Dignified by Design
Work is inseparable from the human experience. It is the context in which we pour much of our energy and develop dimensions of our character that distinguish us within our communities. Work makes demands on our creativity, rewards our ability to problem solve, and supplies an avenue for us to express our freedom. Understood in this way, work is a forge for our dignity.
Yet as we cede more domains of skilled labor to machines, the space for dignified work shrinks. According to the current logic of progress, this is by design: the human element should be automated out of every human endeavor.
This points to a devaluing of human labor – work reduced to mere instrument that must be optimized. Where sold promises of efficiency gains, a laborer's reality is better characterized by overload. The lived experience of many, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized, is to be burdened by menials tasks that restrict one's sense of agency and handicap the development of one's talents.
Let's hold ourselves to a higher standard. The architects of the future should center their designs on the human person. Together we can construct a positive vision of progress that enables everyone to forge dignity through their work.