1185: Work...

  One of the most obvious forms of meaning of life is perhaps work. More than ever, we want our work to have meaning. 

   

We want to be able to grow in our job, we want to create something and let it flourish, and preferably we want to realize something that lasts. 

      

Although we also work to provide for our livelihood, the emphasis is increasingly on self-development. When we manage to develop ourselves within our work into who we are and what we can and want, our job becomes part of our identity. 

    

As a result, work can also determine our meaning too much. If work is the most important or only form of meaning, we run the risk of ending up in a black hole if we can no longer or are no longer allowed to work.

   

Only in passing had I heard of that "Black Hole". There was a big chance of ending up there after your retirement. It didn't happen to me.

   

The first day after the summer vacation of 2008, I didn't get on my bike to go to work. I was now allowed to stay home forever, and that resulted in a very strange experience.

I was busy with all sorts of things, including Second Life, of course. It's a true story, there were days when I really wondered where I had ever found the time to go to work every day.

   

For many people, their work is the meaning of life. It gives them the opportunity to be who they are and how they want to be. Of course, that also made me think of myself here, myself, Herman Bergson.

In a few more months, I will be 20 years old, and I will be in Second Life. Apart from some health issues and personal moments, I have always been working here, and this is lecture 1185.

I experience my existence and certainly also my virtual existence as meaningful. What I do gives meaning to my life. The most important aspect of this existence is,

both in RL and in SL, that I have always been there in my work from the beginning to the end result. What I mean is this: the carpenter receives the rough wood and gets to work.

And he transforms this wood with his own hands into a beautiful chair or bookcase. If you think about it, to be able to stand in the work process like that is almost a luxury.

But what if the relationship between work and result goes wrong? Instead of a craftsman making a chair from start to finish, he only tightens a screw in a factory.

The end product becomes invisible and any personal satisfaction and fulfillment is impossible. Can you be so proud of your work? Who does not know images of endless production halls with rows of workstations to assemble parts of devices?

   

This is the result of industrialization in the 19th century, resulting in a working class for whom work meant survival and not meaning of life. This is what Marx called "alienation".

   

In Marx's theory, alienation is a systematic result of capitalism where workers are separated from the product of their labour.

  

Workers do not own their labour of the products their work. The fruits of their labour beiong to the capitalists, this causes a sense of estrangement and powerlessness.

   

Marx believed that workers are alienated from their humanity in a capitolist society because their work does not fulfill their human potential.

  

He observed four types of alienation: from the product, the working activity itself, oneself as a producer, and from other workers.

  

In feeling alienated from others and oneself, Marx postulated that the worker was distanced from the essence of what it is to be human: creative, free beings.

  

Something to think about anno 2025 with its Artificial Intelligence.....

  

Thank you for your attention... the floor is yours..

     

[13:17] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): Thank you Herman

[13:18] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): Indeed i can agree.

[13:18] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): Bergie has AI DOING SONGS

[13:18] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): cute

[13:18] herman Bergson: I saw a demonstration of AI on TV....the promotion of a book.

[13:19] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): at my work its luckily not like that, im part of the entire project i take on, i run all the machines, the saw, drill, lathe, I weld. Operate the forklift and general logistics for my project

[13:19] herman Bergson: The AI did everthing,,,,design, marketing strategy and so on....

[13:19] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): and at the end when im at some golf course i can look and say, I made that

[13:19] herman Bergson: Writing my lecture I thought of you indeed, Bejiita....:-)

[13:19] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): they do nice poems too with aI

[13:19] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but we are a smaller company, ar larger factories this is not the case in general

[13:20] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaa ok Herman

[13:20] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡

[13:20] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ideed

[13:20] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): I'm a tailor, made all the cloths for my children and husband

[13:20] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): lovely

[13:20] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaaa thats also really nice

[13:21] herman Bergson: They told about a marketing bureau that had 290 copywriters....now they have only 20 + AI

[13:21] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ha

[13:21] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): of

[13:21] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hmm ok

[13:21] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): replacing almost everyone with machines

[13:21] herman Bergson: Lots of office jobs are going to disappear, it seems

[13:22] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): but people will still have ot contol a lot

[13:22] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): there will be other jobs instead

[13:22] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yes

[13:22] herman Bergson: Which also happened when computers were introduced at the offices

