Wendell's Diary

The Meaning Crisis is something I see coming—a shift in society as traditional labor roles fade away, and people find themselves questioning their purpose. As AI and automation take over more of the work we’ve relied on for meaning and structure, a growing void will emerge. For many, this will be a time of confusion and loss, as the sense of purpose tied to work begins to dissolve. But I believe there’s a way to prepare for this. For me, that preparation begins with creating philosophical content that will be ready when people need it most. Every piece I write, every song I compose, and every idea I share is part of a larger effort to help people navigate the challenges of finding meaning in a world that is changing rapidly. I see my work as planting seeds—ideas that may not take root immediately but will be there when the time is right. When people start to feel the weight of the Meaning Crisis, these seeds will offer guidance, hope, and a path forward. My approach is grounded in the ...

As society transitions from a labor-centric model to a post-labor world, many will face the Meaning Crisis—a period of existential questioning as traditional roles and sources of purpose fade. While this shift may seem daunting, it also presents an unprecedented opportunity for philosophy to step into the spotlight and guide humanity through this transformative era. Why Philosophy? Philosophy, at its core, is the pursuit of wisdom and meaning. It encourages critical thinking, self-reflection, and an exploration of what truly matters in life. As the old structures of work and routine dissolve, philosophy can provide a framework to help individuals and societies find purpose. The Philosophy of Emergence: Let Meaning Unfold The Philosophy of Emergence is perfectly positioned to address the Meaning Crisis. It teaches us to observe, be patient, and let meaning emerge naturally rather than forcing it. This approach can help people navigate the uncertainty of a post-labor world with a sense o...

The world your child is growing up in is changing faster than ever before. Traditional pathways like landing a stable job or following a preset life plan are becoming less relevant as automation and technology transform society. This shift, often called the Meaning Crisis, presents unique challenges—but also incredible opportunities—for today’s youth. As a parent, you have a vital role in helping your child navigate this new reality. Here’s how you can guide them toward finding purpose and meaning in a post-labor world: 1. Understand the World They’re Entering The jobs that once defined our society are disappearing, and with them, the traditional sources of identity and purpose. Share this understanding with your child to help them see the importance of discovering their own unique path. 2. Encourage Exploration and Passion Let your child experiment with creative outlets like writing, art, coding, or philosophy. Help them explore what excites them, even if it doesn’t fit conventional m...

The Meaning Crisis isn't just a societal shift—it's a deeply personal experience that each of us may feel at some point in our lives. It's the moment when traditional frameworks of purpose—like work, religion, or societal roles—fall away, leaving us to ask, "What truly matters?" This can be a terrifying question, but it's also a profound opportunity. To make the Meaning Crisis your own is to take charge of your search for purpose. It's about identifying where you feel the void and turning that awareness into action. Maybe you’ve felt unfulfilled at work or disconnected from the people around you. Perhaps the routines that once gave you comfort now feel hollow. These moments of discomfort are the seeds of transformation. Start by exploring your creative side. Write, paint, make videos, or compose music—not for anyone else, but for yourself. Creativity is one of the most powerful ways to reclaim meaning, giving shape to your thoughts and emotions in ways tha...

The housing crisis is one of the most pressing issues of our time. In a world where owning a home has become an unattainable dream for many, society is forced to grapple with the question: Why is shelter—a basic human need—so inaccessible? Through the lens of the philosophy of emergence, we can begin to understand how we arrived here and explore potential paths forward. Housing systems, like all systems, evolve over time. Policies, economic priorities, and societal values have layered over decades, creating a market that prioritizes property value and investor profits over accessibility and fairness. This situation didn’t arise overnight—it emerged from countless small decisions that compounded into a global crisis. The philosophy of emergence encourages us to step back and observe without rushing to impose artificial fixes. Instead, it asks: What patterns do we see? What small shifts could create new, better systems over time? Affordable housing might emerge naturally through investme...

