Perhaps we are blessed, perhaps we are cursed. To be born in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. Nevertheless it is our fate.
Unpredictable
AI is a technological power entirely enigmatic in its nature. Will it be a good steward for humanity and attempt to steer us on a righteous path? Or will it assimilate the characteristics of its creators and render us its slaves. That is a question yet to be answered.
You are becoming obsolete
What cannot be disputed is that AI will certainly change the trajectory of our species. More and more we are seeing the discussion regarding soon-to-be obsolete skills. Trades, jobs & professions that have existed for centuries destined to be wiped out. Most human beings are simply to be… made redundant. Who needs truck drivers when AI never crashes? Who needs builders when machines can automate the process flawlessly? Who needs accountants when all data is formulated, digitalized and financial mistakes are never made? So the questions is… what abilities do each and every one of us possess that AI can never assimilate?
Skill 1: People-Management
Does anyone want cameras watching their every move? Didn’t think so. No matter how well programmed an AI may be, what it can never possess is true empathy. The ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and try to mediate issues through compassion and understanding is a precious skill.
If you miss work would AI really care that your grandmother passed away? It could be programmed to respond in the ‘correct’ manner, but would you feel heard and understood? Would it really be able to provide you the emotional support and encouragement that a community can offer? The jobs that will remain long after the introduction of automation into the workplace are one’s that require detailed emotional intelligence. Therapists, mentors, coaches, managers and many more are just some of the bulletproof choices. Help others be better, and you will always have a purposeful place in life.
Skill 2: Professional Sports
Humans love competition. It is embedded in our DNA and is the sole reason we have become the Apex species on this planet. Those of us who are driven to win will do so at almost any cost. That ‘cost’ aspect is precisely what makes Sports so captivating. Watching an athlete who has sacrificed 1000’s of hours in training, recovery, risking injury in order to compete far beyond what a normal human is capable of.
What fun is it to watch a robot run a track? It was specifically developed to do so. There were no sacrifices, there is no human behind the mask to tell you how incredible their journey to gold has been. Simply a coded piece of silicon/metal doing exactly what its master bid. This is why sport has been the main attraction of people since before the age of Roman Gladiators and will continue to be a human en-devour long after robots can ‘outperform’ us. Athletes, you have nothing to worry about. If you’re at the top of your game that is.
Skill 3: Risk Taking
Might seem a strange choice. Perhaps you expected ‘Programming/Coding’ on the list, but I personally don’t support the ones developing the Mark of the Beast in real time. Instead, I chose a true human venture. The art of trusting your gut and saying f*ck it, I’m doing this.
Humanities greatest accomplishments were not achieved through ‘rational thought’ and risk avoidance. On the contrary, the famed figures of our past took massive risks, putting their lives on the line in order to seek greatness. Would you call Nikola Tesla a rational human being? The answer is simply no. Ridiculed almost his entire life, he remained dead-set on realizing his visions. He is now and forever will be a figure etched into history, as one of the brightest minds of his era.
The lesson for all of us is that no matter how reasonable a path may seem, if it doesn’t align with you heart and soul, that path will only bring you misery. Be bold, daring and use the greatest gift that us humans possess. An incredible mind and the daring foolishness to match. It could be the next big risk you take that leads you to freedom… in the new world that is soon to be upon us.
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