Summary of Key Points
Liang Wenfeng (the founder of DeepSeek) has been hailed by netizens as a "cyber saint" due to DeepSeek's affordable API, open-source approach, and low-profile demeanor. This admiration stems from the market's urgent need for a "good boss"—people are tired of the utilitarian image of traditional internet entrepreneurs and feel uneasy about the future of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence), hoping that a "good person" will oversee the development of this technology. However, the article warns that this trend of deifying individuals carries risks. The business world is complex, and companies can become trapped in difficulties if they rely too heavily on the virtues of their founders rather than established systems.
Why Did Liang Wenfeng Become a "Cyber Saint?"
Liang Wenfeng's reputation as a saint is not unfounded; he has done many things that traditional internet bosses do not:
- Affordable Pricing: DeepSeek's API is much cheaper than those of its competitors, which continue to raise prices. Netizens joke that Liang's kindness seems endless.
- Low Profile and No Seeking of Credit: In technical reports, hundreds of contributors are listed alphabetically, but Liang's name is placed among those starting with "W" without any special emphasis, and the names of former employees are still included (with an asterisk).
- Anti-Involvement Culture: He does not encourage overtime and avoids the constant preaching of "struggle and success," unlike some bosses who view 996-hour work schedules as a virtue.
- Avoiding Trendy Projects: DeepSeek is not rushing to develop consumer-facing apps (such as chatbots) to avoid direct competition with giants like ByteDance and Tencent, nor does it frequently discuss topics like going public or valuation.
These actions contrast sharply with the "wolfish" and utilitarian image of internet bosses from the past twenty years, thus tapping into people's fantasies about a "good boss."
The Deification of Liang Wenfeng Is More a Market Need Than His Own Desire
The article suggests that the creation of this "saint" image is more a reflection of market demands than Liang's own intentions:
- Disatisfaction with Traditional Bosses: Internet bosses often claim they can make anything profitable, but in reality, they rely on companies like Alibaba. Their constant talk about hard work leads to 996-hour schedules for employees, which people find hypocritical.
- Anxieties About AGI: With the advancement of AI, there are concerns about its potential misuse. A boss who claims "no one should benefit from AGI, not even me" provides comfort—after all, a "good person" controlling technology is better than a bad one.
- His Low Profile Adds to His Image: Liang's reclusive nature makes him seem like a student, which makes him more relatable and trustworthy, reinforcing the label of a saint.
Behind the "Saint" Image, There Are Rational Business Decisions
Many view DeepSeek's practices as idealistic, but the article explains that they are actually based on practical business strategies:
- Affordable API: The low price is not just a gesture; it aims to attract more developers and expand the technology ecosystem (similar to how WeChat initially offered free services to build a large user base before generating revenue through its platform).
- Focusing on Business Services: Without the traffic and product capabilities of giants like ByteDance and Tencent, DeepSeek focuses on providing enterprise solutions to avoid competition.
- Open Source: Open source allows for community feedback and enhances the company's influence, but it is not purely altruistic. These strategies are aimed at maximizing resources within limited constraints.
The Label of "Saint" Can Be a Trap
While the saint label seems admirable, it can be a constraint:
- Perfection Expectations: Saints are expected to be flawless, and any changes (such as price increases or reduced openness) could lead to disappointment from fans.
- Corporate Governance Risks: DeepSeek currently relies on Liang's personal integrity, but as the company grows, this will become insufficient. Questions like how much profit is "reasonable" or to what extent open source should be maintained will need to be addressed by established systems, not just Liang's decisions.
- Change Is Inevitable: With external funding and potential future listings, DeepSeek will face shareholder pressure and profit targets. Whether it can maintain its current benefits remains uncertain.
A More Realistic Approach
The article concludes that the path forward for AI relies on established rules, not on a single "saint":
- Systems Are More Reliable: The AI industry is still developing, and rules such as pricing models, open-source guidelines, and corporate governance need to be established. Relying on individual founders is not sustainable.
- Accepting Imperfection: DeepSeek is not perfect, nor is Liang Wenfeng a saint. His approach balances idealism with practical considerations. A more realistic attitude will promote the healthy growth of the company and reduce pressure on its founder.
In summary, Liang Wenfeng's emergence reflects people's desire for better business practices, but deifying him is both unrealistic and risky. Instead of creating a myth, we should hope for a healthier AI ecosystem driven by systems and rules, not by the actions of a single individual.