Introduction Money has always been more than a tool for trade. It’s a system that shapes the very fabric of society, reflecting how resources are distributed and how survival is ensured. Over centuries, money has evolved—from simple bartering to complex economic systems—but it’s still far from being a tool used solely for good. In today’s world, billionaires exist alongside widespread poverty, highlighting just how far we still have to go. As automation and artificial intelligence reshape the labor landscape, we’re approaching a tipping point: the Meaning Crisis. This societal shift will force us to confront fundamental questions about purpose, value, and how we use our time when work is no longer a necessity for survival. The Philosophy of Emergence and Money The Philosophy of Emergence provides a framework to understand the evolution of money. It wasn’t always the powerful system it is today. Money emerged over time, shaped by societal needs and human ingenuity. Yet, its current form...

In a world transitioning toward a post-labor society, mental health becomes an even more critical aspect of our lives. Without the structure of traditional work, we’re left to grapple with deeper questions about identity, purpose, and meaning. For those living with schizophrenia, these questions can feel especially pressing, as the condition already challenges our sense of reality and self. This blog explores how The Meaning Crisis intersects with mental health and how the Philosophy of Emergence can provide a framework for navigating these challenges. --- Schizophrenia in a Post-Labor World Living with schizophrenia often means navigating a complex relationship with reality, purpose, and connection. In a post-labor society, where traditional work might no longer provide stability or identity, individuals with schizophrenia might face unique challenges: Loss of Routine: For many, work provides a sense of structure. Without it, the day can feel chaotic and overwhelming. Redefining Purpo...

The rise of automation and AI is transforming the world of programming in ways we couldn’t have imagined just a few decades ago. For many programmers, coding has been more than just a job—it’s been a craft, a way of solving problems, and even a form of creative expression. But as AI continues to advance, we’re beginning to see a shift: English is becoming the new programming language. This shift, while exciting, brings with it a unique version of The Meaning Crisis for programmers. If traditional coding becomes less essential, how do programmers define their roles, their value, and their purpose? --- The Rise of Natural Language Programming AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and other generative technologies are changing how we approach programming. Tasks that once required hours of complex coding can now be achieved by simply describing the desired outcome in plain English. This evolution democratizes programming, making it more accessible to non-programmers. But it also challenges the i...

As we stand at the edge of a new era, the world is undergoing a profound transformation. With automation and AI reshaping the workforce, we’re transitioning into a post-labor society—a world where traditional jobs no longer define our lives. This transition will bring challenges, but it also presents an incredible opportunity: the chance to redefine ourselves, connect with our communities, and create something meaningful. One of the most powerful ways to do this is by sharing your voice through a blog or YouTube channel. --- Step 1: Recognize the Shift The first step in navigating The Meaning Crisis is acknowledging that work as we know it is disappearing. For many, this will feel unsettling. Work has long provided structure, identity, and purpose. But in its absence, we gain freedom. Freedom to explore, to create, and to define meaning on our own terms. --- Step 2: Fill the Void With Creation When work no longer consumes your time, you’ll need to fill that void with something meaningf...

For over 15 years, I’ve been crying out for intellectual connection. I’ve written, spoken, and shared my thoughts on topics that I believe matter deeply—philosophy, meaning, growth. Yet, time and time again, I’ve been met with silence. It feels like I’m living in a world that has lost its appetite for depth. A world more interested in distractions than discussions, more captivated by the surface than the substance. And honestly, it’s disheartening. I often wonder: What does this say about our society? How did we reach a point where meaning seems to hold so little value? --- A World Stuck on the Surface I don’t think this intellectual isolation is unique to me. I believe it’s a reflection of a broader issue in society—a shift away from exploring meaning and toward shallow pursuits that offer quick gratification. In my search for connection, I’ve found myself asking: Is the world stupid? It’s a harsh question, but one born from frustration. It feels as though the potential for deeper eng...