Nov 6, 2024
John Adams once said, “I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. Our sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain.”
This quote, though centuries old, speaks to a timeless desire: the hope that each generation might find its own purpose, liberated from past struggles. But as technology transforms work, economies, and even how we view ourselves, this balance between progress and purpose faces new challenges.
Today, AI and automation are reshaping industries, evolving not only the jobs we do but also the skills we need and the economies that support us. This shift raises profound questions about the future of work and our identity in a tech-centric world. How do we preserve a sense of purpose when machines can increasingly take on tasks once held by humans? What role does work play in defining our place in society, and how can technology be harnessed to support — not diminish — our sense of self?
Redefining Work and the Human Role
Historically, work has been deeply intertwined with identity. Our roles often inform who we are and give structure to our days. But as AI advances, reshaping industries and rendering certain jobs obsolete, many people find themselves grappling with what their role will be in a society where machines can perform much of what they used to do. This shift raises questions not only about job security but also about the psychological impact on our sense of purpose and identity.
For some, automation offers the promise of freedom from mundane tasks, giving people the chance to pursue higher-level, creative, or strategic work. However, for others, particularly those in highly repetitive or manual jobs, automation can create a feeling of displacement. As AI and machines take over the more predictable, procedural tasks, people may wonder what unique contributions they can still make, especially if their previous roles were a primary source of pride or identity.
For many, this change can feel alienating. As AI performs tasks more efficiently, people may feel sidelined, wondering if there’s still a unique, valued role for them to play. Yet, this shift also presents an opportunity to redefine work in more meaningful ways, freeing us from repetitive tasks and creating space for higher-level, purpose-driven activities. This opportunity challenges designers, businesses, and policymakers to redefine and expand the role of humans in the workplace.
Designing Technology that Honors Human Purpose
If our goal is to create technology that enhances the human experience, then we must go beyond merely automating tasks. Here are some design principles to guide the creation of technologies that honor the human sense of purpose:
Enhancing Creativity and Empathy
AI tools should be designed to augment our uniquely human abilities, like creativity, critical thinking, and empathy. By shifting routine tasks to automation, technology can open doors for people to work more meaningfully, focusing on roles that machines can’t replicate.Supporting Lifelong Learning
Rapidly changing technology landscapes require new skills and adaptability. Products that incorporate learning tools or upskilling options can help people evolve alongside automation, maintaining relevance and a sense of growth in their roles.Strengthening Social Connection and Impact
With more automated workflows, we can focus on jobs that emphasize human-to-human connection and impact. For instance, technology in sectors like healthcare or education can prioritize roles that strengthen community, allowing technology to support caregivers and educators rather than replace them.Creating Roles for Human Oversight and Direction
In an automated world, people can still guide, direct, and oversee. When AI tools allow for human input and interpretation, they give users control and choice, empowering them to shape the technology’s role in their work and ensuring that human judgment remains central.
Reimagining Economies and Societies
The larger economy also adapts with technology, as whole industries shift or disappear and new ones emerge. These changes can be destabilizing, but they can also spur new avenues for creativity, entrepreneurship, and community-building. As businesses rethink their models and roles, societies will need to develop economic structures that prioritize both productivity and well-being. For instance, supporting industries that focus on sustainability, community services, and innovation can help build a more balanced, inclusive future of work.
Some key examples of how economies and societies have historically adapted to the technological and social innovations of their times to inspire us about the different ways we can adapt in the age of AI:
The Agricultural Revolution: Thousands of years ago, the shift to agriculture allowed humans to specialize in various trades, sparking urbanization and the rise of new economies. Similarly, AI can free workers from routine tasks, allowing them to focus on creative and human-centered roles.
The Industrial Revolution: The rise of mechanized manufacturing displaced some jobs but created new industries and urban centers. Today, automation could lead to new sectors like AI-driven healthcare, clean energy, and data science, encouraging job creation in human-centric fields.
Post-War Economic Reconstruction: After WWII, nations introduced social safety nets to ensure economic stability. Today, as automation displaces jobs, policies like universal basic income (UBI) and retraining programs can ensure workers aren’t left behind, fostering a more inclusive economy.
The Green Economy: Growing concerns about climate change have driven the rise of industries focused on sustainability. AI can accelerate this by optimizing energy usage and reducing waste, creating jobs in green technologies and ensuring that economies focus on both productivity and environmental stewardship.
The Gig Economy: Platforms like Uber have redefined work, offering flexibility but creating challenges around job security. As AI automates more routine tasks, the gig economy could evolve into a more decentralized, self-directed model where workers access flexible, AI-driven opportunities.
Cooperative Enterprises: Worker cooperatives have long offered alternative business models based on shared ownership. In the age of AI, these models could expand, ensuring that the wealth generated by automation benefits communities directly.
By drawing on these examples, we can envision an economy that embraces technological advancement while ensuring equity, sustainability, and purpose.
A New Understanding of Purpose
As technology shapes the future of work, it also prompts a deeper reflection on what it means to lead a purposeful life. In a world where machines can take on many of our tasks, purpose may become less about what we “do” and more about who we “are” and the connections we create. The essence of work may shift from mere productivity to fostering relationships, creating impact, and pursuing lifelong learning.
John Adams envisioned a future where each generation could focus on pursuits beyond survival. Now, technology challenges us to expand that vision and invites us to explore our potential in new ways, broadening our focus to more intellectual, creative, and empathetic pursuits. By thoughtfully designing AI tools that foster creativity, collaboration, and a sense of impact, we can help individuals discover new, more meaningful ways to engage with their work and contribute to society. In doing so, we uphold the human spirit, encouraging generations to explore beyond automation, toward innovation and purpose.
As AI evolves, our work should evolve too — not to make us less human, but to give us the freedom to explore the fullest expression of our humanity.