Comment by aaliyajakir | Hacker News Reader

Comment by aaliyajakir | Hacker News Reader

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I agree we shouldn't exist as mindless agents that simply serve the collective goals of society.

However, shouldn't the aim be towards empowering an individual towards the human condition that they desire? Of course, within the constraints of the allocated resources that society can provide. That search to enable self-actualization and purpose for people can inherently come with tasks that are... well boring.

Sending an email that is critical to fostering an important business connection can sometimes be a chore. But it's important. People with ADHD especially struggle with this, as they thrive on brains that crave stimulation. Many live very unsatisfying lives (higher rates of unemployment, depression, divorce) as a result of this.

In many cases, it can feel as if you're a prisoner to your mind. You don't feel like you have the agency to live the life you want. And why? Because of some executive function deficits? Why not use technology as a way to externalize these cognitive management malfunctions?

I enjoy Gena Gorlin's idea of the Builder's Mindset that explores this viewpoint in more detail: https://builders.genagorlin.com/p/a-different-and-better-way...

I believe we should attempt to ruthlessly search for a life that aligns with our desired human condition.

I'd like to know your thoughts!

> However, shouldn't the aim be towards empowering an individual towards the human condition that they desire? Of course, within the constraints of the allocated resources that society can provide. That search to enable self-actualization and purpose for people can inherently come with tasks that are... well boring.

> Sending an email that is critical to fostering an important business connection can sometimes be a chore. But it's important. People with ADHD especially struggle with this, as they thrive on brains that crave stimulation. Many live very unsatisfying lives (higher rates of unemployment, depression, divorce) as a result of this.

I agree but the solution in my mind is not more technology, because then these same people will have to learn how to use an AI system or interact with it. Even if it makes it easier for them, it will mean a reduced cognitive load so that technology and impose an even greater load later one. Sending an email would not even be an issue if we did not have email. Therefore, while you are correct within the confines of our high-tech society, I reject high-tech society outright because it is a progression of attainments of local maximae, themselves which are decreasing.

> In many cases, it can feel as if you're a prisoner to your mind. You don't feel like you have the agency to live the life you want. And why? Because of some executive function deficits? Why not use technology as a way to externalize these cognitive management malfunctions?

Because you do not free yourself from being a prisoner. If I had to use an AI tool, I would still feel like a prisoner because it's even less autonomy. People don't want to be coddled with more and more technological augmentation, they want a life with more time to do the things they love that does not involve technology -- of course, it might not seem so at first because they are addicted to it.

For example, in pretty much EVERY job I've seen these days that pays a decent wage, you have to live in a city, be trapped in a cage behind a screen, and do things that are abhorrent (furthering consumerism, or making unsustainable economic growth easier).

I am against virtually ALL modern technological development and I think we need to radically change our society to be more aligned with more sustainability, not invent more technology to get to the next local maximum.

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