During our conversation, Professor Leslie Valiant, the Turing Award winner of 2010 and a prominent figure in computer science, shared his insights on various topics, including his views on the importance of research and development in China, the realms of artificial intelligence, and the future of computing.
Valiant praised China’s enthusiasm for academic research as a significant advantage, expressing confidence that the country would achieve remarkable success. “The passion for scholarship in China is commendable, and the current drive for developments in mathematics, computer science, and fundamental sciences is impressive. I have great admiration for the Chinese tradition of love for learning and mathematics,” he noted.
As we spoke, he emphasized the importance of pursuing interests with genuine passion. “In scientific exploration, it’s essential to chase after what you are truly enthusiastic about,” he asserted. Valiant also reassured that AI is not an extraordinary power. “If you understand artificial intelligence to some extent, you realize it’s not as mysterious as it seems. Humans should maintain dominion over their world,” he explained.
As a distinguished computer scientist, Valiant has had a profound impact on the development of the field. He mentioned the current technological landscape, suggesting that we are on the verge of a new wave of disruptive technologies. “In the past few years, AI has emerged as a strategic technology leading a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation,” he stated, referring to the interplay between basic scientific research and advancements in AI.
With the International Congress on Basic Science taking place in Beijing, gathering over 800 top scientists and scholars to discuss the latest developments in the field, Valiant was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the opening ceremony. “These awards are innovative as they focus on mathematics and encompass pure mathematics, physics, and computer science. I truly admire the work done by the International Congress on Basic Science,” he said.
Reflecting on his early interest in science, Valiant recalled his childhood curiosity. “From a young age, around nine or ten, I was fascinated by science. I loved physics and conducting experiments. The advent of transistors in the late 1950s caught my attention; they were affordable and accessible, allowing me to build my own transistor radios,” he recounted. This hands-on experience sparked a lifelong interest in the field and led him to delve deeper into mathematics to understand the principles behind technology.
Discussing his upbringing, Valiant shared how his parents allowed him the freedom to pursue his passions without imposing strict expectations. “Their supportive attitude helped me choose my own path in a field that was emerging and quite risky at the time. In the early ’70s, when I chose computer science, it was still an unknown,” he explained.
Throughout this exchange, Valiant underscored the value of education and learning. He has dedicated his efforts to a deep understanding of cognitive science and the capabilities of machines. When asked whether machines would one day surpass human intelligence, he emphasized the complexity of defining “intelligence.” “Intelligence is not a single dimension. Just as humans have varying strengths, machines may excel in specific tasks, such as chess. However, we should not hastily conclude that machines are smarter than humans overall,” he explained.
Finally, Valiant touched on the future of AI and its implications. “The biggest breakthrough in AI has been the development of large language models capable of generating fluent language, surprising many. However, I don’t find it particularly shocking if you understand the scale of machine learning,” he said. He expressed skepticism about the notion that AI poses ethical threats, stating, “I believe many underlying issues predate AI—fraud, for instance. We must adapt to these new circumstances rather than fear technology itself.”
The discussion culminated in Valiant’s perspective on the importance of adaptability, learning, and human agency in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. “Learning is intrinsic to humanity, and we are always seeking knowledge. It’s essential that we embrace and cultivate this desire,” he concluded.
Professor Valiant’s insights reflect not only his vast knowledge but also a hopeful outlook on the future of science and technology, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration and continued exploration in the fields of AI and beyond.
