In his first annual message to Congress on December 3, 1861, Lincoln declared, “Labor is prior to capital and is independent of it,” adding that capital is barely the “fruit of labor.”8 In this speech, by which he uses the word “work” thirty-one times, Lincoln argues for the upkeep of an ethical foundation for business by which human labor, creativity, and dignity are the dominant aspects over capital, profit, and efficiency.
This perspective resonates in modern debates about AI and automation. While some business leaders predicted widespread job displacement, Lincoln viewed work as central to man’s purpose and self-worth. He believes innovation should expand possibilities somewhat than reducing people to dispensable inputs. Rather than viewing work as merely a way to an end whose sole purpose is the achievement of economic gain, Lincoln viewed work as an important element in defining one’s purpose in life, as a central foundation of 1’s human dignity. 9
In today’s AI paradigm, Lincoln’s message stays as relevant as ever. Some of the country’s most outstanding business leaders predict that AI will eventually make all human work obsolete10 and the biggest firms plan to take a position in automation on the expense of human work and well-being.11 A recent report suggests that algorithmic scheduling systems in retail and logistics are inclined to prioritize speed and profit on the expense of stability and worker well-being.12
In contrast, AI-powered education platforms that allow staff to retrain and advance into higher-skilled roles reflect Lincoln’s belief that staff needs to be nurtured, not replaced.13 Lincoln’s belief that innovation should enhance, not replace, human labor suggests that he would support the latter and oppose the previous—it exists solely to maximise profits by displacing labor.
