Since the system of capitalism began to turn in earnest, Perhaps 150 years or so have passed since the system of capitalism began to turn in earnest. As this system has matured around the world, including in Japan, A trend has emerged.
Capitalism operates on the principle of "solve where profit can be made first ". In other words, the most profitable problems are solved first. This is a natural market principle.
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As a result, in today's world, Most of the 'big human problems' have been solved.
Mobility problems are by car, Information problems are on the internet, communication problems on social networking sites.
What used to cost, now done almost for free. Capitalism in the process, certainly eliminated many of humanity's inconveniences.
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But here is one contradiction. "In a society where the big problems have disappeared, capitalism cannot turn. So it becomes necessary to give people a 'new sense of scarcity'.
Modern markets are driven by the "reproduction of shortages".
For example, diet. Although weight is not a survival issue, But being shown a model's body shape on social networking sites, 'This is my problem'.
This creates new markets, Someone else creates a "solution" within it. However, it is not "life-threatening difficulties" that are being solved, but, *micro discomfort.
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AI is also within this structure. People say, "AI solves everything." But what it actually solves is mostly "micro problems", Most of the problems it solves are micro problems.
Areas already adequately solved by IT, "low-cost, faster and easier". The only thing they are doing is reinventing the wheel in the direction of "lower cost, faster and easier".
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In this trend, engineers have hit one wall. That is that it is becoming harder to feel the existence value of what they are building. of what they are building.
It's not about sales or growth rates. *It's about whether or not you are happy with yourself for making it***.
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If you are a food producer, You can eat what you produce and think that it tastes good. Your work and your life are connected to the ground. So there is a cycle of emotions there.
But now many engineers are, making things they don't use or don't have trouble with. For those who will not die, but are slightly inconvenienced.
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This structure is the result of the maturing of capitalism. In a society where major problems have disappeared, People look for and consume "minor inconveniences". And engineers continue to solve these "micro-dissatisfactions" with technology. technology to solve these "minor complaints".
Well, it's a job that leaves nothing to the mind.
So the challenge that engineers now have to face is, Not "how to make it." *but to go back to "why we make it "*.
