Shortcuts can be helpful when you aim to optimize a process. Say, finding the shortest route to the office could save you travel time (beneficial). However, you can also use shortcuts in learning, which results in superficial knowledge and incomplete understanding (detrimental).
At the same time, when you use shortcuts to move yourself forward at the cost of other people, you will eventually pay for what you improperly do now.
Regarding shortcuts, the things you choose to do now, reveal who you are.