Artificial intelligence is changing the world faster than many of us expect. But while AI can do many things, it cannot do one critical thing: love. In this post, you'll find a thoughtful look at how AI and people can coexist without losing what makes us human—our compassion, creativity, and connection to one another.
Reevaluating Human Values in the Age of AI
Back in 1991, just hours before becoming a father for the first time, Kai-Fu Lee was at a crossroads. His wife had been in labor for 12 grueling hours, but he found himself torn between staying by her side or leaving to give an important presentation about AI to Apple's CEO. Thankfully, his daughter was born on time, sparing him from choosing work over family.
This moment stayed with Lee. He reflects on how the work ethic he valued so highly once almost made him miss something far more important: love. That experience changed how he views value and priorities. It highlighted a deep truth many rush past—the importance of placing human connection and love above relentless work.
This story is a reminder that human values need to evolve as technology transforms our world. Success is more than output; it’s about meaning, relationships, and care.
The Evolution of AI: From Discovery to Implementation
Early AI Discoveries and Deep Learning
Kai-Fu Lee spoke about AI on the TED stage as early as 1992, soon after Apple embraced his ideas. Back then, AI was mostly about discovery—trying to figure out the fundamental rules and possibilities. The next big leap came about a decade ago with deep learning, a breakthrough by three North American scientists.
Deep learning allows machines to learn from massive data within a single area and make predictions or decisions with superhuman accuracy. For example:
- Classifying images of food, like deciding whether a picture is of a hot dog or not.
- Driving cars by analyzing video and sensor data from highways.
- Imitating speeches, even mimicking politicians with surprising realism.
Deep learning has become the core technology driving today’s AI developments.
China’s Role in AI Implementation and Innovation
While the US led AI discovery, China is taking charge of execution and implementation. Chinese entrepreneurs are known for their intense work ethic. For example, the "996" schedule means working from 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week. Some startups even have "997" as a badge of honor.
The pressure cooker competition in China is far fiercer than the Silicon Valley scene, described by Lee as "a gladiatorial fight" versus "gentlemanly" competition in the US. This environment pushes rapid product improvements and robust business models.
Chinese companies have developed standout products like WeChat and Weibo, often considered better than their Western counterparts (Facebook and Twitter). One visible sign of innovation is how China has gone almost entirely cashless. In 2023 alone, $18.8 trillion was transacted via mobile internet payments—a number larger than China’s GDP. This includes peer-to-peer transfers with almost no fees and instant settlements, reaching 700 million users.
China’s huge population and data availability give its AI industry an advantage. The massive volume of user data fuels better AI training, pushing Chinese companies ahead in areas like computer vision, speech technology, machine translation, and drones.
The Symbiotic Relationship: US and China Driving AI Forward
The US and China are now like two engines working together to push AI’s rapid growth. The US focuses on discovery and innovation, while China excels in speed, product quality, and scale.
This collaboration is expected to add around $16 trillion to global GDP by 2030 according to PwC. Large markets, rapid iteration, and massive data sets help companies on both sides push AI further and faster than ever before.
Together, they drive an unprecedented technological revolution with huge economic and social impact.
The Impact of AI on Jobs and Human Identity
Job Displacement and Routine Jobs vs. Creative Jobs
AI’s ability to automate routine tasks is a mixed blessing. Unlike the Industrial Age, where new factory jobs replaced craftsman roles, AI often replaces entire jobs—including trucking, telesales, customer service, and some specialties like radiology.
Creative roles currently stand as a safe zone, since machines can optimize but not create original works or ideas. Lee jokes that this is where he feels safe.
More than job loss, AI challenges how we find meaning in work. The Industrial Age conditioned many of us to see work as our reason for existence. For Lee, this mindset nearly cost him his family and health.
A Personal Health Crisis Sparks a Shift in Perspective
Receiving a diagnosis of advanced lymphoma forced Lee to confront his mortality. PET scans showed over 20 tumors, and everything he had built career-wise suddenly seemed less important.
During chemotherapy, he read Bronnie Ware’s research into the regrets people have when dying. Remarkably, nobody wished they had worked more. Instead, the common regrets were about not spending enough time with loved ones and not expressing enough love.
This profound realization shifted Lee’s values completely. He now works less, prioritizes family, and cherishes love above all.
Here are the top regrets Ware found on people’s deathbeds:
- Wishing they had spent more time with family.
- Wanting to have expressed more love and kindness.
- Regretting missed relationships and moments with loved ones.
Lee’s story highlights how AI and changing work landscapes give us a chance to rethink what matters most.
Embracing Compassion and Creativity: The Human Advantage Over AI
Love and Compassion as Core Human Traits
Despite its skills, AI does not experience feelings. When AlphaGo outplayed the world champion Go player, the human felt joy and heartbreak—the machine did not.
Love, empathy, and compassion cannot be coded into algorithms. These traits are the new axis for human value alongside creativity.
Creating Compassionate Jobs for the AI Future
As machines replace routine jobs, the demand for compassionate human work will grow. Some examples include:
- Social workers to support people during transitions.
- Caregivers providing medical and emotional assistance.
- Teachers guiding children through an ever-changing world.
- Elderly companions turning love and presence into careers.
- Homeschooling and personalized education as meaningful jobs.
These roles require qualities AI can’t replicate: warmth, empathy, and connection.
A Framework for Human-AI Coexistence
Four Ways We Can Work with AI
Lee outlines one way to think about how AI and humans can fit together:
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| AI replaces routine jobs | Humans freed from repetitive work, able to find new purpose |
| AI assists creatives | Scientists, artists, and writers use AI tools to enhance work |
| AI supports compassionate work | Analytical AI paired with human warmth to boost empathy jobs |
| Humans excel in creative + compassionate jobs | The unique space where humans shine beyond AI capability |
This framework shows how each side has a strength, forming a balanced partnership instead of competition.
Final Thoughts: AI as a Reminder of Our Humanity
AI is serendipity—a surprisingly good thing that frees us from dull routines and asks us to focus on what matters most. It reminds us that work alone does not define us.
The future calls for acceptance of AI and, more importantly, a greater focus on love, creativity, and care. These are the elements that will continue to define us as human beings.
Embrace AI. Cherish what makes you human. Choose love.
For a deeper look and to hear this message directly, watch Kai-Fu Lee’s inspiring talk at TED.
Watch the TED Talk: How AI can save our humanity | Kai-Fu Lee
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