Passion, purpose and curiosity

At this year’s graduation ceremonies, several graduates booed when commencement speakers mentioned artificial intelligence. After years of hard work, they faced the reality 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 serious question. However, while fear is natural, it is not a strategy. Expressing frustration at AI may offer brief relief, but it does not shape the future. Like shouting at a storm, it may feel honest, but it does not address the underlying challenge.

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. Together, they empower individuals to adapt in a rapidly changing world.

This distinction is important, as many people confuse passion with purpose.

Passion is personal enjoyment; purpose is enjoyment that also benefits others.

Passion asks, “What excites me?”

Purpose asks, “Who benefits because I showed up?”

That second question is transformative.

People may be passionate about various fields, but purpose emerges when passion is directed toward serving others. Purpose strengthens when it addresses problems, supports others, improves processes, creates value, or inspires hope.

Passion may initiate action, but purpose provides direction.

Without purpose, passion can become mere entertainment. With purpose, it leads to meaningful contribution.

This is especially relevant today because the traditional social contract is weakening. Previously, young people were advised to study hard, earn good grades, attend reputable universities, and secure stable jobs. This approach worked when industries and career paths were predictable.

Today, those paths are evolving rapidly, often shaped by technological innovation.

AI is transforming entry-level work by automating tasks such as writing, research, coding, design, and analysis. While degrees remain important, they are no longer sufficient.

A diploma may open doors, but curiosity and purpose determine long-term success.

Curiosity is not just interest. It is the discipline of asking, exploring, testing and learning.

Previously, learning required significant effort and access. Today, AI tools make information readily available, but initiative is now the primary barrier.

The key question is no longer, “Can I learn?” but rather, “Will I make the effort?”

AI supports those who are curious and purposeful, but it cannot replace people who ask insightful questions and act on the answers.

We face two possible futures.

One is passive. In that future, technology entertains us, informs us, recommends everything to us, and gradually turns us into spectators. This future is comfortable and convenient, but ultimately limiting, as it encourages consumption over creation.

The better future is one of active creation, where people use AI to solve problems, start businesses, improve communities, and build new solutions.

This future belongs to those who continue learning and take responsibility for their own development, rather than waiting for institutions to prepare them.

For executives, business quality will increasingly depend on the quality of questions asked. Do not use AI solely to improve documents. Consider how your business model could be disrupted, what customers may be dissatisfied with, how competitors might leverage AI, and how you would respond if a small, AI-driven team entered your market.

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

For parents, consider updating the morning reminder to children. In addition to encouraging good grades, also encourage them to ask great questions. Grades are important, but thoughtful questions shape the mind and can lead to greater opportunities.

The age of AI does not reduce our responsibility; it increases it.

We now have tools that previous generations could not imagine. However, tools do not create purpose, courage, discipline, or care for others. These remain our responsibilities.

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. Artificial intelligence offers leverage.

Ultimately, it is up to each person to choose their mission.

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Join my one-day Level Up Leadership (Agile. Able. Adaptive.) seminar-workshop at the beautiful Balmori Suites, Rockwell, Makati. This one-day learning experience is 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. Contact April at +63 928 559 1798 or Sylene at +63 976 638 8974 or visit www.levelupleadership.ph.