Human Dignity and Happiness in the Post-AI Era
Zoey(Zhuoying) Zheng, ICF PCC, CPCC
Transformational Leadership Coach | Master Candidate of Spirituality Mind Body @ Columbia University|Ex MKTer @ Bytedance | Body-Mind-Soul Influencer & Storytelling Coach
In a recent live broadcast with my friend, Dr. Ji Yiwen, founder of Haoli Youwen Consulting, we delved into a conversation about "Human Dignity and Happiness in the Post-AI Era." We explored two contrasting perspectives on AI. Some view AI pessimistically, fearing it will render human existence meaningless as it replaces human roles. However, there's an optimistic viewpoint too, suggesting that AI, by taking over routine tasks, can liberate humanity, steering us back to our unique human experiences like love, empathy, creativity, and imagination.
Dr. Yiwen shared a personal revelation. She used to ponder, "What is love?" But after several journeys, she realized she was asking the wrong question. It's not about defining love in her mind but about asking "When did you experience love?" in her heart. Love is an experience that comes from the heart.
Today, I'd like to share moments from the past few months that made me feel loved, hoping that on this beautiful Thanksgiving, everyone finds time to be thankful for our unique gifts and the precious moments of life.
Marriage life: I learnt to love the world through you
I recently got married and soon after, we had a beautiful wedding photoshoot in San Francisco. It was a day bathed in sunshine, with a clear blue sky. We made solemn promises to each other at City Hall, ran along the beach near the Golden Gate Bridge, and danced in front of the Palace of Fine Arts. My mood was as bright as the sunshine that day.
Married life feels slow and beautiful. Love is both deep and tangible, broad yet detailed. My experience is very sensory - starting each day with an "I love you" and a warm hug, watching him sleep, feeling a surge of love when we embrace. When I asked my partner what love means to him, he said it's the feeling of knowing I are dedicating and contributing to your happiness and joy.
There are two small incidents that deeply touched me. Once, during a stressful exam period in September, my partner went out to buy my favorite roast pork and chicken, brewed the tea to help me relax, and even got some pens for my exam. Before going for a run, he'd chop vegetables so we could cook together when he returned. Another time, when I was preparing for a long trip to attend a conference, he checked the weather, helped pack my luggage, and prepared daily vitamins in small calps, reminding me to take them. I felt like every word I said was heard, every detail cared for. After more than 20 years, I finally experienced the greatest happiness of life.
I also expressed my love through empowerment. For instance, he's been trying to lose weight by running daily. After each run, I cheerfully tell him how amazing he is and encourage him to shout, "I'm amazing!" while clapping alongside him. This transforms the pain of dieting into motivation. Every day we have opportunities to coach each other, to grow together. We make a conscious effort to say "I love you," to show gratitude and encouragement, aiming to turn our home into a hub of positive culture.
At this moment, I feel a deeper emotion welling up inside me. There's a quote in "The Art of Loving" that goes, "If I truly love one person, I love all persons, I love the world, I love life." If I can say to someone, "I love you," I can also say, "Because of you, I love everyone, I love the world, and I love myself."
In him, I see the purest and most sincere human qualities. He is kind, genuine. He always follows his heart and encourages me to pursue my passions. He is also selfless, and generous to friends. In him, I see the best of humanity and a glimpse of the wider world. He's introverted, stable, and rational, while I'm extroverted, lively, and love socializing. Building our marriage has shown me how our complementary personalities create a stronger union, giving us more power and courage to face challenges.
Tony Robbins UPW conference: The story of a 94-year-old lady
I also recently attended Tony Robbins' "Unleash Your Power Within," a 4-day live event by the world-renowned life coach. Despite being 63, Robbins led high-energy, 12-hour sessions each day, guiding thousands of people through energy boosts and self-awareness. It's amazing to challenge our physical, mental, and emotional limits by walking on fire and connecting with so many incredible people. During a meditation session, as everyone raised their hands to the sky in embrace, I felt an overwhelming confidence in humanity. Everyone desires creativity and connection, fundamental to human evolution.
