Thank you for laying out a perspective that balances real concerns about misaligned AI with the assurance that our sense of purpose needn’t be at risk. It’s a helpful reminder that human value doesn’t revolve solely around how “useful” we are in a purely economic sense.
If advanced AI really can shoulder the kinds of tasks that drain our energy and attention, we might be able to redirect ourselves toward deeper pursuits—whether that’s creativity, reflection, or genuine care for one another. Of course, this depends on how seriously we approach ethical issues and alignment work; none of these benefits emerge automatically.
I also like your point about how Zen practice emphasises that our humanity isn’t defined by constant production. In a future where machines handle much of what we’ve traditionally laboured over, the task of finding genuine meaning will still be ours.
Thank you for laying out a perspective that balances real concerns about misaligned AI with the assurance that our sense of purpose needn’t be at risk. It’s a helpful reminder that human value doesn’t revolve solely around how “useful” we are in a purely economic sense.
If advanced AI really can shoulder the kinds of tasks that drain our energy and attention, we might be able to redirect ourselves toward deeper pursuits—whether that’s creativity, reflection, or genuine care for one another. Of course, this depends on how seriously we approach ethical issues and alignment work; none of these benefits emerge automatically.
I also like your point about how Zen practice emphasises that our humanity isn’t defined by constant production. In a future where machines handle much of what we’ve traditionally laboured over, the task of finding genuine meaning will still be ours.