Futurist's Advice: "In the Age of AI, Seek 'Meaning'"

Clem Bezold, Founder of IAF, Stresses Redesigning Society Around "Meaningful Contribution"
Recipient of the KAIST Future Strategy Award

"The AI tsunami is approaching. Each of us must prepare for how we will utilize AI in our own professions and what impact it will have in 5 or 10 years."

Klem, Founder of IAF, Giving a Lecture. Photo by Jongmin Baek, Tech Specialist

Globally renowned futurist Clem Bezold, founder of the Institute for Alternative Futures (IAF), has called for greater attention to the societal changes that artificial intelligence (AI) will bring in the future, especially regarding unemployment and how we should respond. Clem Bezold established the Institute for Alternative Futures alongside Alvin Toffler and Professor Jim Dator, providing insights about the future to governments, international organizations, and corporations worldwide.

Bezold, who visited Korea to receive the KAIST Future Strategy Award, presented his vision for how economic actors and policymakers should move forward in the era of AI during a commemorative lecture on September 6.

Bezold advised, "Complete unemployment may seem absurd, but it is ultimately one aspect of the future we must reach. It should not simply be an era where robots and AI replace production, but a system where humans do not lose meaning and purpose and can find their own roles."

Klem Bizold, founder of the International Astronautical Federation, is taking a commemorative photo after receiving the KAIST Future Strategy Award. Photo by Baek Jongmin, Tech Specialist

He stated, "AI will eliminate jobs, but at the same time, it opens up new possibilities," adding, "Society must be redesigned not just around basic income, but also around meaning and contribution."

He suggested, "AI and automation could usher in an era where only 25% of the population needs to work to meet all societal needs. Therefore, we need a new social consensus that includes not only basic income but also basic asset policies." This means that while AI will generate sufficient resources through increased productivity, we must design a new social system that addresses both the method of distribution and ensures that every individual can contribute to society and find meaning.

Bezold pointed out, "When unemployment rises, depression and suicide increase," emphasizing the need for a system that enables people to do meaningful work and contribute to society. Amid the dramatic changes in employment structures that AI will bring, he added, "We must create a system that guarantees not just survival, but a meaningful life."

Bezold stressed the importance of not overlooking the value of what may seem absurd in future discussions. He emphasized, "We must actively imagine seemingly impossible visions, such as an era of complete unemployment." He underscored, "A vision is not just a declaration, but a force that changes reality."

On September 8, Bezold will also share his vision with members of the National Assembly.