The displacement of purpose

February 5, 2026
The displacement of purpose

Here's something that really made me pause — what happens to our sense of purpose when AI takes over our work? It’s a question that’s getting more urgent, especially as machines get better at doing what humans once did. According to a piece in Design, as AI automates routine tasks, many of us might feel lost, questioning what’s left for humans to do. But here’s where it gets interesting — designer and thinker Peter Boeckel points out that this displacement isn’t just about losing jobs. It’s a shift in how we find meaning in our work and lives. When AI handles the manual, the creative and emotional parts of what we do become even more valuable. So what does this mean for you? It’s about rethinking purpose — not just in work, but in the bigger picture. As Design suggests, maybe the role of humans is evolving into something more centered around creativity, empathy, and real connection. And honestly, that’s a future worth imagining.

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What happens with purpose when AI automates our labor.



Audio Transcript

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What happens with purpose when AI automates our labor.



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The displacement of purpose | Speasy