As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes production methods and social structures, the role and value of humanity face fundamental questions. Captain Kang Sang-bo, author of The Master Key and a civilization designer, stated in a recent interview that "the key transition in the AI era is not the enhancement of technological capabilities, but rather humanity's shift from 'method' to 'meaning.'" He emphasized the need to build a new form of civilization through this transition.
Kang has long researched and created around the concept of 'meaning civilization,' attempting to combine philosophical thought, personal growth, and the content industry. In his representative work, The Master Key, he systematically presents pathways to personal success and life direction.
He identified 'direction setting' as the most lacking capability in humans today. He warned that if people perceive AI merely as a tool, they risk missing structural changes and essence. "In a situation where AI can perform almost all tasks, if humans fail to set their own direction, they may become mere parts of the system," he said, adding that both individuals and social structures must be able to provide direction.
He introduced the concept of 'meaning civilization,' distinguishing it from existing information and technological civilizations. While technological civilization focuses on 'what to create,' the AI era necessitates a shift to the question of 'should we create it at all?' He explained that technology should operate in a way that brings it closer to human essence, moving from a 'technology-human-technology' structure to a 'human-technology-human' cyclical structure.
In terms of values, he presented 'meaning, vivid dreams, responsibility, and LOVE' as core areas unique to humanity. He stated, "AI and robots ultimately exist to help humans get closer to these four values," asserting that these elements will become new criteria for judgment.
He also proposed an absolute formula for success: 'BTS × LOVE = SUCCESS.' Here, BTS represents Body, Talent, and Spirit, while LOVE signifies connection and empathy among humans. He noted that in the AI era, traditional success criteria based on speed, efficiency, and results are rapidly being replaced by a focus on creating deeper connections and generating meaning.
From a generational perspective, he defined those aged 10 to 30 as '1030 young stars' and labeled them as 'civilization designers.' He emphasized that unlike the older generation, which grew up under efficiency, growth, and capital-centered logic, these young individuals would struggle to gain an advantage if they compete with AI on the same terms. The key, he stressed, is to shift from competition in efficiency to creating direction.
On the institutional front, he introduced the concepts of 'meaning finance' and 'meaning education.' He remarked that in the AI era, economic systems could operate without direct human participation, suggesting that finance should shift from a production-centered approach to one that invests in human and value-centered areas, namely meaning, vivid dreams, responsibility, and LOVE. However, he added that such changes would require gradual guidance from media, institutions, and government rather than individuals.
In the field of education, he pointed out that existing systems remain stuck in 'pre-AI' methods. Kang stated, "Knowledge acquisition should be left to AI, while humans should focus on exploring meaning and direction." He called for a shift in history education from rote memorization to experiential understanding, advocating for teachers to transition from being 'providers of answers' to 'askers of questions.'
At the same time, he warned of the risk that 'meaning' could be further diminished in a discourse centered on efficiency, growth, and capital. He cautioned that if society prioritizes results alone, individuals may lose their ability to judge 'why they do what they do.'
He concluded, "Today's younger generation stands at a crucial crossroads. Whether they become the architects of civilization or remain consumers within the system is a matter that transcends individual choice and will influence the direction of future society."
“In the AI era, the competition is not about speed, but about direction.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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