As the director of the École normale supérieure and a prominent philosopher, Worms argues that a meticulously organized daily schedule acts as a vital structural defense against the mounting societal panic and anxiety driven by artificial intelligence.
Reclaiming the Clock From Technological Acceleration
Organizing daily life through a structured routine is far more than a logistical necessity. According to Worms, it serves as a fundamental safeguard against the psychological distress currently rippling through society.
In an era where rapid technological disruption reshapes labor markets and daily habits, carving out distinct blocks of time for work, rest, sports, culture, and social connection prevents overwhelming anxiety. Worms notes that while artificial intelligence will automate certain tasks and redistribute working hours, the equitable sharing of time—spanning the present, past, and future—remains a cornerstone of social justice. Without structured organization, the constant acceleration of daily life threatens to amplify widespread public unease.
Adapting Classrooms to the Algorithm Age
To prepare younger generations for a world influenced by advanced algorithms, educational institutions must fundamentally rethink how time and knowledge are taught.
Worms points to specific reforms within the French educational system, such as the introduction of foundational artificial intelligence modules in secondary school classes, as essential steps forward. At the École normale supérieure, academic programs are actively adapting to these shifts. In departments such as ancient sciences, traditional written homework translations are increasingly replaced by real-time oral exchanges.
Bergson, Lived Time, and the Danger of Hyper-Calculation
Drawing on the philosophical framework of Henri Bergson—whose concept of duration centers on lived time rather than measured clock time—Worms examines the psychological toll of hyper-calculated schedules.
Bergson observed that the excessive intellectualization of time often breeds anxiety and fear. Yet, modern scientific advancements, including artificial intelligence, also offer unprecedented opportunities to reclaim time for creative and inventive pursuits. Rather than succumbing to technological pessimism, Worms suggests that society must harness scientific tools to foster human emancipation, echoing Bergson’s enduring belief in humanity’s underlying capacity for progress, justice, and peace.
The Uncrossable Chasm Between Talent and Genius
While generative artificial intelligence demonstrates remarkable pattern-matching capabilities, Worms contends that true creative genius remains entirely and uniquely human.
Citing the classic distinction between talent and genius, Worms argues that machines can easily recombine existing artistic styles—such as generating musical compositions in the style of Mozart—but cannot replicate the profound emotional subjectivity, vulnerability, and lived experience required to birth a completely original masterpiece. Human beings will continue to anchor the diagnostic, ethical, and relational dimensions across all professions, ensuring that interpersonal connections and complex ethical judgments remain securely outside the domain of automated systems.
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