"When looms weave by themselves, man's slavery will end."

"When looms weave by themselves, man's slavery will end." ~ Aristotle, 4th century BCE

Are we approaching this reality sooner than we think?

The question is, who will decide the fate of humans? When humans stop "weaving looms" of the modern era, what will happen? When “robots” and “AI” become the new slaves, what will humans do? Who decides? Do we trust those who might be the decision-makers? How did they become the decision-makers? Do we truly understand the meaning of being human and the profound impact it has on us? What role will leaders play in the decision-making process? What role will religion play, if any? What lessons can we learn from the mystics and contemplative teachers of history?

This is a question that needs to be carefully addressed, as the answer will have a direct impact on our grandchildren and their children.

Thomas Merton believed that contemplation integrates life into a whole, and the meaning of life is not solely based on achievements.

"Therefore, there is only one problem on which all my existence, my peace, and my happiness depend: to discover myself in discovering God." ~ New Seeds of Contemplation

What lessons do we learn from Merton that help us understand the relationship between technology and the false self and the true self?

The "condition of the working classes," as Pope Leo XIII characterized it in his landmark 1891 social encyclical, Rerum Novarum, was "the pressing question of the hour."

Today, emerging technology and the meaning of the true self are the pressing questions we face.

Joseph Cardijn addressed the issues surrounding the emergence of a "working-class" and, within that, a "workers’ movement" during the height of the Industrial Revolution. As individuals, workers "were powerless to solve these problems." As a result, they "had to unite, to organize a workers' movement, which was as necessary as the existence of the working class." In the era of emerging technology and the new autonomous revolution, the issue at hand is not about overworking the working class but rather eliminating the need for a working class. See the pattern here?

Both Cardijn and Merton provide us with patterns and insights to address the current social phase change we are experiencing.

The "yellow brick road" of discovering our true selves and helping others uncover the same reality involves our active response to God's calling. This understanding is reflected in the teachings of Jesus and the works of great mystics throughout history. However, this often necessitates some form of ascetic practice or spiritual discipline, commonly referred to as contemplation.

Merton shares insights from Zen, classical Taoism, and various Eastern and Western traditions that emphasize contemplation as a way of life.

Merton says, "God alone is left. He is the 'I' who acts there. He is the one who loves and knows and rejoices." ~ New Seeds of Contemplation.

Is emerging technology prompting us to reflect on uncovering our true selves?

"The more I become identified with God, the more will I be identified with all the others who are identified with Him." ~ New Seeds of Contemplation.

The world is rapidly changing. The concept of a “village” emphasizes the notion that collective community involvement is crucial in achieving a specific goal or completing a task, such as bringing about the kingdom of heaven here and now.

It takes a "village" to move the world. Are we ready to provide the leverage?