Automation a bigger deal than offshoring?

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As long as we're talking some day.

I have come to enjoy the thought that people will not be required to work. That there will be enough resources to support them and the unrequired activities that often make life more interesting than does a job.

Consider whether, for most people, they are looking for a job or a paycheck. The current system is ultimately based on scarcity.

I've read the stories about what would happen then. People bored and idolizing those who actually do have jobs. People atrophying without demands. In each case, the underlying assumption is that the inventiveness that prevails in manufacturing processes will be unavailable for inventing leisure, or will invent exploitive or damaging alternatives.
I'd say, if finding something to do is required, people will find approveable ways to do so.


Still, that's not a solution to the current (maybe transitional) situation, and that's where we're living.

The people in the worst situation are those whose skills emphasize physical strength and agility. (Imagine what most people in human history would have said about going to specialized facilities in order to exert.)
The application of those skills is easily automated, and machines are even stronger. Those intelligent enough to reach skilled trades have a chance, but an underclass is already being created from the rest.


Then there's the issue of college. I believe and will encourage in my own family using at least the undergraduate years to pursue interests and obtain general skills.
Three reasons:
first, the person has to be able to appreciate and enjoy life no matter what the job.
second, the person will have need for general skills no matter what the occupation.
third, the jobs change so rapidly that at the end of four years the skills learned are going to be both too limited and largely obsolete. I could argue that the friends gained are going to be more important than the technical information learned, given the value of networking.

Posted by: Anton Philidor   Posted on: 03/14/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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