During a startup and tech event in Paris on Thursday, Tesla CEO Elon Musk made headlines by asserting that artificial intelligence (AI) will ultimately eliminate all jobs. Despite this forecast, Musk expressed a rather unconventional view, suggesting that this development might not necessarily be bad.
“Probably none of us will have a job,” Musk said during his remote appearance via webcam at the Viva Tech event. Envisioning a future where employment becomes ‘optional’, he suggested that AI robots would fulfill the majority of roles, leaving individuals to pursue jobs as a ‘hobby’.
“If you want to do a job as a hobby, you can do a job. But otherwise, AI and robots will provide any goods and services that you want,” he said.
In his hour-long address, the 52-year-old forecasted a positive future with universal high income, while also highlighting the challenge of finding purpose in a world where AI handles most tasks.
However, he clarified that this should not be confused with universal basic income, though he did not elaborate much on the concept.
Universal basic income (UBI) involves the government providing a certain amount of money to everyone, regardless of their earnings.
Musk emphasised there would be no shortage of goods or services, noting the rapid advancement of AI technology.
Musk on AI’s role and challenges
Musk reiterated the importance of AI being maximally truth-seeking and curious to ensure it benefits humanity. He expressed concerns about major AI programs being trained to adhere to political correctness rather than seeking truth. Stressing the need for training AI to be honest and transparent, he questioned whether people would feel emotionally fulfilled in a future without jobs.
“The question will really be one of meaning – if the computer and robots can do everything better than you, does your life have meaning?” he asked. He suggested that humans might give AI meaning.
