结果基本的生存技能都丢了。所以，我觉得是时候改变这种思路了。
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名校再也不能保证一个稳定的未来了
A degree from a prestigious university is no longer a guaranteed ticket to a stable future
Last week, I wrote an article, Back to School Thoughts: International vs. Chinese Schools—In the Age of AI, Is a Relaxed Attitude the Key?, comparing international schools and Chinese schools. The goal of that article wasn’t to encourage people to abandon public schools and flock to international ones, especially since international schools often require foreign citizenship and aren’t easily accessible to everyone.What I was really trying to convey is that we can learn from the philosophies and approaches of international schools when it comes to developing the “soft skills” that are crucial in the age of AI—skills that are transferable across any industry. These aren’t tied to any specific field but are essential in every profession. International schools prioritize these soft skills, rather than focusing solely on rote memorization and test-taking.We don’t need to send our children to international schools, but we should stop being fixated on the outdated exam-focused education system. That era is over. In the future, especially in the AI-driven world, it won’t be the high-scoring but under-skilled students who thrive, but rather those who possess real communication and problem-solving abilities—the “street smart” individuals. The international school model emphasizes well-rounded development, improving language and communication skills, rather than just chasing exam results.我上周写过一篇文章（开学季思考：国际学校vs中国学校-AI时代，松弛感才是王道? Insights on International School），讲过国际学校和中国学校的对比。写那篇文章到目的，不是鼓励大家抛弃公立学校跑去读国际学校，毕竟国际学校不是你想上就能上，很多都需要外国国籍。
我那篇文章其实是想说，我们可以参考国际学校的理念和思路，培养孩子在AI时代所需的那些“软技能”（soft skills），也就是所谓的“可迁移技能”（transferable skills），这些技能不局限于某个专业领域，而是在任何行业都非常关键的基础能力。国际学校看重的，正是这些软技能，而不是一味的“死经背题”。
我们不用刻意送孩子去国际学校， 但别再执迷于过去的应试教育了，那个时代已经过去。未来的世界，尤其是AI时代，真正吃香的，绝对不是天天埋头做题的“高分低能”考生，而是那些具备实际沟通能力、问题解决能力的“street smart”型人才。国际学校的教育模式，强调的是多元发展，提升语言能力和沟通能力，而不是一味地追求考试成绩。
Many people are still struggling through the current wave of unemployment, yet they continue to push their kids down a dead-end path—forcing them to cram for exams day after day. But have you ever stopped to think if this is actually effective? Times have changed, and with AI, ChatGPT, and other technologies, those “test-preppers” can be outdone in an instant.I know this all too well. I was one of those kids who buried my head in books, battling through exams, and eventually making it to Beijing, to Renmin University. Sure, exams gave me a platform, but I can tell you, what has taken me further in life are the communication and language skills I developed early on, not just my ability to ace tests.Nowadays, a degree from a prestigious university is no longer a guaranteed ticket to a stable future. So why continue to put all your energy into exam preparation? Back then, striving to get into a top school made sense because it opened up more opportunities, but even that isn’t a certainty anymore.It’s time to change our mindset. Stop using outdated thinking to educate the next generation. The future belongs to those who are adaptable, resilient, and possess strong communication skills—not to those who are merely exam machines. If you don’t make a shift, not only will you face unemployment, but your children may very well be next in line for the same fate.
很多人现在还在失业潮里挣扎，却依旧逼孩子走上一条死胡同，天天让他们考试、鸡娃，但你有没有想过，这样做真的有效吗？时代变了，AI、ChatGPT这些技术分分钟就能秒杀那些“做题家”。彼时，我自己就是从小埋头做题， 拼过高考，杀到北京，进了人大，确实考试给了我一个平台，但我要告诉你，真正支撑我走得更远的，是我从小培养的沟通能力和外语能力，而不是光靠考试。
现在呢？名校再也不能保证一个稳定的未来了，为什么还要把所有的心血都押在考试上？以前拼一拼考上名校，是因为那个时候确实能带来更多机会，但如今，连这结论都不成立了。
所以，是时候改变思路了，别再用旧思维来教育下一代。未来属于那些拥有灵活应变、抗压能力和沟通技巧的人，而不是一味埋头做题的“考试机器”。如果你不改变，不仅你自己会失业，你的孩子，也一样会面临同样的命运。
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英文永远都是一个Super Plus
English has always been a Super Plus.
