I think it's more granular than this, though. I also like to "make computer do thing" and have enjoyed using AI. But I also like building systems, optimizing systems. I find AI is a great partner in that. I can churn out prototypes more quickly, iterate on them more quickly etc. That also applies intra-system level. I might have a theory about how a different data structure or caching layer will affect application performance. It's now so much faster to test those kind of theories, and actually building good scaffolding around them to test them scientifically.

Yes, sometimes I can also ask AI to evaluate things at the system level and it often has surprisingly good insights, but that is usually a collaboration where our powers combined comes up with a better solution. I enjoy that process, too.

I do sympathize with the people "in mourning". I feel like this is really about how your identify is tied up in what you do. I have generally identified as a command line wizard. The xkcd of the guy flying in with "perl" very much speaks to me. But AI absolutely crushes at this. It's not that useful a skill anymore. Now I identify more as a local AI expert instead :D

> I feel like this is really about how your identify is tied up in what you do.

This is it for me. One thing that's important to my identify making things. And I have a lot of trouble saying I made a thing that I asked someone (or something) else to make for me.

I know you're going to say, "But I'm making things, too!" However...

I could crank out a project a day with Claude Code and slap them all up on GitHub for my green squares, and I could say that I made them all.

Just like I could crank out a novel a day with ChatGPT and say that I made them all.

Or I could use it to write 100 blog posts a day and say that I made them all.

In all those cases, I caused things to get made. But did I make them? I don't feel like I can honestly say I did. (And the copyright office is starting to have a thing or two to say about it, as well.)

This is what I struggle with. I like making things.

As a capitalist, sure, your cash is good with me. Tell me where to shoot and I'll shoot. But in terms of keeping my soul fed, it's a tough one.