Our Efforts, In Part, Define Us Date: 2025-09-28 Tags: #reflection, #ai, #work --- Key Reflection This article explores the emotional and identity-related impacts of technological advancement making once-effortful tasks effortless. The author questions what happens when an activity that defined a person through effort becomes easy and no longer requires the original effort that gave it meaning. --- Themes and Insights Effort as Identity Efforts contribute to how individuals see themselves and derive joy, fulfillment, and respect. When effortful activities become effortless due to technology, the author wonders how this affects one’s sense of self and internal economy of meaning. Example from Photography A friend who once took pride in hand-developing film photographs felt their work lost meaning with the rise of the smartphone camera, a technology that made photography effortless and ubiquitous. Wider Implications The author relates this to their experience as a coder seeing AI automate much of the work that previously required skill and effort. They express a "strange sadness" over the diminishing role of human craft amidst technological advancement. Economic and Work Context The conflict is intensified by being paid for work linked to effort. This professional exchange is contrasted with hobbies, where such conflict lessens. The push by leadership in workplaces to adopt AI tools can lead to employees feeling their unique perspectives and efforts are undervalued. Complex Feelings About AI While AI as a tool is welcomed, there is a sense of loss and dissatisfaction that is difficult to articulate fully. The article highlights a tension between progress and the erosion of meaningful engagement. --- Questions Raised Will people retreat into niche areas requiring effort to preserve their sense of identity? Will a lack of effort lead to a vague, less defined sense of self? How should society reshape expectations of work to maintain meaning despite automation and AI augmentation? Is the intrinsic value of effort worth preserving in the face of convenience and efficiency? --- Conclusion The author acknowledges the ambiguous and unresolved nature of their feelings toward the transition to effortless work through AI and technology. They anticipate continued observation of how workers and leaders adapt to these changes and ponder the potential impact on human spirit and satisfaction at work. --- Additional Links and Navigation All Posts Now Tags Contact: Say Hi RSS Feed Webring --- Last compiled: 2025-09-29