Summary of the Core Content
This article tells the story of Wang Xiqiao, who at the age of 18 predicted that AI would replace one-third of all jobs and gave up a university in the United States to found a school focused on lunar exploration. Over the past decade, he has been working towards his vision. He believes that the essence of education in the AI era is not to impart knowledge, but to cultivate individuals who are “innerly rich and actively engaged citizens”—people who can perceive love and happiness, have a global perspective, and possess creativity. The school uses a blended learning approach (AI combined with real-world projects), requires philosophy as a core subject, and employs a coaching system to help students break free from the traditional exam-oriented framework. Despite facing difficulties such as moving locations and financial pressures, the school has remained non-profit. Today, its first graduates have made significant strides in the global tech community. The central message of the article is that while AI is a tool, human nature is what truly defines civilization, and the key to education in the future is to teach children how to “perceive love” and “give love.”
I. The Prediction from Ten Years Ago: Why Found Moon Exploration?
In 2015, 18-year-old Wang Xiqiao wrote an article predicting that AI would replace one-third of routine jobs within ten years. He argued that the problem lay not in technology but in education, which failed to nurture creative and adaptable individuals. At that time, AlphaGo had not yet defeated Lee Sedol, and ChatGPT was still a distant concept, but his predictions have come true: AI is indeed replacing repetitive tasks, and corporate HR departments as well as top venture capitalists are competing for students from schools like Moon Exploration.
He chose to abandon a university in the U.S. because he wanted to create an “ simulator of future society.” In the industrial age, schools functioned like factories (with scheduled classes and a focus on standard answers), but in the AI era, what is needed are people who can learn independently and solve real problems. Moon Exploration’s mission is to break the pattern of basic education being solely geared towards entrance exams, allowing students to first learn to “become themselves” before considering further education or entrepreneurship.
II. How Does Moon Exploration Teach?
The educational approach at Moon Exploration is radically different from traditional schools:
1. AI as a Tutor, Personalized Learning: Blended learning (online AI + in-person discussions) allows students to control their own pace and avoid the need for repetitive practice. For example, students with weaker math skills can use AI to reinforce fundamentals, while those who are more advanced can delve into university-level courses.
2. Real-World Projects Instead of Tests: Students work on “AI for Good” projects (such as using AI to assist people with disabilities) or participate in hackathons (48-hour sessions to develop new products). Chen Guangyu, a high schooler praised by Elon Musk, gained recognition through a Moon Exploration hackathon.
3. Philosophy as a Core Subject: Courses on Western philosophy and Chinese thought are mandatory, encouraging students to ponder profound questions about the meaning of life and the nature of civilization, rather than focusing solely on grades.
4. **Coaching to Help You “Know Yourself”: Each student has a coach who does not just impart knowledge but guides them to reflect on their motivations and passions.
Moon Exploration’s “competence report” resembles a GitHub profile—instead of scores, it highlights the projects completed, problems solved, and personal growth. Employers find this more valuable than academic credentials.
III. The Role of Schools and Teachers in the AI Era
AI can teach knowledge and coding, but it cannot teach how to be a person. Wang Xiqiao believes that the core of future schools will be communities:
- **Teachers as “Soul Engineers”: Moon Exploration hires teachers based on more than just their academic qualifications; for example, interview questions may include, “What was the most difficult decision you’ve made in your life, and why?” Teachers’ actions and words influence students significantly. For instance, a professor couple from the U.S. taught Wang Xiqiao critical thinking through Socratic-style questioning, and their kindness helped him develop a sense of love.
- Communities That Bring People Together: Students at Moon Exploration come from diverse backgrounds, but they work together on projects and discuss philosophy, forming a supportive community. Even when moving to a new location, both parents and students were willing to follow because they shared the belief in an “innerly rich” lifestyle.
In short, while AI can provide skills, schools offer something that AI cannot: the ability to feel and give love.
IV. What Skills Will Be Most Important in the Future?
Wang Xiqiao believes that material needs will be met in the AI era (such as abundant energy and free healthcare), but spiritual needs will become paramount:
- The Ability to Perceive Love: He personally overcame a phase of resentment and learned to appreciate the beauty around him—things like the morning birdsong and family support, which enriched his life. Moon Exploration aims to cultivate this ability by encouraging students to pursue happiness beyond grades.
- The Ability to Give Love: For example, students use AI to help those in need, demonstrating how creativity can bring joy to others. In the future, people will compete not just on physical capabilities but on their capacity to contribute love.
He cites Steve Jobs as an example, who said he would trade all of technology for a afternoon tea with Socrates, emphasizing that happiness is the ultimate goal.
V. The Challenges Faced by Moon Exploration
Moon Exploration currently charges tuition fees that are considered expensive (like luxury goods), but Wang Xiqiao views this as a phase of early exploration. Advanced innovations are always costly at first, but once the model is proven effective, they will become more accessible to the general public. He has made the school non-profit and donated his shares to make this education available to more people.
The first graduates have gone on to start businesses or pursue research careers. They are not just representatives of wealthy backgrounds; they prove that in the AI era, those who can perceive love and are creative can shine wherever they go.
The article concludes with the hope that no matter how AI develops, as long as we cultivate individuals with a “rich inner life,” human civilization will move towards a better place. Everyone can start by practicing kindness and showing more love in their daily lives.
This article does not use complex financial terms but uses Wang Xiqiao’s story to illustrate that the essence of education in the AI era is not about teaching technology, but about teaching people how to be compassionate and loving individuals—this is the best way to cope with the anxieties brought on by AI.