The latest articles on DEV Community by Kashif Ur Rahman (@kashifurrahman). https://dev.to/kashifurrahman https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F2353117%2Feaa91c83-8aac-4c6d-9c07-a864c28f9259.jpeg https://dev.to/kashifurrahman en Kashif Ur Rahman Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:00:21 +0000 https://dev.to/kashifurrahman/if-i-had-six-hours-to-chop-down-a-tree-id-spend-the-first-four-hours-sharpening-the-axe-4je3 https://dev.to/kashifurrahman/if-i-had-six-hours-to-chop-down-a-tree-id-spend-the-first-four-hours-sharpening-the-axe-4je3 <p>Abraham Lincoln once said:<br> <strong>"If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend the first four hours sharpening the axe🪓."</strong></p> <p>I've read this quote 4–5 times before. But today it hit differently.</p> <p>Because today, this quote isn't just about preparation — it's about something we're all quietly losing.</p> <p>In the age of AI, most of us have stopped sharpening the axe.</p> <p>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:</p> <p>🧠 We're losing the skill to think for ourselves.</p> <p>Coding isn't just about producing output. It's about:<br> → Understanding WHY something works<br> → Building problem-solving instincts<br> → Developing a mental model of systems</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Use AI as a tool. Not a crutch.<br> Strengthen your core. Keep sharpening.</p> <h1> Programming #SoftwareDevelopment #AI #CodingSkills #GrowthMindset #TechCareers #JavaScript #MERN #LinkedIn #Jobs #CFBR </h1> webdev programming productivity ai