A Philosophical Inquiry into Labour, Fulfilment, and Automation
2024 has been a historic year for Botswana, marking a seismic political shift as Batswana ushered in a new government, a moment some have termed the beginning of a second republic. Yet, the transformation we face extends beyond politics. Diamond dependency is declining, climate change threatens food security, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is upending how we live and work. These forces demand a recalibration of our relationship with labour, fulfilment, and automation.
For centuries, the idea of work as inherently virtuous has shaped society. From the Protestant work ethic to religious teachings, labour has been glorified as necessary for salvation and moral worth. Yet, as automation looms, replacing up to 70% of traditional jobs, this notion is no longer tenable. The real measure of work is not its output but its capacity to bring joy, purpose, and self-expression.
The Fallacy of Work for Work’s Sake
The belief that all work is inherently good is deeply entrenched in cultural and religious systems. Work has long been upheld as virtuous, a path to spiritual and social redemption. However, this perspective neglects the diverse realities of labour. Not all work is meaningful, and for many, it is a source of drudgery and despair. The value of labour lies not in mere productivity but in its ability to align with passions, interests, and values.
When individuals engage in work that resonates with their intrinsic motivations, labour transforms into a source of fulfilment. An artist lost in their craft, a scientist unraveling universal mysteries, or a caregiver providing comfort—these individuals exemplify work as an expression of joy and purpose. This is not a selfish pursuit; human flourishing enriches society as a whole. The myth of work for work’s sake perpetuates a narrow, outdated understanding of labour.
Automation: Crisis or Opportunity?
The rise of automation is often viewed with apprehension, its potential to displace jobs sparking fears of structural unemployment. Yet, automation also presents a liberating opportunity—to shift away from menial, repetitive work and embrace more meaningful pursuits. Machines can perform routine tasks, freeing humans to focus on creativity, intellectual growth, and emotional well-being.
Rather than measuring progress by productivity alone, societies must redefine prosperity. Success should encompass human well-being, creativity, and fulfilment, not just economic output. Professions demanding empathy, intuition, and critical thinking—such as healthcare, education, and the arts—remain irreplaceable. The human element—our ability to connect, create, and care—will always hold intrinsic value.
Rethinking Labour in a Human-Centric Economy
In a world obsessed with efficiency and profit, workers often find themselves trapped in cycles of stress and constraint. Long hours, precarious contracts, and high-pressure environments strip labour of meaning and reduce individuals to mere cogs in the machinery of production. The commodification of work perpetuates inequality, as meaningful and human-centric labour remains a privilege reserved for the few.
To break this cycle, we must reimagine the role of work in society. Economic growth cannot take precedence over human well-being. Structural barriers, from discrimination to limited education, must be dismantled to ensure everyone has the opportunity to pursue fulfilling labour. A human-centric economy prioritizes flexibility, autonomy, and creativity—values that nurture collective progress.
The Role of Government and Society
As structural unemployment becomes inevitable, governments must rethink employment strategies. Efforts to create redundant jobs will fail in the face of automation. Instead, the focus must shift to preparing young people for the evolving world of work. Education systems must equip them with skills for new opportunities that are fulfilling, creative, and resistant to automation.
Botswana, like the rest of the world, stands at a crossroads. By embracing a new paradigm of work—one centered on human flourishing—we can unlock untapped potential. The future lies not in toil and drudgery but in innovation, creativity, and meaningful engagement. Automation is not a threat but a tool to reclaim our humanity and build a more compassionate society.
On that note, as the festive season begins, I thank all my readers and wish you a joyful Christmas and a more human-centric 2025.