An electric bicycle makes the ride smoother. A small push carries us farther, and a difficult hill becomes manageable. AI can feel much the same: it handles a calculation, shapes a draft, or helps us find a useful next step.
There is no need to make every journey harder. Two things still deserve our attention.
Keep some pedaling in the ride. Occasionally reduce the assistance on a small, familiar part of the work. Sketch an approach before asking for code. Recall an idea before reading the explanation. Make an estimate before checking the total. Start with one step, use a hint when needed, and build from there. The capabilities we value need opportunities to stay in use.
Keep the steering. Assistance can suggest a route. We still decide where to go, whether the route makes sense, and who might be affected. A smooth result does not settle those questions. We can delegate parts of the work while keeping responsibility for direction and consequences.
On one familiar task today, try the first step without help. Then bring the help back and compare.
Based on AI Is an Electric Bicycle. Keep Pedaling. on Turtleand Growth. For the broader question of direction and responsibility, see AI Is a Lever. You Choose the Direction..
