The Irreplaceable Connection Human Devotion In The Age Of Automation

Thinking back to my driving instructor who taught me “Subject 3,” she was such a kind and amiable person. Unlike most instructors, her patience was boundless. She treated her students with genuine care and told me she had been in the profession for 40 years. After retiring from a driving school, she bought four cars of her own to start her own practice. Her teaching was systematic—it wasn’t just about passing the test, but about real-world driving wisdom. Her reputation is stellar, and now I truly understand why.

Despite her age, she started livestreaming on Douyin to share her knowledge. She told me it’s not about the money; she simply feels that many modern instructors lack the patience to teach practical road skills, and she believes that needs to change. Her policy for all students and parents is: “Try a lesson first; if you’re not satisfied, you don’t have to pay.” She isn’t afraid of being stiffed. I believe this stems from a profound self-confidence—an absolute faith in the quality of her service. This spirit and attitude are the fundamental reasons why she has a never-ending stream of students.

Seeing her passion for driving and teaching made me wonder: if the entire country moves to AI-driven autonomous vehicles in the future, what will happen to the profession she loves? Is it truly a good thing when AI completely replaces industries fueled by people who love their craft? As technology advances so rapidly, where do those who have spent half their lives rooted in their passions go as they grow older?

It makes me feel that human emotions—towards others and towards our work—are irreplaceable. I think of community managers who let their elderly parents help manage their online groups. Even though tools like OpenClaw can automate these tasks now, do they still need their parents’ help? They might continue to do so even if they know technology is more efficient. Because they live away from home and communication with their parents might naturally fade, having a shared task serves as a vital bridge to keep them connected. Their parents may not understand AI or automation, but they understand how to lighten their children’s burdens, and they know this is a way to stay involved in their children’s lives.

I believe humans need connection and emotion. Even if everything *can* be automated, it doesn’t mean everything *should* be automated.