Yuval Noah Harari, a historian, discusses the rapid acceleration of technological innovation and artificial intelligence in the future. He highlights the likelihood of automation disrupting jobs and the rise of behavior-modifying algorithms that people won’t even realize are targeting them. Harari suggests that the best defense against these changes is emotional flexibility and self-awareness, allowing individuals to constantly reinvent themselves.

He emphasizes the importance of investing in emotional intelligence and mental balance, as psychological challenges will be significant in adapting to these shifts. Harari also advocates for building a flexible mind and mentions his personal practice of meditation to achieve mental flexibility. Lastly, he discusses the dangers of technology’s influence on attention and urges people to be mindful of how they use technology to avoid being manipulated by algorithms.

Editor’s Note: We must always remember that every tool invented by humans has served to replace an innate capacity that we have. We must now ask: what innate skill are we giving up when we allow ourselves to be dominated by artificial intelligence and algorithms?

If Harrari says that meditation will help preserve mental flexibility, imagine what true awareness could do to the human being. What if through our spiritual practices, we discovered the profound nature of our being?