Artificial intelligence shapes modern workplaces and daily routines, yet fundamental questions about human identity remain largely unexamined, according to authors Tim Brys and François Levrau in their new book En toen was er AI. The publication explores what happens to human autonomy, empathy, and creativity when machines approach or surpass human intelligence, advocating for slowness and moral reflection.
Redefining Human Identity in the Age of Automation
Machines now handle tasks once reserved for human cognition, forcing society to reevaluate core definitions of selfhood. According to Brys and Levrau, technological progress should not be rejected, but citizens, workers, educators, artists, leaders, and believers must cultivate moral re-evaluation. The authors argue that modern society relies too heavily on speed, losing the capacity for deep reflection.
Balancing Technological Speed with Moral Deliberation
Fast-paced technological innovation demands a conscious counter-movement emphasizing imagination and wisdom. Based on the book’s framework, rushing to adopt every digital tool without ethical scrutiny erodes human agency.
Instead of letting algorithms dictate workflows, organizations need deliberate pauses to assess how automation affects human connection.
The Background of the Authors
Tim Brys earned a doctorate in Artificial Intelligence and a master’s degree in Religion in Lebanon, writing for De Standard on AI’s societal impact. He debuted as an author with Hoe maak je een stadsklooster? in 2025. François Levrau studied psychology and moral sciences, holding a doctorate in social sciences and authoring essay collections such as Waarom verloopt het samenleven soms zo moeizaam? (2021) and Voorbij het eigen gelijk (2024). Together, their academic backgrounds span computing, ethics, and human behavior.
Did you know? Tim Brys’s dual background in artificial intelligence and religious studies bridges technical systems with ancient traditions of human contemplation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of En toen was er AI?
The book urges society to slow down and apply moral reflection, imagination, and wisdom to ensure human identity, empathy, and autonomy are preserved amid rapid technological advancement.
Who wrote the book?
The book was co-authored by Tim Brys, an AI researcher and writer, and François Levrau, a doctor in social sciences and author.
Do the authors reject technological progress?
No. According to the authors, they do not reject progress, but instead advocate for a thoughtful balance between technological innovation and human values.
Join the Conversation
How does your workplace balance technological speed with moral reflection?