The Hidden Benefits Behind the English Debate: Why It's the Cheapest "Self-Confidence Vitamin" for Ordinary People
Recently, online discussions about whether English should be learned or whether it should be a major subject have been quite heated. On one side, there are those who argue that English is useless, believing that for most people who never travel abroad or interact with foreigners, learning it is a waste of time. On the other side, there are those who see English as a powerful tool for social mobility and personal advancement.
As a financial journalist and economist, after reading an article from the public account "Judge Lao Siji," I was struck by the author's unique and insightful perspective. He argues that the greatest value of English for ordinary people is not the language itself, but rather the low-cost, high-feedback mechanism it provides for building confidence.
Here, I will break down the core logic of the article into five key points to explain why, even in the age of AI, learning English is still worth the effort for everyone.
1. Core Idea: English is Not a Skill, but a Confidence Booster
The author does not deny the value of English as a communication tool, but he points out that for the vast majority of people who do not work in international businesses, the most underappreciated benefit of learning English is the positive feedback cycle it creates.
- Traditional View: Learning English is for traveling abroad, understanding original texts, or communicating with foreign bosses.
- Author’s View: The process of learning English—from scratch to being able to read simple articles and understand basic conversations—provides a continuous sense of achievement, which translates into confidence.
- Conclusion: Confidence is a fundamental driver for personal success in society. English is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to gain this confidence. The confidence you acquire can spill over into your work, life, and other areas, giving you the courage to try new things, express yourself, and strive for your goals.
2. The Shortcuts and Traps of Exam-Based Education
The author shares a personal experience that highlights how many people are misled by exam-oriented methods of learning English, leading to a superficial understanding of the language.
- Misleading Methods in Elementary/Middle School: Teachers used phonetic transcriptions to teach words, which, although effective in the short term, damaged the learner's ability to pronounce words correctly.
- Cheat Codes for Reading Comprehension in High School: The author learned to guess words and identify logical structures in reading comprehension questions, allowing him to score well without fully understanding the vocabulary.
- Passing the CET-4 with Limited Knowledge: He passed the CET-4 with a low score by relying on exam skills, leading him to believe he was proficient in English.
- The Challenge of CET-6: When he faced the higher vocabulary and writing requirements of CET-6, his previous skills were insufficient, exposing his lack of actual language proficiency.
💡 Financial Journalist’s Comment: This is similar to trading stocks based on technical analysis rather than understanding the fundamentals of the companies. In a changing market, these techniques become ineffective. True language skills must be built on a solid foundation of vocabulary and grammar.
3. Building Social Confidence through English
After starting work at a company with a Chinese culture but foreign-style management, the author’s experience transformed his confidence in English.
- From Fear of Making Mistakes to Braving Conversation: In a Chinese-speaking environment, people strive for perfection, but in a foreign company, foreigners are more patient with non-native speakers.
- The Power of Being Unafraid: The author asked a foolish question to a French project manager and received a patient response, which eliminated his fear of speaking.
- The Difference: While skills in other subjects (like math, physics, or chemistry) can lead to anxiety if not used, speaking English provides immediate feedback, fostering confidence.
💡 Financial Journalist’s Comment: In the workplace, confidence in communication is often more important than specific communication skills. Many people are not unable to speak English, but they are afraid to try. English provides a safe space to practice speaking, which is invaluable.
4. The New Challenges of the AI Era
The author discusses how AI has changed the game, but it cannot replace the confidence that comes from a solid foundation in English.
- AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement for Language Skills: AI is a useful tool, but it does not replace the ability to understand and use English naturally.
- The Difference: Using AI for translation in urgent situations is inefficient and unprofessional. Those with a basic English skill can participate more confidently.
- The Value of a Solid Foundation: AI makes it easier for everyone to use English, but a strong foundation enhances its effectiveness.
💡 Financial Journalist’s Comment: In the AI era, human-computer collaboration becomes crucial. English is essential as a bridge between humans and machines, and having a basic understanding of English is key to effective communication.
5. The Economic Perspective: The Value of English as a Confidence Booster
From an economic standpoint, learning English is a cost-effective investment.
- Low Investment: Just 30 minutes of reading or listening daily is enough.
- No Need for Expensive Resources: Free materials and AI tools are available.
- Quick Returns: The positive feedback from learning leads to more confidence and further progress.
- Long-Term Benefits: Confidence boosts performance in various areas and enhances overall well-being.
- Comparison with Other Methods: Other methods of building confidence (like fitness or entrepreneurship) are more time-consuming and risky.
💡 Financial Journalist’s Comment: With limited resources, learning English offers a high return on investment. It does not guarantee success, but it ensures you are not intimidated by challenges.
Conclusion: Action Tips for Ordinary People
The author’s advice is to learn English for the sake of confidence, not for practical uses.
1. Embrace the Process: Don’t focus on immediate benefits; see it as a form of mental training.
2. Start with Practical Learning: Focus on reading and listening, and learn in context for faster progress.
3. Be Unafraid to Speak: Seek opportunities to practice, even if your pronunciation or grammar is imperfect.
4. Use AI, but Don’t Rely on It: Use AI to supplement your learning, but maintain your ability to communicate independently.
5. Reap the Benefits of Feedback: Every piece of information you understand is a step towards building confidence.
In summary, English is a low-cost way for ordinary people to gain confidence, which in turn helps them achieve more in various aspects of life. In the AI era, having the confidence to take on challenges is more valuable than having specific skills. English provides the foundation for this confidence.