Identity and Intelligence in the AI Age
In February 2026, Charles Yu delivered the annual Conarroe Lecture at Davidson College. He tailored his message to his audience of young writers, emphasizing the importance of a strong sense of identity and a belief in one’s own intelligence. The absence of self-confidence in an AI age, Yu argued, is a harmful but avoidable trap.
Fun Fact: Charles Yu adapted his speech into an article for The Atlantic! Read it here: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/03/intelligence-concept/686121/
