Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has predicted that artificial intelligence (AI) will eventually render all jobs obsolete. Speaking at a recent startup and tech event in Paris, Musk elaborated on the far-reaching implications of this technological advancement, suggesting that the future might see a world where traditional employment is a thing of the past.
Musk’s statements are both alarming and thought-provoking. He posits that in the coming years, humans might not need to work out of necessity, but rather for personal fulfillment and passion. “In the future, perhaps none of us will have jobs,” he said. “People might engage in work for the sheer enjoyment of it, as a hobby.”
The tech mogul envisions a society where AI and robots take over mundane tasks, making human labor redundant. While this may sound like a dystopian scenario, Musk insists that it could be a positive evolution if managed correctly. However, he acknowledges the challenges, noting that implementing such a change would require substantial financial investment, which might not be feasible for everyone.
Musk highlighted the rapid development of AI capabilities in recent years, emphasizing that regulators, companies, and consumers are struggling to keep pace with these advancements. This swift progression necessitates new economic models to ensure societal stability.
He proposed the idea of a “universal high income” model, a concept that he left largely unexplained. This notion seems to build on the “universal basic income” model, which advocates for governments to provide all citizens with a set amount of money regardless of their income. Musk’s version, however, implies a higher level of financial support, aligning with the greater economic shifts driven by AI.
The conversation around universal income models has gained traction as automation and AI continue to reshape industries. Musk’s comments add weight to the argument that governments worldwide need to prepare for an AI-driven future, where traditional economic structures may no longer suffice.