On the History and Meaning of Labor in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
How meaningful is the 'work' you do?

For modern people, labor is recognized as a source of meaning and identity in life.
This book examines the meaning and role of labor, examining how much of a role labor plays in one's life, and considers the fundamental value labor provides.
First, we trace what labor meant to people of past generations, and unfold the story through research in various fields such as theology, philosophy, political science, and psychology.
It also talks about the various meanings of work, such as who we are, what we do, and how we work.
This book explores various aspects of labor and provides an opportunity to reflect on oneself and labor.

This book focuses on the existential aspects of labor rather than its political aspects.
So, I'm going to talk mainly about what a job means.
Of course, strictly speaking, the political and existential aspects of labor are not 'analytically' distinct.
Labor and politics have been intertwined throughout their existence.
Therefore, this is not a question of distinction, but of emphasis.
This book will not cover extensively topics such as gender, social class, race, disability, migration, and globalization.
Although I will draw on a variety of philosophical, historical, and social sources, I will aim to focus on a general reader.
Also, I will postpone the discussion of developing countries to a later opportunity and focus on Western societies first.

--- p.12

There is no simple answer to the question, 'What is labor?'
Because labor is a diverse phenomenon with many elements.
There are many truths about work, depending on who we are, what we do, how we work, and why we work.
The purpose of this book is not to present or defend propositions about labor.
Rather, it should be seen as a collection of fragments of various aspects of labor from the past to the present and into the future.
This book will not provide answers to the question of how to connect oneself with work.
Even leaving aside human diversity, the general answer is wrong when considering the diversity of labor.
Instead, I would like to offer some perspectives and suggestions without going overboard.
--- p.25

To find meaning in work, you must enjoy the activity itself.
This kind of meaning usually fades away very quickly.
There are also larger, existential questions about the overall purpose of our activities and whether we are truly living rich and meaningful lives.
Broadly speaking, the entire life is the target.
Because work is such a crucial part of life, there are also questions about how well it fits into modern people's overall attempts to live meaningful lives.
We need a purpose in life, and work is part of that purpose.
As Bertrand Russell said, “To live a happy life, you need more than just a firm purpose.
But purpose is an indispensable condition for a happy life, and a firm purpose is mainly realized through labor.”
--- p.79~80

Modern leaders must convince their employees that a career is not just a job, but a remarkable opportunity to realize their full potential and discover their "true self."
True leadership puts people at the center.
Self-awareness in the workplace goes beyond professional skills to 'improving' yourself.
Employees must overcome their individual shortcomings through labor.
Employees and the entire organization are in a constant learning process, an aspect of work that goes beyond receiving wages.
It is also a concept of what kind of person an employee can be.
Contrary to the Taylorist leadership model, leaders will not force employees to do anything, but rather will motivate employees to change themselves in ways that are desirable for the organization.

--- p..144~145

People have completely unrealistic expectations about their jobs.
I no longer seek spiritual salvation, but I pursue complete happiness.
But happiness is not something to be pursued, but something to be enjoyed.
Anyone who cannot realize complete happiness is fundamentally a loser.
French philosopher Pascal Bruckner pointed out that modern man lives in the first society in which he feels unhappy simply because he cannot recognize complete happiness (2000: 76).
Complete happiness is a completely unrealistic ideal, and we become miserable when we fail to achieve this state.
So, if you feel unhappy in life, it's likely that the problem lies not with the job itself, but with your expectations about the job.

--- p..238