Technology's promise, humanity's price

Science fiction writer Chen Qiufan explores the intersection of climate change, artificial intelligence, and human ethics through his novel *Ocean Break*. Set in a near-future "green utopia" in the Indian Ocean, the narrative exposes the hidden sacrifices and technological dependencies underlying modern progress. The discussion highlights the tension between rapid technological advancement and the preservation of human empathy, questioning whose future is being built and at what cost. While AI offers potential upgrades to education and daily life, it simultaneously risks devaluing human labor and critical thought. Ultimately, the dialogue emphasizes the necessity of slowing down to address fundamental questions about existence, coexistence with nature, and the preservation of humanistic values in an increasingly automated world.