People should only work until noon. In the afternoon, we should go to the streamside and paint, philosophize and discuss. This is the only way humanity can develop... (Haluk Bilginer)

In our fast-paced, achievement-driven world, the notion of a balanced life often seems like a distant dream. However, envisioning a future where work and personal enrichment coexist harmoniously is not only possible but within our reach, especially with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI). 

Drawing inspiration from international Emmy awarded Turkish actor Haluk Bilginer's idyllic vision of working in the mornings and spending afternoons by the river painting and philosophizing, we can explore how AI can help us transition to a Sustainable Society. This society prioritizes well-being, a balanced lifestyle, and creating a future that values both productivity and personal growth.

Before knowing the society criteria we will reach, it is useful to know what kind of society we live in now. According to South Korean-born German philosopher Byung-Chul Han, nowadays the majority of people live in an “Achievement Society”.

Han argues that modern societies have transitioned from a "Disciplinary Society" to an "Achievement Society." In this context, individuals are not merely subjected to external disciplinary controls but are encouraged to achieve success through their own efforts. This shift emphasizes personal responsibility, self-optimization, and continuous performance, where individuals are expected to constantly improve and excel.

Han notes that in the Achievement Society, individuals often engage in self-exploitation. Unlike the traditional disciplinary mechanisms that enforce control from the outside, in an Achievement Society, people internalize the pressure to succeed. This leads to a culture where individuals push themselves to their limits, driven by the belief that success is entirely their own responsibility.

The rise of neoliberal economic policies and the focus on performance metrics contribute to the Achievement Society. Han argues that neoliberalism promotes an ideology where individuals are seen as entrepreneurs of themselves, constantly optimizing their skills and abilities to compete in a market-driven environment.

Since the resource consumed is human, it would be cruel to expect our physical and mental health to bear the increasing burdens.

For a sustainable society, it is very important to imagine a future where artificial intelligence will replace human resources, while still being able to willingly produce value-added outputs.

If the goal is to get better for humans with each generation, we should let artificial intelligence help us.

A Sustainable Society can place the well-being of individuals at its core, recognizing that a balanced life is essential for long-term happiness and productivity. 

To create a Sustainable Society, we can benefit from AI in the following areas:

• Automation of Repetitive Tasks: AI can take over mundane and repetitive tasks, allowing individuals to focus on more meaningful and creative work. This not only enhances productivity but also reduces the mental fatigue associated with monotonous activities.
• Smart Scheduling: AI-driven scheduling tools can help manage workloads effectively, ensuring that employees have ample time for rest and personal pursuits. By optimizing work hours, individuals can complete their tasks by noon, leaving the afternoons free for enrichment activities.
• Personalized Support: AI-powered mental health applications can provide personalized recommendations for managing stress, improving sleep, and promoting overall well-being. Virtual assistants can offer 24/7 support, helping individuals navigate their mental health journeys.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation: AI can curate personalized mindfulness and relaxation programs, encouraging practices such as meditation, yoga, and creative expression. These activities help individuals recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Adaptive Workspaces: AI can design and manage adaptive workspaces that promote comfort and productivity. Smart systems can adjust lighting, temperature, and other environmental factors to create an optimal work setting.
• Work-Life Integration: By leveraging AI to streamline work processes and reduce unnecessary burdens, individuals can achieve better work-life integration. This enables them to spend quality time on personal enrichment activities like painting, reading, and philosophical contemplation.

By integrating AI into a Sustainable Society, we can create environments that prioritize well-being and lifelong learning. AI has the potential to revolutionize our approach to work and life, enabling us to achieve a future where productivity and personal growth go hand in hand.

As we embrace this new societal model, we can look forward to a world where individuals have the time and space to engage in meaningful activities, connect with nature, and nurture their mental and emotional health. In this harmonious future, inspired by the simplicity and depth of Bilginer's ideal, we can all find our place by the river, painting, philosophizing, and living fulfilling lives.