為什麼叫「象外」？
「象外」源自老子的「大象無形」。
2024 年，全球在 AI 上的投資超過 2000 億美元。幾乎所有人都在關注技術本身：更快的模型、更高的準確率、更實用的應用。這些當然重要。但相對少人停下來問：當 AI 可以做越來越多事情時，人的價值在哪裡？
象外，是我選擇的觀察角度 — 不是唯一重要的，而是技術之外相對較少被關注的那一面。
為什麼是 Human Beyond the Loop？
多數人（包括我自己）都會自然地依循既有框架思考。在穩定時代，這些框架很有效 — 它們是經驗的累積，是最佳實踐的總結。
但當 disruption 發生時，問題出現了。這些框架往往是一種局部優化：在舊的遊戲規則下最優，但在新的現實中可能失效。專注於 AI 技術發展是完全合理的 — 那是這個時代最重要的變革之一。但同樣值得思考的是：當技術不斷進化時，人應該如何定位自己？
這就是 Beyond the Loop 的意義：不只是追隨技術的循環，而是在快速變化中，留一點空間給慢思考。
關於我
來自香港，現居柏林。投入數據科學及 AI 領域多年，曾任總監，但剛剛也被「Disrupt」了。在 48 歲這年紀，挑戰為自身轉型。
數據顯示，45 歲以上的人在 AI 時代面對更大的職業焦慮。這不難理解 — 當你花了二十年建立的專業可能在幾年內被重新定義，焦慮是正常的。我的選擇是：把這當作一個實驗。重新學習一些一向有興趣、但以前沒時間鑽研的領域：生命科學、教育、音樂。同時探索用 AI 學習、學習 AI 本身、以及用 AI 創業的可能性。
關於這個網站
這裡的文章由 AI 協助產出，但所有思想反映我的真實想法。我會與 AI 深入對談，但最終拍板 — 決定什麼才是重要的、想表達什麼 — 這些都是作者的責任。AI 可以生成無限內容，但判斷什麼重要，始終是人的選擇。
我會記錄這些實驗的過程 — 包括成功和失敗。如果你也在類似的處境，歡迎一起探索。
Jacky Ma
2026年1月8日
Why “Beyond the Loop”?
In 2024, global investment in AI exceeded $200 billion. Almost everyone is focused on the technology itself: faster models, higher accuracy, more practical applications. These are undoubtedly important. But relatively few pause to ask: as AI becomes capable of doing more and more, where does human value lie?
Beyond the Loop is my chosen perspective — not the only important one, but a relatively underexplored dimension beyond the technology itself.
The name draws from Laozi’s concept of “大象無形” (the greatest form has no shape). Just as the most profound truths often transcend visible patterns, the most critical questions about AI may lie beyond the optimization loops we’re all caught in.
Why This Matters Now
Most of us (myself included) naturally think within established frameworks. In stable times, these frameworks work well — they’re the accumulation of experience and best practices.
But when disruption happens, problems emerge. These frameworks often represent local optimization: optimal under old rules, but potentially obsolete in new realities. Focusing on AI technology development is entirely reasonable — it’s one of the most important transformations of our time. But equally worth considering: as technology evolves, how should humans position themselves?
This is the meaning of Beyond the Loop: not just following the technological cycle, but creating space for slow thinking amid rapid change.
About Me
Originally from Hong Kong, now based in Berlin. I’ve spent years in data science and AI, previously as a director, but recently got “disrupted” myself. At 48, I’m taking on the challenge of personal transformation.
Data shows that people over 45 face greater career anxiety in the AI era. This makes sense — when expertise built over twenty years might be redefined in just a few years, anxiety is natural. My choice: treat this as an experiment. Re-learn fields I’ve always been interested in but never had time to explore deeply: life sciences, education, music. Meanwhile, exploring the possibilities of learning with AI, learning AI itself, and entrepreneurship with AI.
About This Website
The articles here are AI-assisted, but all thoughts reflect my genuine perspectives. I engage in deep conversations with AI, but the final call — deciding what matters, what to express — remains the author’s responsibility. AI can generate infinite content, but judging what’s important is always a human choice.
I’ll document these experiments — including both successes and failures. If you’re in a similar situation, let’s explore together.
Jacky Ma
January 8, 2026