One attendee, 94-year-old Sylvia Anthony , captured my attention. Among thousands, she was one of the top 15 in a concentration exercise. Her eyes sparkled with wisdom and composure. Just seeing her moved me to tears, as I felt the energy of her life. I approached her during a break, tearfully thanking her for being an inspiration. Her very presence was a blessing. I asked her what message she'd like to leave for the young people in China who are feeling disillusioned and anxious. She held my hand, looked into my eyes with earnest warmth, and said, "Take good care of yourself, follow your instinct no matter how others think about it, then you will live as long as I do."
I later learned more about Sylvia's life. From an abusive childhood to two marriages, she founded a shelter for women and children, changing the lives of over a thousand lost souls over 30 years. She received honors like the National Association of Professional Women's Woman of the Year (2012/2013) and recognition from President George Bush in 2002. In her book "Till the End of Time," she writes that the "golden years" are a time to get busy, not relax. Life is hard, but she believes the universe gave her strength and health to fulfill her dream of opening shelters in all 50 states to save more suffering souls.
In today's world, we often use a limited calculator to measure our worth, focusing on money and tangible outcomes. This creates anxiety, as we constantly feel inadequate or unworthy of love.
But I believe there's a bigger map and calculator in the universe's hands. It records our love for the world in a special currency, to be repaid in another form later in life. This could be longevity and health like Sylvia's, a loving partner, or a lifelong career. The value in the world's ledger far exceeds monetary worth and our limited perspective.
Life coaching in the Bay Area
I recently started life canvas activities in the Bay Area, helping people visualize their desired future state. Regardless of geography, everyone seeks a career that ignites passion and enhances self-worth. I see the pain and struggle of young individuals growing in traditional organizational structures, and I sense a new possibility for life and careers emerging.
What is this new possibility? It involves creating businesses with virtues of truth, goodness, and beauty, addressing not only consumer needs for sustainable products that don't exploit life or the planet but also employees' desire for organizations that align with their values.
The future will witness more idealistic entrepreneurs. They need two kinds of support: mental strength to stick to their principles in a materialistic era and skills to bring their products and services to market effectively.
I aim to be a coach empowering these individuals, not just in China but globally. I've already started supporting entrepreneurs from the U.S., Belgium, and other places. A CEO of a NASDAQ-listed company, with whom I had previous business dealings, also approached me for a special collaboration. Together, we launched an "Integrated Whole-Person" entrepreneur coaching program, helping entrepreneurs break through limiting beliefs and current constraints to achieve personal and societal unity.
If you're an entrepreneur with grand ideals but stuck in specific business strategies and execution, hoping to create a sustainable, benevolent business model but unsure how to make it profitable, or if you have deep expertise in a field but don't know how to leverage it for business success, we welcome you to contact us and fill out an application form:https://jinshuju.net/f/KjnFDU.
The lack of business coaches for entrepreneurs is a current shortfall in the venture capital industry. An excellent entrepreneur should be surrounded by a high-energy advisory team. Only then can the next generation of benevolent entrepreneurs take the world stage.
Who we go together with is more important than where to go
I am grateful for the wonderful friends I've met in the Bay Area. I believe that if you have unconditional trust in people, you will meet many good ones.
During Stanford's 138th anniversary celebration, I attended a gathering with Stanford Education alumni to discuss entrepreneurial projects and plans. Stanford's motto, "Die Luft der Freiheit weht" (Let the wind of freedom blow), reflects the spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and innovation that permeates the university.
I also hosted a Halloween party at home, where I saw a Mexican friend dressed as Sailor Moon, an Egyptian Cleopatra, a U.S. military couple, and a pair from the game Valorant.
Every week, I visit an acupuncturist in his 80s, who cares for me like I were his granddaughter. He advises me to rest and build up my vitality for future challenges.
I received a warm gift from a Taiwanese neighbor, a pineapple cake, with a sweet note in the distinctively warm and sticky Taiwanese style.
Chatting with friends on the Stanford campus, sharing meals in the cafeteria, hiking in the hills, and listening to their stories always feel meaningful. I'm grateful for the friends who take time out of their busy lives to read and help with my content.
These energetic, sincere, and lovely people, thank you for being part of my life. I increasingly believe that who you travel with is more important than where you're going.
Secrets to happiness
In the post-AI era, the secret to happiness lies in mastering the art of finding joy in everyday life. This is a skill we can all develop.
Here are a few small actions that have helped me to be happy: