Elon Musk, the richest person on the planet, has outlined a sweeping future plan, saying rapid tech growth will deeply change how society functions.He predicts that within the next 10 to 20 years, having a job will become an optional pursuit for most people, much like a hobby, due to the rise of artificial intelligence and robotics.
What is Musk’s Central Prediction?
At the US-Saudi Investment Forum, Musk claimed that with AI and robotics growing so quickly, traditional work won’t be needed in the future.”My prediction is that work will be optional,” he declared. He suggested that the concept of a career could transform into an activity chosen for personal fulfillment, similar to playing sports or video games. In that future, people could work, shop, or farm if they wished, but these would be voluntary actions, not essential for income.
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What Role Would Money Play in This Future?
Musk took his prediction a step further by questioning the future relevance of money itself. He referenced science fiction stories that depict a post-scarcity society, stating, “My guess is that if AI and robotics continue to improve, money will stop being relevant eventually.” He believes the robotics industry, which will power this change, has the potential to become the largest economic sector in history, surpassing even the smartphone industry.
How Does This Connect to Musk’s Own AI Projects?
The Tesla and SpaceX chief is helping shape this future through his AI company, xAI, and its chatbot Grok. In a recent light-hearted moment, the upgraded Grok claimed Musk is fitter than LeBron James and could even beat Mike Tyson in a fight. These unlikely claims show how strongly Musk’s image is linked to the AI technology he promotes.
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What is the Ultimate Goal of This Technological Shift?
Musk concluded his remarks by framing this AI-driven transformation as a positive force for humanity. He believes these technologies will greatly improve life for everyone. He says these technologies will be the key to giving people a much better quality of life. With massive new abundance, AI and robots could free people from regular jobs and reshape the world economy in a historic way.