What is achievement? Why does it matter?

How AI might transform the nature and value of achievement

If you are reading this newsletter, you probably wish to build your category of one. You want to stand out through your achievements and hopefully make the world a kinder, better place. Take Brian Wong as an example. He is a Rhodes Scholar who became a professor in Hong Kong to advance political theory in the region and beyond.

These days most people connect with each other talking about their achievements. For good or for bad, our work has come to define us. That’s why we thought of focusing this newsletter on the nature and value of achievements in the 21st century where advances in AI are likely to change our attitudes toward what we do for a living.

In her thought-provoking book "Achievement," philosopher Gwen Bradford delves into the complex nature of achievement and why it holds such profound significance in our lives. According to Bradford, achievement is not merely about attaining a goal or reaching a milestone; rather, it is a multifaceted concept that involves overcoming challenges, demonstrating competence, and engaging in intentional effort.

At the core of Bradford's theory lies the idea that achievement is inherently valuable and contributes to a life well-lived. She posits that the act of achieving a difficult goal through dedication and skill is more fulfilling than attaining the same outcome through chance or minimal effort.

Bradford identifies four essential components that define achievement: difficulty, competence, success, and intention. For an accomplishment to be considered a true achievement, it must involve a challenging task that requires effort to surmount, a demonstration of the necessary skills and knowledge to complete the task successfully, the attainment of the desired outcome, and a conscious decision to pursue the goal and invest the required effort. These elements can be seen in the work of Marie Curie, whose pioneering research on radioactivity not only revolutionized the field of physics but also paved the way for numerous medical and technological advancements. Curie's achievements were the product of her relentless pursuit of knowledge, her mastery of complex scientific concepts, and her unwavering dedication to her work, despite the numerous obstacles she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field.