Human Value Systems Evolve
... and enhanced reasoning models will repurpose human motivations
Human value systems aren’t fixed. They bend, stretch, and transform as the world around us shifts — driven by the tools we wield, the challenges we face, and the societies we build. What we treasure today isn’t what our ancestors held dear, and it won’t be what our descendants prioritize.
What we hold dear, what we deem important, and what we strive for as individuals and as a collective has always been in flux. Looking back through the last five centuries offers a compelling snapshot of this continuous evolution.
A Glimpse Through Time:
The 1600s: The Reign of Faith and Hierarchy: In the 17th century, life was largely governed by religious authority and a rigid social hierarchy. Faith was paramount, and one's place in society was often seen as divinely ordained. The value of obedience, tradition, and spiritual devotion held significant sway. The challenges of the era revolved around religious conflicts, the consolidation of nation-states, and a limited understanding of the natural world.
The 1700s: The Spark of Reason and Individualism: The Enlightenment of the 18th century ignited a powerful shift. Reason, individual rights, and scientific inquiry rose to prominence. Thinkers like Locke, Rousseau, and Kant championed the idea of inherent human rights and the power of rational thought. This era's breakthroughs in science and philosophy fueled a growing value for intellectual exploration and personal freedoms.
The 1800s: The Industrial Age and the Cult of Progress: The 19th century witnessed the transformative power of the Industrial Revolution. Values shifted towards hard work, efficiency, and national pride. The ability to contribute to industrial progress became a key measure of worth. Innovation in manufacturing, transportation, and communication fueled a belief in relentless progress and the importance of national strength.
The 1900s: Democracy, Social Justice, and the Dawn of the Digital: The 20th century was marked by both immense progress and devastating conflict. The growth of democracy and movements for social justice challenged existing inequalities. Two World Wars underscored the importance of human rights and international cooperation (at least in principle). The latter half of the century saw the dawn of big technology with the rise of computers and early forms of the internet, hinting at a future where information and connectivity would be highly valued.
The 2000s: Navigating Inclusivity, Sustainability, and the Digital Skills: In the early 21st century, we've seen a growing emphasis on inclusivity, sustainability, and digital literacy. Values around diversity, environmental responsibility, and the ability to navigate the digital world have become increasingly important.
Advanced Reasoning Models: Impending Value Redefinition?
Throughout these centuries, our values have consistently mirrored the era's biggest challenges, innovations, and breakthroughs. Each shift reflects our adaptation to a changing world and our evolving understanding of ourselves and our place in it.
Now, we stand on the cusp of another potentially monumental shift: the advanced reasoning models of today are already able to tackle complex tasks across almost all digital work. As AI systems become capable of tackling increasingly complex tasks, often exceeding human capabilities in cognitive domains, we will inevitably find ourselves redefining what we prize as a species.
Consider a future where AI can perform most intellectually demanding jobs, solve complex scientific problems, and even create art and music. What then becomes the unique domain of humanity? What aspects of ourselves will we hold in the highest regard?
The rise of advanced AI will lead to a re-evaluation of our societal structures, our economic models, and even our understanding of purpose and fulfillment. If traditional forms of work become less central to human identity, we will redefine what we strive for.