I sit here, lost in introspection. Am I common? Who is the common man? What makes people “common”? News reports constantly proclaim, “Oh, the common man is suffering.” Experts sipping free coffee on TV breakfast shows chime in: “The government must look after the common man; after all, he pays taxes.” Do I fit that category? Am I a part of the “common man”? Am I suffering like the rest? Do I need saving from the government? Or is the true question: Can the common person live without relying on the government? Can the government empower its people, or does it only consume them?
The common person lacks class, rank, or distinguishable attributes. He is ordinary, not of a desirable social status. But who assigns these “classes”? Can someone climb to a higher class? Or fall to a lower one? From commoner to aristocrat—perhaps that’s the journey I must take. Because to be ordinary is the ultimate goal of the unsuccessful.
I believe I’m on my own. Fortunately, I live in the information age, with access to vast amounts of knowledge and the ability to learn anything by myself. A piece of advice goes, “Begin from a subject that you are innately interested in, then diverge in all directions leading to skills connected to your life’s purpose” But what is my purpose? Was everyone born with a unique task, something only they can accomplish? Even the so-called common man?
Knowledge transforms. Reading sets a person apart. And that’s my goal—to stand apart. To not belong to the herd. To be uncommon. The future belongs to those who can quickly master hard, complex things, and promptly apply them. I want that future. I must read! Dare to be different. Aspire to join the elite.
Consider where the future lies—Artificial Intelligence. I think AI is an extension of the elite, crafted by those already privileged. AI learns only what it’s programmed to, yet it performs tasks, enhances productivity. But can the “ordinary” person use AI? Will society divide into those who can use AI and those who cannot? I believe AI can elevate human productivity. But does the typical person have something to augment, something for AI to build upon?
It’s often said that more is given to those who already have something. So, what does the common person possess that AI can elevate?
Good write
Thank you for reading!
Thank you for sharing this new perspective. It reminds us that AI’s impact might depend on what each person already has to build on, which gives readers a lot to think about!
Thank you so much for your comment. Much appreciated!