Tom Yuan offered perhaps the most unexpected answer at the the NEX-T Summit held at Stanford University when asked what skill young people need most: "Learn philosophy." The Stanford computer science junior—who has already published AI research in top conferences—argues that as AI handles more technical work, human value will increasingly reside in our capacity for meaning-making and ethical reasoning.

During the NEX-T discussions, Yuan described how his background in humanities shapes his approach to technology. While he uses AI for practical tasks, his deeper concern is how we'll find purpose in a world where machines handle increasing complexity. "If AI enables us to live significantly longer lives," he posed, "how do we ensure those lives remain meaningful?"

Yuan's technical expertise gives weight to his philosophical concerns. He warned fellow NEX-T participants about the growing challenge of distinguishing AI-generated content from human creation—a problem that threatens both information integrity and AI's own training processes. His proposed solution involves both technical innovation in model transparency and broader educational emphasis on critical thinking.

For Yuan, the most promising application of AI might be preventing human conflict. He envisions neutral simulation systems that could help political leaders preview military engagements' outcomes, potentially reducing real-world violence through virtual foresight.