The only thing that now separates us humans from robots is self awareness. There are probably still a few things we can do a little better than a well oiled, software driven, precision built machine, but not many…and not for much longer.
Increasingly however, our ability to recognise who we are and how to place ourselves in the world is diminishing. It is constantly under attack by illusions of choice, illusions of strength, by excess rather than pan metron ariston, and by blindfolds. In removing our ability to recognise ourselves, we risk becoming automatons.
Physically we’re still human. Mentally however we become drones. The only way to counter that is to stay self aware. Aware of what you do effects everybody around you. Aware that your contributions to society are meaningful on so many levels. Aware that you are not defined by what you can afford, or what you have in the bank but how you relate to others, how meaningful your relationships are, what contributions you make to other human beings.
Self awareness is so critical in sustainable human existence. It is the only key difference that sets us apart. Lets try and avoid becoming automatons, if not for any other reason but a recognition that we have no chance of surviving otherwise.