As the "May Day" International Workers' Day arrives once more, we extend our best wishes first to every individual striving diligently in life: Happy Holiday, your hard work is appreciated. "The beautiful dreams of the world can only be realized through honest labor." Labor supports our bustling society and propels civilization forward. Throughout history, people have praised labor, celebrated creation, honored the persistence found in sweat, and commended steadfastness within the ordinary. Today, however, human society has encountered a significant variable—Artificial Intelligence, advancing silently yet irresistibly. AI continuously shatters the efficiency limits of human labor and is rapidly learning to "think," handling tasks like copywriting, design, programming, and even decision-making. Consequently, familiar job roles are being replaced, and accustomed ways of working are being disrupted. At this new crossroads, "labor" seems to face redefinition, and its forms are being reshaped. Many may ask: In today's world, is human labor still necessary? Or, is it still so worthy of praise? At this juncture, we must return to the essence of labor. Labor is not mere mechanical repetition nor simply the expenditure of energy. Empowered by technology, labor is transforming from a means of survival into a vehicle for self-actualization. The impulse to solve problems when they arise, the patience to refine something from "acceptable" to "satisfactory," the hand extended in trust during collaboration—these are uniquely human sentiments that no algorithm can replicate. AI can serve as an assistant, a tool, an "exoskeleton" extending our capabilities, but it cannot replace human labor. Tasks requiring heartfelt dedication and choices concerning value and meaning ultimately must be undertaken by people. Furthermore, labor is our way of understanding ourselves and connecting with the world. A child building blocks cares not about speed but about the pride of "I did it"; an elderly person gardening does so not because flowers are unaffordable, but because the process of care gives life anticipation. Within the human world exists a core that AI can never duplicate—the curiosity in creation, the warmth in collaboration, the reflection after failure. We do not abolish sports competitions because cars outrun humans, just as we should not negate human value because AI calculates faster. On a deeper level, humans need labor. Most fundamentally, it allows us to perceive time, experience growth, and grants us a sense of control, belonging, and the grounded feeling of "I exist." Times change, the forms of labor change, but the value of labor remains constant. The original intent of establishing Labor Day was to grant dignity and rest to workers. Today, as AI becomes a new "labor partner," we require clear awareness: the more powerful the tool, the more its user must understand who they are and what they aim to accomplish. May we all find our own rhythm in this era of change. Hold fast to earnestness in life and persistence of self. However you choose to create, it deserves to be seen and blessed.
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