If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend the first four hours sharpening the axe🪓

Abraham Lincoln once said: "If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend the first four hours sharpening the axe🪓." I've read this quote 4–5 times before. But today it hit differently. Because today, this quote isn't just about preparation — it's about something we're all quietly losing. In the age of AI, most of us have stopped sharpening the axe. We rely on AI to write our code, debug our logic, structure our thoughts — and while AI is a powerful tool, there's a dangerous side effect: 🧠 We're losing the skill to think for ourselves. Coding isn't just about producing output. It's about: → Understanding WHY something works → Building problem-solving instincts → Developing a mental model of systems AI can chop the tree for you. But if you never sharpen your own axe, the day AI isn't available — or makes a mistake — you won't even know it. Use AI as a tool. Not a crutch. Strengthen your core. Keep sharpening. Programming #SoftwareDevelopment #AI #CodingSkills #GrowthMindset #TechCar