The author argues that programmers shouldn't dismiss AI code generation as harmless just because programming is "functional" rather than "artistic" — programming is art, and using AI to eliminate mundane work destroys the practice opportunities where developers actually learn their craft. Most meaningful creative work in any field starts with doing unglamorous, paid work, and automating away those jobs prevents the skill development that leads to genuine innovation.

• Art isn't defined by being transcendent or non-functional; most painting, music, and writing is mundane, commissioned work that serves practical purposes, yet we still call it art and respect the labor involved. Programmers are uniquely willing to dismiss their own work as "just functional" in ways writers, musicians, and artists refuse to do.
• Code can be intentionally beautiful and aesthetically designed (like the author's Deferred abstraction for async operations), and such work tends to be socially and technologically important — but you only develop that capability through years of doing unglamorous projects that build your skill and intuition.
• Replacing all mundane programming work with AI-generated code removes the practical training ground where most real skill development happens, eliminating the tiny but real chance that a routine project becomes someone's breakthrough moment and career-defining contribution.