[13:22] herman Bergson: I think so too Beertje

[13:23] herman Bergson: We need people to clean and oil the robots :-)

[13:23] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): there is a thing called Vibe coding that some say will put programmers out of work because u just write like 4 rows in a prompt and tadaaa next battlefield so the ceo can fire all his workers and do it all himself and just cash in

[13:23] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): ツ

[13:23] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): however that wont be the case anytime soon hopefully

[13:23] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): artists still have the creative need to produce their works

[13:23] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): inpaint

[13:24] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): sculpture

[13:24] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): etc

[13:24] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): clothing

[13:24] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): the output of the AI is quite crap, i have tried it a bit

[13:24] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): vibe code

[13:24] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): never tried it hyet

[13:24] herman Bergson: robots and 3D printers can do the job Gemma :-)

[13:24] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): only use it to answer qestions

[13:24] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): no like the real art tho

[13:24] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): i also like to understand how things work under the hood and learn all the creative stuff

[13:24] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): i have seen work from AI in paintings

[13:24] herman Bergson: I wouldnt dare to say that ....:-)

[13:25] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): write some lines in a prompt and voila a finished program, game ect, where is the fun in that

[13:25] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ?

[13:25] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): before a robot can print, the artist has to create the jubject

[13:25] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yes

[13:25] herman Bergson: Same question for.....where is the fun in creating your own oil painting....no AI can do that

[13:26] herman Bergson: Nor give you the joy and satisfaction

[13:26] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): exactly

[13:26] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!

[13:26] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...

[13:26] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): i prefer to paint my own paintings

[13:26] herman Bergson: No, Beertje....we are already far past that station

[13:26] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): well it is fun and creative to get AI to do what you want

[13:26] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): i guess

[13:26] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): ?

[13:27] herman Bergson: Yes, that is fun Gemma:-)

[13:27] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): 13:26] Beertje Beaumont: i prefer to paint my own paintings

[13:26] herman Bergson: No, Beertje....we are already far past that station'

[13:27] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): ??

[13:27] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): then i can make a CNC program for my 3D printer and make it physical object but i want to shape the actual object before i let the machine take over

[13:27] herman Bergson: I had a complex legal issue and need to go to  an expert...

[13:27] herman Bergson: but I asked ChatGPT....got the perfect answer for free :-)

[13:27] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but that is just classic CAD/ CAM stuff thats been arould since long

[13:27] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): only now everyone have access to it

[13:27] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): not just factories

[13:28] herman Bergson: Beertje, AI creates its own images, drawings etc

[13:28] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): someeone did this for the Burn2 Rangers you can rezz it Herman

[13:28] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): iprefer to do that my own

[13:28] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): rezz it herman

[13:28] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): sure AI is very ueful if used the right way, then i even use it quite often

[13:28] herman Bergson: sure...

[13:29] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaa yes lets see

[13:29] herman Bergson: But the marketing bureau had the AI create pictures and posters

[13:29] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): i just sent youone

[13:29] herman Bergson: ohhh...

[13:29] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): from one of the Rangers

[13:30] herman Bergson: Let me check

[13:30] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): she gave them the basic rules of being a ranger

[13:30] herman Bergson: That is an AI pooem, Gemma?

[13:31] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yes

[13:31] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): thats a great one

[13:31] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡

[13:31] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and said make a poem

[13:31] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): what is a ranger Gemma?

[13:31] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): I am a  burn2 Ranger

[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and that is what we do on the playa

[13:32] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaa

[13:32] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): but what is a ranger?

[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): in real life they do they same on black rock playa

[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): they help anyone who needs help

[13:32] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): so many nice times i have had there

[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and settle disputes

[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): between builders etc

[13:32] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): they are the managers of the event sort of

[13:33] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): or what you would call it

[13:33] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): the ones making it all work and rum

[13:33] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): run

[13:33] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): for example last event we had a real jerk builder who was harrassing another builder with nasty comments about her build

[13:33] Lukkie Sands: I agree....the text ryhms....

[13:33] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and rangers step in and settle the situation

[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aah

[13:34] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): sort of police?

[13:34] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and for the next few events he may not be able ot build

[13:34] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): no not police

[13:34] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!

[13:34] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...

