Unleashing the Utopian Potential of Technology: A Path to Universal Basic Living and True Human Freedom

Recently, my friend and I had a movie marathon, watching Wall-E after discussing the impending impact of technology on employment. As we pondered the future, I couldn't help but think about the following thought-provoking question: Is it really so pessimistic to envision a world where machines take on all the physical labor, while humans are left to pursue creative endeavors and enjoy leisure?

Refuting the Concerns: An Optimistic Perspective

Some people argue that if work is no longer a necessity, society will collapse into a form of socialist, post-work utopia. They believe that without the drive to earn a living, people will lose their purpose and motivation. However, I think this view is misguided for several reasons.

Social Benefits of a World Without Necessity

Consider a future where robots handle all the tedious and mundane tasks, such as farming, cooking, and health care. This would free up humans to engage in more fulfilling activities. People could focus on creativity, saving the world through chess tournaments, or simply relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. They could fulfill their natural human desires for play and challenge, such as participating in community contests of skill or competing in the Olympics.

Moreover, imagine a world where people could retire or go on vacation from birth, living a comfortable life with all their needs met. Wouldn’t this be a utopian scenario rather than a dystopian one?

Addressing the Anticipated Challenges: Technological Unemployment and Inequality

However, while the optimistic scenario is promising, it’s crucial to address and solve the root issues that arise from technology replacing human workers. The crux of the problem is not the technology itself but the social and economic structures that allow the benefits to be concentrated in the hands of the few, while the majority suffers from unemployment and precarious living conditions.

The Arithmetic Problem of Automation and Inequality

Before the rise of automation, employers had to pay workers a living wage to ensure they could sustain themselves. This balance between production and societal support is now being disrupted. Robots and automation enable employers to pocket more of the profits without spreading the wealth to the broader population. This is an arithmetic problem: the 90% savings goes into private pockets, while the 10% necessary for human survival is lost.

The solution lies in a simple yet profound idea: social democracy. We can tax robot owners based on the value produced by these robots and use these funds to support the entire populace. This can be achieved through robot welfare taxes, a mechanism to redistribute the benefits of technological progress to everyone, thereby ensuring a living wage and basic needs are met for all.

It isn’t about stifling innovation or limiting private wealth—far from it. We should recognize that while skill and talent can lead to personal wealth, there must also be a floor on poverty. Ensuring no one dies from lack of nutrition, food, shelter, healthcare, education, or safety in their neighborhood is a fundamental ethical and social responsibility. Similarly, providing affordable communication and internet access is not just a luxury but a basic human right.

Towards a Utopian Future: Collective Action and Social Will

The vision of a utopia where technological advancements lead to a world of universal basic living and true human freedom is achievable. However, it requires a collective effort and the endorsement of society. It is about marshaling our collective will and using our democratic vote to ensure the benefits of technology are distributed fairly to all people, rather than allowing a small elite to monopolize the gains.

Conclusion

In conclusion, technology has the potential to create a utopian future where work is not a necessity. It can free us from the constraints of survival and allow us to pursue our passions and instincts. But this future is contingent on addressing the social and economic structures that perpetuate inequality. By implementing policies like robot welfare taxes and ensuring a floor on poverty, we can harness the benefits of technology for the collective good, not just for the few.