What’s the Point?

I don’t know what to think about AI.

Seems there are experts saying it will transform our lives for the better, and others saying it will lead to Armageddon. Probably it will fall somewhere in the middle, like many new and revolutionary technologies.

The automobile killed the horse carriage industry, like the laptop computer killed most of the typewriter industry. People retrained and modernity marched on.

Still, as a writer, artist, and street photographer, I wrestle with the dispiriting question:

What’s the point?

If AI can generate text, stories, and essays as good as humans (or soon will), what’s the point in writing my own work? If AI can generate images and illustrations as good or better than humans, what’s the point in drawing my own work?

The same goes for street photography? What’s the point?

And I think the answer is simply the joy of creative expression. I enjoy writing stories and essays. I enjoy pushing myself to craft moving, memorable work. The same for drawing and photography.

The work should be its own reward.

So my battle plan is to continue tapping my own, creative expression. Continue listening to that mysterious muse that whispers in my ears. Continue writing heartfelt stories, reflective essays, and literary musings. Continue snapping monochromatic street photos of candid moments. Continue drawing sketchy, old-school cartoons and painting tonalist landscapes.

The work should be its own reward.

And hopefully, if the work is authentic and true and shared with the modest hope that others will enjoy it, that will be enough.

What do you think?