[13:34] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): visitors dont like police

[13:34] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): so we are a milder type of help

[13:34] Lukkie Sands: peace officers

[13:34] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): but yes similar

[13:34] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yay

[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but more then police

[13:35] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): Bej is there  alot

[13:35] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): general helpers

[13:35] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and bergie

[13:35] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): comes ot parties

[13:35] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaa its my fav event of year + halloween, they both pull be through the darkness after summer ends and make it something to look forward to

[13:36] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): partying at burning man + playing some horror games and munching lots of candy

[13:36] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡

[13:36] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): tradition for me since long

[13:37] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): something to fill the void

[13:37] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): sort of

[13:37] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): wehn it starts getting colder again and its time to move inside again

[13:37] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): after the summer

[13:37] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): then i know i have that

[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): + my breakdance buddies

[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡

[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): we run all year around

[13:39] herman Bergson: So if you are lucky, we may conclude, your work can offer you a meaning of life.... :-)

[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): indeed

[13:39] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): maybe i should go break dance too, 1 dance and I have all my bones broken :))

[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hahahahah

[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!

[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...

[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): well its not THAT intense

[13:39] herman Bergson: A broken meaning of life, I'd say

[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but sure a good workout

[13:40] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): lol

[13:40] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): if i remember right it is called breakdancing because you did those moves during the breaks in the music like drops ect

[13:40] herman Bergson: I dont know how you feel about it...but when I see those production halls

[13:41] Guestboook van tipjar stand: Gemma Cleanslate donated L$100. Thank you very much, it is much appreciated!

[13:41] herman Bergson: with rows and rows of workstations....

[13:41] herman Bergson: How can you work there evry day hours and hours?

[13:41] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): indeed

[13:41] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): just a drone

[13:41] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): it's not human to work like that

[13:41] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): indeed not

[13:42] herman Bergson: ANd yet people do it, Beertje

[13:42] herman Bergson: making iPhones

[13:42] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): yes, only to feed their relatives

[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yes

[13:42] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): they have to

[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): just to survive

[13:42] herman Bergson: I really wonder how it feels

[13:42] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): depressing

[13:43] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): THAT is a job u can replace with machines i say

[13:43] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): they don't smile

[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): well way back in the 20s tailors worked in that kind of environment making clothes

[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): in Usa

[13:43] herman Bergson: they still do in BAngladesh

[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yep

[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): for the usa

[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and Netherlands

[13:43] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): where facturies burn and falls down killing 1000s each time

[13:43] herman Bergson: I have seen videos...really...

[13:43] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): i'm glad i wasn't such a tailor, i make cloths from the beginning to the end

[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and Europe

[13:43] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): horrible

[13:44] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): indeed

[13:44] herman Bergson: That is what mass production has brought us

[13:44] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): i like the entire process, from CAD to finished part or like with my game creation

[13:45] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): sure i use finished assets sometimes but thats about it

[13:45] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): the thing i like with it is the fact it makes me a multi artist

[13:45] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): mass production is often bad quality

[13:45] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): that also

[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): very true

[13:45] herman Bergson: not your iPhone Beertje :-)))

[13:45] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): lol no

[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and that is as mass as you could get

[13:46] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): i mean cloths...very bad produced

[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yes

[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and the prints

[13:46] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): like how the battery in my E scooter suddenly died even it was barley loaded, I took apart the machine and accessed the battery with a multimeter and i cant measure any voltage out form it and also it does not charge

[13:46] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): like a fuse has popped

[13:47] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): even it was not under any load barley

[13:47] herman Bergson: Let's praise ourselves living at the right side of the line

[13:47] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): or its just a konday ex

[13:47] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): monday

[13:47] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): yes Herman

[13:47] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaaa yes

[13:48] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): true

[13:48] herman Bergson: So, thank you all again and continue enjoying life...:-)

[13:48] herman Bergson: Class dismissed...

[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ♥ Thank Youuuuuuuuuu!! ♥

[13:48] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡

[13:48] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): YAY! (yay!)

[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): back to the event

[13:48] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): thank you Herman

[13:48] herman Bergson: Have fun Gemma :-)

[13:48] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hugs Gemma

[13:48] herman Bergson: thnx for the button

[13:48] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): bye Gemma