Purpose curiosity and AI

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At many commencement ceremonies in the United States this year, speakers who mentioned artificial intelligence were met with boos from some graduates. After years of hard work, these students reached graduation only to learn that the world they prepared for is changing rapidly. This concern is understandable. Many young people are asking, “What happens to me if AI can do what I studied to do?” This is a valid and important question. However, fear alone is not a strategy. Expressing frustration with AI may provide temporary relief, but it does not shape the future.

Futurist Peter Diamandis suggests that two mindsets will distinguish those who thrive in the coming decade: purpose and curiosity. Purpose provides direction, while curiosity drives progress.

Many people confuse passion with purpose. Passion is what you enjoy. Purpose is what you enjoy that also benefits others. Passion is personal, while purpose is outward-facing. Passion asks, “What excites me?” Purpose asks, “Who benefits because I showed up?” That second question changes everything.

People may be passionate about music, writing, technology, teaching or other fields. However, purpose emerges when passion is directed toward serving others. Purpose strengthens when it solves problems, supports others, improves processes, creates value or inspires hope. Passion initiates action. Purpose provides direction.

This is important because the traditional social contract is weakening. For decades, young people were advised to study hard, earn good grades, attend a reputable university, obtain a degree and secure a stable job. This guidance was effective when industries and career paths were more predictable.

Today, career paths still exist, but they are evolving and in some cases, being redefined by rapid technological change. AI is transforming entry-level work by automating tasks such as writing, research, coding, design and analysis. While a degree remains valuable, it is no longer sufficient. Curiosity and purpose are now essential for continued growth and success.

This is why curiosity matters. Curiosity means asking, exploring, testing and learning. In the past, learning required finding resources or seeking help from others. Now, AI tools provide instant explanations and support, allowing users to ask questions at any level and receive clear, patient responses.

Historically, curiosity was limited by access to information. Today, it is limited primarily by personal initiative. The key question is no longer, “Can I learn?” Rather, “Will I make the effort?”

Diamandis shares the story of a young man in a Moroccan village with no income, connections or business degree. Using ChatGPT, he described his skills and situation. With AI’s guidance, he developed an e-bike tour business that now supports his family.

His success resulted from applying curiosity and purpose, not from expecting AI to provide instant solutions. That is the difference. AI benefits those who are curious and purposeful, but it cannot replace individuals who are committed to asking meaningful questions and acting on the answers.

We face two possible futures. One is passive, where technology entertains, informs and serves us, but gradually turns us into spectators rather than creators. This future is comfortable and convenient but ultimately limiting.

The preferable future is one of creation, where people use AI to solve problems, start businesses, teach, serve customers, improve communities, design tools and innovate. This future belongs to those who continue learning and take initiative to prepare themselves.

For entrepreneurs, the cost of starting a business has decreased significantly. A large team is not always necessary. What is essential is a clear problem, a receptive market, disciplined execution and ongoing curiosity.

For executives, business quality will increasingly depend on the quality of the questions asked. Rather than using AI only for routine tasks, consider how your business model could be disrupted, what customers may be dissatisfied with and how competitors might leverage AI.

For students, do not rely solely on your degree. Identify a problem you care about and use AI to learn, prototype, build and test solutions. Your future will depend on your abilities, creativity, character and contributions.

For parents, consider encouraging children not only to achieve good grades but also to ask insightful questions. Grades are important. Thoughtful questions foster growth. In the future, those who ask better questions may create better opportunities.

The age of AI increases our responsibility. We now have tools that previous generations could not imagine. But these tools do not create purpose, courage, discipline or care for others. That remains our work.

So do not simply ask, “What will AI do to my future?” Ask instead, “What future am I called to build with the tools now available?”

Purpose gives direction. Curiosity gives movement. AI provides leverage. But the human being must still choose the mission.

Join Francis Kong for another run of his one-day Level Up Leadership: Agile. Able. Adaptive seminar-workshop. Join us at One Rockwell, Makati, for a practical and inspiring learning experience designed for leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals who want to lead with greater clarity, confidence, courage and competence in a disrupted world. Seats are limited. For inquiries and registration, contact April at +63 928 559 1798 or Sylene at +63 976 638 8974.Visit www.levelupleadership.ph