When I first graduated, working for a foreign company was an excellent choice. Only those with strong English skills and good communication abilities could land a job in these companies. At that time, foreign companies offered many opportunities and great benefits. But as China’s tech giants like Tencent and Baidu started to rise, everyone rushed to get into these large corporations. The competition was fierce, the salaries were high, and suddenly, working for a foreign company didn’t seem as appealing anymore. Many people even started questioning, “What’s the point of learning English?”But the times are always changing. Now, with fewer foreign companies in China and domestic opportunities gradually shrinking, we have to start looking abroad for new opportunities. And once again, foreign language skills have become essential. Learning English isn’t just a passing trend; it has always been the key to opening the door to the world. Even if you never leave the country, having language skills broadens your horizons and makes your perspective more diverse.Without language skills, you’re stuck passively receiving whatever information others choose to give you. But with the tools of language and strong communication abilities, you hold the power to actively explore and shape your world. When it comes to learning and mastering new skills, you need to think long-term. Language isn’t just a tool—it’s the bridge that connects you to the outside world and the opportunities it offers.Deciding what’s worth learning or what skills are useful often comes down to our own biases and how clearly we can see the trends shaping the world. Especially when it comes to educating children, parents need to avoid short-sighted decisions. You can’t let momentary changes in the market dictate what’s valuable to learn and what’s not. The skills that seem unimportant today might very well be the key to opening new doors tomorrow. Planning education should be about the future—focused not just on today’s needs, but on the trends and changes that lie ahead.
我刚毕业那会儿，去外企工作是一个极佳的选择，只有英文好、沟通能力强的人才能进外企。当时外企给的机会多，待遇也好。后来，随着互联网大厂的崛起，比如腾讯、百度这些公司，大家都往大厂里挤，竞争内卷，工资又高，结果去外企反而成了不太“香”的选择，很多人甚至开始质疑“学英语有什么用”。
但时代一直在变化啊。现在中国的外企变少了，国内的机会也在逐渐减少。我们不得不开始主动出击，去海外寻找新的机会，这时候外语能力又变得重要了。学英语并不是一时的潮流，它始终是通向世界大门的钥匙。即使你不出国，有了语言能力，你的视野也会更加多元化。
没有语言能力，你只能被动接收别人喂给你的信息；有了语言工具和强大的沟通能力，你才能真正掌握探索世界的砝码。我们看待问题，必须有长远的眼光，语言不仅是工具，它更是你连接外界、获取机会的桥梁。
判断学什么东西有用、掌握什么技能有用，这本质上是和我们的认知偏差有关，也取决于我们能否看清这个世界发展的脉络。尤其是对于小孩子的教育，家长不能太短视，不能因为一时的市场变化就轻易决定什么值得学、什么不值得学。要知道，今天看似不重要的技能，未来可能正是他们打开新世界的钥匙。教育的规划，不能只着眼于眼前，而要着眼于未来的趋势和变化。
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写在最后
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People with Street Smart are bold and willing to take risks. You can’t plan out every single step before you set off, and there’s no guarantee that all your plans will go as expected. But taking that first step already means you’ve succeeded halfway. Why? Because most people are held back by inertia. Often, it’s not a lack of ability that defeats us, but a lack of courage to take that first step. Street Smart individuals, however, are not afraid to move forward. Even if the road ahead is uncertain, they have the confidence to adapt and find the right path. And even if things don’t go as planned, those with a spirit of exploration and resilience will adjust course as they go, driven by a determination to succeed.
So instead of having kids buried in endless test preparation every day, why not teach them practical skills? Encourage them to develop a sense of curiosity and the ability to adapt to changing situations. This kind of Street Smart will be the real “currency” of the future.
有Street Smart的人，敢闯敢拼。你没办法在出发前就把每一步都想清楚，也没法确保所有计划都能如期实现。但迈出第一步，就意味着你已经成功了一半。为什么？因为大多数人是有惰性的，很多时候，我们不是输在能力，而是输在没有勇气走出那一步。而Street Smart的人，敢迈出去，即使前方是未知，他们也有信心通过灵活调整，找到适合的路径。哪怕实际情况和预想的不一样，很多有探索精神的人，都能凭着不服输的心态，在过程中不断修正方向。
所以，与其让孩子们天天沉迷于做题，不如让他们学点实际技能，培养一点探索精神和随机应变的能力。这种Street Smart，才是未来的真正“硬通货”。
